Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., now through April 30. Learn more.

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5 must-do activities at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted February 26, 2025
Smith Mountain Lake State Park has something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. From water sports to peaceful nature trails, its array of adventures makes it a perfect destination for families, couples and solo explorers.
Boat rentals at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Black history at Green Pastures Recreation Area and how to visit

By Amy AtwoodPosted February 25, 2025
Learn about the history of Green Pastures Recreation Area and how you can visit, thanks to the stewardship of Douthat State Park staff.
Guests at Green Pastures Recreation Area

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.

3 must-do activities at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted February 24, 2025
While every Virginia State Park is unique, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park stands out from the rest. It primarily focuses on history and culture; however, you don't have to be a history buff to fall in love with this park.
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

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

A resource management career at Virginia State Parks: Kerry O’Neil

By Amy AtwoodPosted February 11, 2025
Kerry O’Neil serves as the Piedmont Region Resource Specialist with Virginia State Parks. She initially dreamed of various careers but found her passion for resource management through her experiences visiting Virginia State parks.
Kerry O

Virginia is for Lovers – and so is Sky Meadows State Park

By Laura SchliesskePosted February 07, 2025
For outdoor enthusiasts, and for those seeking to try something new this Valentine’s Day, Sky Meadows State Park could be the romantic getaway you are looking for.
After taking in the scenery, it should be no surprise that the park has been the site of countless romantic stories including first dates, proposals and weddings.

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.

Spring Burning Restrictions February 15 through April 30

By Nancy HeltmanPosted February 01, 2025
Per state law, open fires are prohibited in all Virginia State Parks from midnight until 4 p.m., February 15 through April 30. Find out about the one exception in this blog.
We obey the law when it comes to burn bans at Virginia State Parks to help prevent wildfires

A Virginia State Parks road trip for Black History Month

By Christen McKeyPosted February 01, 2025
February is Black History Month. Take a trip across the state with a focus on the history to learn, honor and celebrate Black Americans and their stories in Virginia State Parks.
Map of parks along the road trip for Black History


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