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Colorful winter woods at Virginia State Parks

By Guest BloggerPosted February 24, 2025
Master Naturalist Kelly Roach encourages you to embrace winter on the trail, challenging you to look for color along the way. Learn what evergreen plants to look for, what marcescence is, colorful birds you may see and why the sky is bluer in winter.
Rainbow swamp at First Landing State Park by Katherine Scott.

5 must-do activities at Grayson Highlands State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted February 19, 2025
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grayson Highlands State Park is a true gem. It’s adjacent to two of Virginia’s highest mountains, Mount Rodgers and Whitetop, so it offers unforgettable views, challenging trails and a serene atmosphere.
Grayson Highlands

What it’s like to do an adventure race at a Virginia state park

By Haley RodgersPosted February 04, 2025
Park regulars participated in an all-women’s adventure race at Occoneechee State Park. Read what an adventure race is, what it's like to participate, what you get out of it and how it helps you explore the park system.
Race team and longtime ”bike-buddies” Betty Saxman (left), Veronica Salazar (middle) and Incy Teoh (right).   Photo courtesy of Incy Teoh.

5 ways to spend more time in nature in 2025

By Starr AndersonPosted December 26, 2024
If your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time outside this year, look no further than Virginia State Parks. With 43 unique parks from the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless.
Douthat State Park

B.A.R.K. Ranger Program puts the wow in bow wow

By Kim WellsPosted December 10, 2024
The B.A.R.K. Rangers Program is a fun way to enjoy responsible recreation with your dog while creating lasting memories. You also get a reward for completing the program. While rewards vary by park, adventures exist at all locations.
Bruno and Kim by Twin Lakes sign

Where to wander this winter

By Kim WellsPosted December 09, 2024
Wintertime is around the corner and Virginia State Parks have numerous things for you to do despite the cold weather. Check out the many activities you can do solo or with friends and family to enjoy this winter season.
Winter view at a Virginia State Park

Trail running through Trail Quest: Q&A with Master Hiker, Jessica Hairfield

By Haley RodgersPosted October 29, 2024
Interviewing Master Hiker Jessica Hairfield on her experience with Trail Quest. Jessica is a trail runner who ran on the trails during most of her park visits. She shares her experiences, her favorite parks to trail run at and advice for new runners.
Park ranger presents a certificate that says Master Hiker on it to Jessica who is holding a snake, in front of a sign that reads "Welcome to Pocahontas State Park"

Top 5 things to do at Fairy Stone State Park this fall

By Starr AndersonPosted October 01, 2024
Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect place to make memories this fall, here is our list of the top five things to make it happen.
Fairy Stone

5 must-do activities at Douthat State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted September 25, 2024
Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, Douthat State Park is one of Virginia’s original six state parks. It offers year-round adventures with its 4,500 acres of forested wilderness, a 50-acre lake and more than 40 miles of trails.
Douthat State Park

5 things to do in the forest for fall break

By Maggi TinsleyPosted September 19, 2024
Whether or not you are a student, taking a fall break is good for mind, body and spirit! And Virginia State Parks are filled with green spaces that can help you refresh and enjoy the autumn season to the fullest.
forest setting at Seven Bends State Park


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