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Triple delight: How to see holiday lights at 3 parks in one weekend

By Starr AndersonPosted November 05, 2024
In Southwest Virginia, you’ll find three holiday events within an hour’s drive of each other: Festival of Trees, Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel and Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees.
Holiday events

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"

Adventure Series running events are not your run-of-the-mill races

By Christen McKeyPosted October 11, 2024
Up for a fun, challenging adventure? Get a glimpse into what the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series has to offer. With various lengths and types of trails, these three events provide diversity that runners of all skill levels can enjoy.
Pawpaw 10 Miler and 5 Miler at Powhatan State Park

Bat Week

By Andrew SporrerPosted October 11, 2024
Bats aren't as spooky as many make them out to be. Learn more about the only mammal to conquer flight and why they're so important to our ecosystems.
Eastern Small-footed Bat (Myotis leibii) at Grayson Highlands State Park.

Meet Ranger Shelly: The red-eared slider turtle with a tale

By Guest BloggerPosted October 07, 2024
Ranger Shelly is a red-eared slider turtle residing at Douthat State Park. Her journey to becoming part of the park's family is filled with twists, turns and multiple owners, culminating in her perfect role as a Virginia State Park resident.
Ranger Shelly

Halloween happenings at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted October 03, 2024
Halloween brings a variety of events to state parks across Virginia. From trunk-or-treats to scavenger hunts, there's something for everyone at a state park this spooky season.
Collage of three photos, one on the left is spider webs on thistle, middle photo is a full moon under pink clouds with black silhouette of trees at the bottom, to the right is a scarecrow in a field. Text over the collage says Halloween Happenings at Virginia State Parks

Everything you need to know about James River’s Roof Top Tent Rally

By Starr AndersonPosted October 02, 2024
James River State Park is teaming up with Blue Ridge Overland Gear again for its annual Roof Top Tent Rally. The special event provides a unique opportunity to connect with fellow overlanders or explore the overlanding lifestyle for the first time.
Roof Top Tent Rally

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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