Best state parks in Virginia

Grayson Highlands State Park has beautiful high-elevation meadows, dense forests, and creeks throughout and offers great opportunities for backpacking, day hiking, bouldering, and horseback riding. The park offers access to both the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.Show more

Featuring the notable Natural Bridge once owned by Thomas Jefferson himself, Natural Bridge State Park features waterfalls, panoramic views, meadows, and forest. 2020 Operating Schedule: Jan. 2 - March 7: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday to Saturday March 8 - April 30: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday to Saturday May 1-23: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday to Thursday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday May 24 - Sept. 7: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday to Saturday Sept. 8 - Oct. 12: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday to Thursday 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday Oct. 13 - Nov. 2: 8 a.m. - 7p.m., Sunday to Saturday Nov. 3, 2020 - Jan. 1, 2021: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday to Saturday A shuttle from the visitor center to the bridge trail is available for those not wishing to take the stairs. Admission per person is $6 for ages 6-12 and $8 for those 13 and older.Show more

Pocahontas State Park is a popular park full of recreation opportunities. Come here to enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. There are three lakes within the park, offering seasonal boat rentals.Show more

Sky Meadows State Park offers the perfect getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains from nearby bustling Washington D.C. The park offers access to the Appalachian Trail, as well as other hiking trails. Fishing, horseback riding, and camping are also available in the park.Show more

First Landing State Park, as its name suggests, marks where English settlers first landed in 1607. It is Virginia's most-visited state park and is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The park offers 20 miles of trails for you to explore by foot or by boat! Depending on the season and entrance, there is a $5 to $7 day fee per passenger vehicle. Accessibility: Information for wheelchair/mobility equipment or stroller users can be found on the park website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/first-landing#other_infoShow more

Mason Neck State Park is made up of wetlands, forest, open water, open fields and pond, making it a great place to hike, watch wildlife (especially bald eagles!) have a picnic with your friends and family, canoe, kayak or take a bike ride. Entrance fee per passenger vehicle. Accessibility: For information on the accessibility of Mason Neck State Park, please visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neck#other_infoShow more

Shenandoah River State Park was established in 1999. As its name suggests, it is located along the Shenandoah River. Shenandoah National Park is located at the east, but you can enjoy beautiful views over its mountains from the State Park. It is a great place to hike, have a picnic with your friends or family, horseback ride or sail. Vehicle access fee of $7 ($10 on April - October weekends)Show more

Hungry Mother State Park is noted for its lake and woodlands. It is one of Virginia's original state parks and remains a popular one. It has an interesting legend behind the park name and features activities like swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, and hiking.Show more

Powhatan State Park is located on the historic James River. The park features multi-use trails, excellent wildlife viewing, and canoe-in (or hike-in) primitive camping. Accessibility: Information for wheelchair/mobility equipment or stroller users can be found on the park website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/powhatan#other_infoShow more

Lake Anna State Park contained the Goodwin Gold Mine and was previously known as the "Gold Hill." As mining was reaching its peaks in the 1800s, Lake Anna was developed to serve as a water coolant for nuclear plants. Visitors can gold pan, get guided tours or check out the history of the park at the visitor center. Now, Lake Anna is a state park where everyone can enjoy. Lake Anna is known for its water recreational activities such as fishing or boating due to its beautiful lake however hiking and picnicking are other popular activities that can be done here. During the summer, this park is heavily trafficked, please note that when the lots get full park staff will close the roads to additional traffic.Show more