Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 22, 2012
Contact: Dave Neudeck, Communications and Marketing Director, 804-786-5053, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov
Virginia State Parks to participate in "National Trails Day" June 2
(RICHMOND, VA) - Virginia State Parks will offer special activities and programs June 2 as part of National Trails Day'. The American Hiking Society's National Trails Day is held to encourage the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to learn about trails while participating in outdoor activities, clinics and trail work projects.
With more than 500 miles of trails as well as access to water trails on the major rivers and lakes of Virginia, the Commonwealth's 35 state parks are perfect destinations for everything from a strenuous hike, river paddle or a casual walk through the woods.
Every Virginia State Park will have special activities on June 2.
High Bridge Trail State Park, in Farmville, will hold a 5K "Run for Your Life" race sponsored by Centra Southside Community Hospital. Volunteers at Sky Meadows State Park, in Delaplane, are needed to help with trail maintenance. Water, snacks and lunch will be provided, courtesy of Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. Sky Meadows will also offer a Hiking 101 program. Hungry Mother State Park, in Marion, is opening 5.7 miles of additional trails on the Clyburn Hollow Trail Loop system.
For a complete list of activities, including opportunities to volunteer, self-guided hikes and ranger-led programs, visit http://1.usa.gov/Jqqrdo.
Visitors can begin planning a trip to a state park online, at www.virginiastateparks.gov, or by downloading to a smartphone the official Virginia State Parks Pocket Ranger' app, which offers educational and interpretive information. The app can help users locate the nearest park and access in-depth information such as trail-touring videos, activities and descriptions.
To learn more about National Trails Day, visit www.AmericanHiking.org.
The award-winning 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 make reservations in 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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