Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a mountain getaway. While this 4,741-acre park is known for its unique fairy stones and sandy beach on Fairy Stone Lake, this Southwest Virginia gem has a lot more to offer.

Located in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Natural Tunnel State Park is a hidden gem. Many people come here for the 100-foot-tall Natural Tunnel, but they discover quickly that the more than 1,000-acre park has much more to offer.

Hungry Mother State Park is a go-to destination for nature lovers. With 3,334 acres of scenic woodlands, a 108-acre lake and abundant activities for visitors of all ages, it’s easy to see why this park has been a favorite since 1936.

Ever wonder what activities your kids or grandkids may enjoy during a Virginia State Parks visit? Hattie (age 12) and Cam (age 11) share their favorite experiences over the years. Spoiler alert: there are fun opportunities for all ages!

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.

Winter is a great time for birding in Virginia. Participate in the Christmas Bird Count or simply go looking for winter wildlife on your own. Find out which Virginia birds you should be on the look out for this time of year.

Wintertime is around the corner and Virginia State Parks have numerous things for you to do despite the cold weather. Check out the many activities you can do solo or with friends and family to enjoy this winter season.

We asked the first person to complete our Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program to tell us about her experience wandering the waters of 31 Virginia State Parks. For completing the program, Colleen Renderos received her Master Paddler certificate.

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.

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.