Hiking at Virginia State Parks

Hiking is a popular pastime in state parks. Access to hiking trails is important to many visitors.

All Virginia State Parks have hiking trails, from a casual stroll through the grounds of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park to 21 miles of dedicated hiking trails in Bear Creek Lake State Park.

More than 160 miles of the park system's 626 miles of trails are strictly reserved for hiking, and hiking is allowed on more than 397 miles of multi-use trails.

Popular hikes

Click on the above photos to learn more about each region's popular hikes. Here's just a taste.

Mountains: Lakeview Trail – Claytor Lake State Park has six easy trails covering 7 miles. The trails generally pass through hardwood forest. Lakeview Trail is an easy, handicapped-accessible mile-long stroll. The trail is also the starting point of a 5K cross-country trail designed by Boy Scout troop 244. It’s ideal for seasoned and novice runners.
Central: Lake Shore Trail – In the heart of central Virginia, Holliday Lake State Park offers assorted trails of various difficulty. They include an aquatic boating trail, short and easy hikes, and the 10.2-mile multiuse Carter Taylor Trail. Lakeshore Trail is 6.3 miles and loops around the lake and the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center. The trail, which passes through a hardwood forest and wetlands, affords opportunities to view wildlife, the lake and the dam.
Coastal: Cape Henry Trail – In the heart of urban Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre oasis of cypress swaps, undisturbed natural areas and sandy beaches. Rich in history and Virginia’s most-visited state park, First Landing has 10 trails covering about 20 miles, including bike and fitness trails. Cape Henry Trail is 10.1 miles out and back and is wide and flat. It’s ideal for bikers and hikers and those hoping to view eagles, turtles, snakes, frogs and other wildlife. The use of insect repellant is suggested.

Trail Maps

Virginia State Parks offer pre-printed maps that include park facilities and trails. Parks with more extensive trail systems also offer a separate Facilities Guide and Trail Guide. Check the park's webpage for more information.

Additionally, we offer geo-referenced PDFs for all of our parks that can be accessed through a third-party app, Avenza Maps, available for Apple and Android devices. Learn more.

Trail Quest

You’re hiking a trail so why not get prizes for doing it, right? Our Trail Quest program offers rewards when you document your visits to state parks.

Hike-in campsites

Primitive hike-in camping is available at Belle Isle, Caledon, False Cape, New River Trail, Powhatan and Sky Meadows.

Know before you go

State parks aren’t amusement parks or backyards; they’re nature. The animals are wild, and the rivers and streams run stronger than they appear. Be sure to remain aware of surroundings when in a park and to prepare properly before you go.

Check the website of the park you intend to visit for any alerts. Have an alternate plan in case the park is at capacity when you arrive and you are unable to enter.

Hike safely

You should always try to hike with a buddy rather than solo, but either way, you should always be prepared. Follow these hiking safety guidelines.

Know your limits: There are several questions to ask yourself to evaluate your physical fitness, environmental experience and if hiking solo is safe for you. Going on a ranger-led hike is a great option for beginners. Ask a ranger for advice on which trail suits your abilities.
Plan your hike: Prepare by reviewing trail details beforehand and downloading the Avenza trail map before heading out. You may not have cell service, so make emergency plans, check the weather and the website for park alerts.
Bring essentials: Pack water and food, and wear the correct clothing and footwear. Think about how long you will be out on your hike. If you will be hiking in hot weather, plan ahead to prevent dehydration or a heat-related illness.
Hike smart: Ask a ranger for advice, take breaks, eat snacks, drink water, wear sun and insect protection, watch your step, keep your pet on a leash, be aware of wildlife, etc. Put the slowest hiker near the front to keep your group together. Be courteous and cautious of others out on the trails, and if you are heading downhill, yield to uphill hikers by carefully stepping to the side to let them pass.
Solo hiker safety: Check off all hiking safety precautions, plus communicate your plans with a trusted contact before you go—letting them know what time to expect you to check back in afterward. When possible, let a ranger know your plans, too.

Find guidance from the National Park Service here: https://www.nps.gov/articles/hiking-safety.htm