Geocaching combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with nature to provide adventure for 'treasure hunters' all over the world.

Spend time floating down the Clinch River.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Week 3 is all about Park Pros!

Take a fascinating hike to learn about the rich history of James River State Park from fossils to the American Civil War.

Whether your child is an aspiring adventurer or simply loves being outdoors, this program is designed to ignite their curiosity and foster valuable skills.

Meet at the Big Water Visitor Center and help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun! .

Meet us at the Terrace Gardens to learn about Occoneechee in the 1800s.

On this hike, stimulate your senses as we immerse ourselves in nature.

Without pollinators, people and all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive.

Join us at the Big Water Visitor Center to watch us feed our residents in the salt water fish tank.

Independence Day is a time to celebrate our country's birth.

What animal inspired a popular children's game?

While most of the adventure on the New River takes place above the water, there is no shortage of things to see below the water!

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

Do you want to witness the art of Gyotaku fish printing, an ancient craft where you can create your own fish masterpiece!

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Ever wanted to learn how to crab?

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

“What does the fox say?” Did you know that there are two different foxes found in Virginia, the red fox and the grey fox?

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

Trees are so important to our environment. They give us air to breathe, homes for animals, wood to build our homes and help control erosion.

Slow down and reconnect with the natural world on a ranger-led hike.

Right now in Fairy Stone Lake, giant gelatinous blobs resembling brains can be found attached to stationary objects in the water, using their tentacles to feed.

Come find us behind the Visitor Center as we appreciate the view and learn about the history of the lake and the lands that lie beneath it.

Been itching to go fishing?

Whether you're fascinated or a little rattled, snakes are a vital part of healthy ecosystems, and they’re not as scary as they seem.

Come over to picnic shelter #2 and get inspired by the great outdoors.

Need a hiking stick or just want to embellish your own?

How can we be more sustainable when practicing our favorite hobbies?

Hop on over for a hands-on adventure into the world of frogs. Join park staff as we search for some of Virginia’s native frog species and their tadpoles.

The day has been filled with fun activities, but now it is time to wind down with a peaceful paddle on the lake.

Experience an enjoyable ride on the lake while we watch the sun slip below the horizon.

Keep your eyes on the skies and come along as we dive into the art of bird journaling and discover fascinating facts about your favorite feathered friends.

Get down and dirty with this two-hour wild cave tour.

This is a fantastic time of year to take-in the beautiful scenery of Southwest Virginia.

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

This program is all about learning how to identify wild animals by the tracks that they leave behind.

Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals. Hike around the park and see if you can spot some of these homes. Remember to think outside the box on this one. Some animals live in trees, some live in the ground, and some live in the water.

Want to express your patriotism and possibly win a prize?

Geocaching combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with nature to provide adventure for 'treasure hunters' all over the world.

Got a little explorer who’s beyond crawling, but isn’t ready to hike with the Kindergarten siblings?  The Tyke Hike is the perfect fit for little legs.  The hikes are less than a mile and mostly stroller friendly.  The ranger will help your little one discover neat things in nature in this one hour adventure.

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

Beat the heat at our new River Bend Discovery Center!

Without pollinators, people and all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive.

Energy makes sense; it helps all living things grow but is not always the same.

Join the Rangers on a guided hike through our most popular trail!

Ever wonder how the early bird gets the worm?

Toads, Turtles, and Snakes- Oh my!

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Have you ever wondered what makes an owl such a skilled night hunter?

Tree species can be identified by looking at several different features: leaves, bark, twigs, flowers, fruit, and seeds.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Ahoy Matey!

The batteau was a historically significant boat used in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Want to turn your white shoes brown?

Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea.

Step into the shoes of an archaeologist and uncover the secrets of an owl’s diet!

Did you know 'creepy crawlies' are some of the world's most important recyclers?

Over 200 years ago, early adventurers like Daniel Boone walked these same hills and valleys we see today.

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Want to save the bees, butterflies, birds, and more? Just plant native! Even the smallest pollinator-friendly patch will make a difference. Come to our pollinator garden workshop and learn everything you need to know to get started.

Time to go on a scavenger hunt in the campground. Staunton River’s campground is nestled back in the woods right beside the Staunton River and is the perfect place to spot some interesting rocks, animals, and plant life. Each guest will be provided with a list of items to find. Will you be the first to find them all? If so, then you may receive a prize at the end of the program. Everyone will meet at the Visitor Center and the hunt will start from there.

We all love the great outdoors and enjoy nature. Sometimes we are in a hurry and miss out on all the little things nature has to offer. The James River and its lush landscapes have always been a source of life and inspiration. So, let's take that inspiration and have a “brush” with nature while we paint what we see and talk about what we are painting.

When it comes to carrying survival materials with you on the trail, every little bit of space counts, so hikers come up with creative ways to carry their gear.

How much do you know about Douthat State Park's past?

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Seine netting is a skill that has allowed countless people over time to enjoy the bounty of the seas.

Don't judge a book by its cover!

Ever wonder what the fish are doing when they dive deep under water?

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

Slip on your closed-toe shoes and get ready to explore the creek.

Co-Op Trail offers stunning views of Swift Creek Lake.

All of the park's original facilities back in the 1930's were built by hand.

You are invited to celebrate Independence Day away from the hustle and bustle and under the peaceful night skies of the park.

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

Experience the park in a whole new light, without the light!

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Join us along the New River for a FREE hour-long guided yoga flow session, led by a Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor.

Step back in time and experience the power and precision of Civil War-era firepower during this ranger-led musket demonstration, held within the historic grounds of Camp Paradise.

Let us teach you all the basics you'll need to know to get yourself started with one of our most popular outdoor activities, from tying on your hook and tackle to casting your line.

Join a ranger, enjoy Big Meadow Trail, and learn about the natural history of Westmoreland State Park.

Join a ranger for a special Independence Day program exploring the pivotal events of April 6, 1865, during the closing days of the Civil War.

This program is perfect for anyone new to fishing or looking to brush up on their skills in a fun, supportive environment! This program will cover basic fishing skills such as casting, reeling, dragging, hook tying, rigging, and hopefully, catching your first fish in the New River.

Do you have what it takes to be the apex predator of volleyball?

The York River was home to four manned lighthouses: Bells Rock, Pages Rock, Tue Marshes, and York Spit.  Bells Rock was the uppermost, just two miles below West Point.  Pages Rock was the only other light above the Coleman (Rt.

Beat the heat this 4th of July with a stream-side guided hike to learn the basics of tree identification.

Join us for a celebration at our picnic area from 10am-2pm.

Immerse yourself in nature and experience the calming and health-promoting benefits of the forest.

Honor Independence Day with a van ride and historical walking tour to learn about the intriguing life of a World War I veteran buried in the park's historic cemetery.   The group will meet at the River Bend Campground's Overflow Parking Lot.

Join us by stopping by our table to learn about trash and it’s impact on the beach, and how we can help prevent it from damaging our environment!

Celebrate the 4th of July and show off your creativity with a patriotic themed craft, fun for the whole family!

Stop by this Chesapeake Bay display on your way to the beach to hear a short talk all about one of the nation’s most valuable waterways.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

The Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, leaving ties to the English crown in ruin and the North American colonies in an open state of rebellion.

Celebrate the Fourth of July by decorating your bike with red, white, and blue decorations.

What will we scoop up this time?

Black bears are one of the many incredible mammals that dwell in Douthat State Park.

Discover the fascinating world of creepy crawlies with a park ranger.