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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 20, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Grayson Highlands State Park expands with two land acquisitions

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Lankford Tract)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Grayson Highlands State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Campbell Tract)

MOUTH OF WILSON, Va. – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is proud to announce the expansion of Grayson Highlands State Park through the acquisition of two land tracts totaling 16.7 acres.

The 11.7-acre Lankford tract is undeveloped and forested. It lies along Grayson Highlands’ southern boundary, west of Route 58, and provides additional buffer to more than 1,300 linear feet of the park’s existing property line.

With residential development on the rise along Route 58, directly south of Grayson Highlands, securing the Lankford tract allows DCR to protect the scenic and natural resource values in the area.

One of the park's existing parcels buffered by the Lankford tract is the AVP Boulder Field, which was acquired in December 2022. The AVP Boulder Field is a small but popular area used by rock climbers due to its unique rock outcroppings. It will now be better protected and supported with the addition of the Lankford tract.

The Lankford tract was donated to DCR by Jay Lankford and Annette Bradsher, longtime park visitors. This generous donation not only helps preserve Grayson Highland State Park but also honors the memory of Lankford, who passed away in December 2024.

The second property, the Campbell tract, is located on the park’s northeastern boundary. It’s 5.1 acres and is surrounded on three sides by existing park property and Big Wilson Creek on the fourth.

Well before Grayson Highlands was established, the Campbell tract was occupied as a homesite with a small cabin and garden. Today, the Campbell tract is inaccessible by vehicle and difficult to reach on foot through the park. However, Briar Run Lane, on the east bank of Big Wilson Creek, overlooks the property.

The Campbell tract was acquired from the Campbell family, who owned it since 1964. This purchase improves the security and management of the park's boundary along Big Wilson Creek and eliminates the risk of incompatible development.

“We are deeply grateful to Jay Lankford, Annette Bradsher and the Campbell family for their commitment to conservation,” said DCR Real Property Specialist Charlie Marston. “Each acre DCR can protect represents a lasting investment in Virginia’s natural, cultural and historical resources, a gift that will benefit future generations.”

For more information about Grayson Highlands State Park, please go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/grayson-highlands.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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