Looking for a great outdoor escape? Virginia’s state parks have something for everyone, from the mountains to the coast. With over 100 parks to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your next adventure! Here are some of our favorite Virginia state parks:
1. First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach
First Landing State Park is the first on our list of the top state parks in Virginia. First Landing, the most visited of Virginia’s state parks, is where English colonists first landed in 1607.
The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, biking, picnicking, and swimming. There are also several historic sites to explore, such as the Cape Henry Lighthouse and the 1607 Landing Site. You can also check out the boardwalk walkways that meander through cypress swamps while you’re there.
2. Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane
Sky Meadows is a historical site in the Blue Ridge Mountains that depicts life from Colonial times to the Civil War at the Mount Bleak Farm House. The park is also home to the Appalachian Trail, which runs for over two miles through the park.
The farmhouse and outbuildings have been restored to their 19th-century appearance, and the park also offers a variety of activities such as hiking on the trail or horseback riding, picnicking, and fishing.
3. Grayson Highlands State Park, Mouth of Wilson
Grayson Highlands is well known for its wild ponies, which roam freely throughout the park. The ponies are actually descendants of Spanish mustangs that were brought over by early settlers.
The park also offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, you can go camping, backpacking, horseback riding, hiking at the routes going to the waterfalls, fishing, and guided canoe trips. This park is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the country.
4. Natural Tunnel State Park, Duffield
Natural Tunnel is a massive cave that was created by erosion from an underground river. The tunnel is over 850 feet long and 100 feet high, making it one of the largest natural tunnels in the world.
The Natural Tunnel State Park, located in Southwest Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains, provides something for everyone. Canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and, of course, the geological magnificence of the Natural Tunnel itself are available in addition to accommodations and campsites.
The park also offers a variety of educational programs, such as the Junior Ranger Program, which teaches children about the environment and wildlife.
5. Occoneechee State Park, Clarksville
Occoneechee lies on the John H. Kerr Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake, and is popular with fishermen and boaters. It is named for Native Americans who resided in the region for hundreds of years. Cabins, campsites, an equestrian campground, picnic shelters, an amphitheater, a playground, boat ramps, and a private concession with boat rentals and food are among the amenities available.
Annual rentals are available at Occoneechee Marina, which has a fuel dock and boat slips with water and electricity. Guests staying in overnight camping and cabins can hire six slips. There are also 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian riding paths throughout the park. Visitors may learn about Native American history and the Occoneechee people at the visitor center and museum.
6. Douthat State Park, Millboro
This park is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its contribution to the design and development of parks across the country.
Douthat State Park was the first state park in Virginia to be developed with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a federal program that provided employment for young men during the Great Depression.
The park offers a variety of activities, including camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and hiking. There are also several scenic overlooks where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. This state park is the epitome of outdoor enjoyment in Virginia, with two stunning waterfalls and an artificial beach.
7. High Bridge Trail State Park, Green Bay
High Bridge Trail State Park is a Rails to Trails project that converted an old railroad line into a scenic walking and biking trail. The trail is a 125-foot-high, 2,400-foot-long bridge that spans the Appomattox River serves as the trail’s focal point, making it the longest in Virginia.
The park also offers several other amenities, such as picnicking areas, playgrounds, and a fishing pier. If you’re looking for a challenge, you can hike to the top of High Bridge, which is the tallest railway bridge in the world.
In reality, it’s one of Virginia’s most amazing bridges. The park has been named one of the top 20 state parks in the country by USA Today.
8. Westmoreland State Park, Montross
Westmoreland State Park, on the Northern Neck, is surrounded by history. The park, which is located on the Potomac River, has a beach, swimming pool, powerboat ramp, and boat rentals, as well as a visitor center, event facilities, campers, cabins, fishing, and hiking trails.
Westmoreland is also home to one of Virginia’s only black sand beaches, which is created by minerals that are eroded from the cliffs. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, with stunning views of the river and the nearby town of Montross.
It’s a sanctuary for birdwatchers, including American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, green herons, and more. You can even go to the seashore to hunt for fossils.
9. Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield
Pocahontas State Park, located just outside of Richmond, offers activities for the entire family, including boat rentals, picnics, camping, cabins, 80 miles of hiking and bike trails, nature and history programs, and fishing.
The park also has an Olympic-sized pool, an archery range, and a 12-mile mountain bike trail. Pocahontas State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Virginia, with over 700,000 visitors each year.
The park is named after the famous Native American princess Pocahontas, who was born in Virginia. Her father was the chief of the Powhatan tribe, and she married John Rolfe, an Englishman.
Pocahontas State Park is a great place to learn about Virginia’s history and culture.
10. Chippokes Plantation State Park, Surry
Since 1619, Chippokes Plantation has been a working farm, making it one of the country’s oldest. There’s a swimming pool, a visitor center, and picnics, as well as hikes, camping, and cabin rentals at this living history site.
The plantation is also home to the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum, which tells the story of the people who have worked on the land for centuries.
In addition to the museum, there are a number of historic buildings on the property, including a one-room schoolhouse, a church, and a gristmill.
The park, which is located on the James River, is home to a diverse range of animals, including bald eagles, foxes, deer, river otters, and more.
These are just a few of the amazing state parks that Virginia has to offer. From the mountains to the coast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So get out there and explore all that Virginia has to offer!
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