One of New River Trail State Park's most notable features is the diverse array of trestles that span the river and its tributaries. Some of them are more than 100 years old and more than 1,000 feet long. The park launched a restoration project in 2023 to address some of the aging trestles. It's expected to last through the spring of 2025, and park visitors may experience trail closures or detours. READ MORE
Dams are impressive feats of engineering, providing water supply, hydropower and recreational opportunities to local communities. When they fail, however, flooding can be catastrophic. READ MORE
Natural Bridge State Park has been named Green Park of the Year by the Virginia Green Travel Alliance for its sustainability efforts and commitment to environmental stewardship. READ MORE
Virginia State Parks welcomed more than 8 million visitors in 2023 and this is a 9% increase over the prior year. Having more programs available for guests, debuting new festivals and events as well as opening a new park contributed to this success. READ MORE
Since 1983, The American Chestnut Foundation has been working to restore the iconic American chestnut tree. The organization has made significant progress over the past three decades. Progress you can see firsthand at Sky Meadows State Park. READ MORE