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5 ways to spend more time in nature in 2025

By Starr AndersonPosted December 26, 2024
If your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time outside this year, look no further than Virginia State Parks. With 43 unique parks from the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless.
Douthat State Park

Virginia birds in The 12 Days of Christmas

By Haley RodgersPosted December 19, 2024
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.
A medium size bird on a dead tree, surrounded by pine trees. It

B.A.R.K. Ranger Program puts the wow in bow wow

By Kim WellsPosted December 10, 2024
The B.A.R.K. Rangers Program is a fun way to enjoy responsible recreation with your dog while creating lasting memories. You also get a reward for completing the program. While rewards vary by park, adventures exist at all locations.
Bruno and Kim by Twin Lakes sign

Where to wander this winter

By Kim WellsPosted December 09, 2024
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.
Winter view at a Virginia State Park

First Master Paddler of Virginia State Parks: Colleen Renderos

By Haley RodgersPosted December 04, 2024
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.
Colleen Renderos being awarded her Master Paddler certificate at her ceremony for completing the Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program with Virginia State Parks. Chief Ranger of Visitor Services Hilda LeStrange pictured with Colleen above awarding certificate at Powhatan State Park

Holiday shopping at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted November 27, 2024
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the challenge of finding the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. If you want to avoid crowded malls and generic presents, consider a trip to one of Virginia's state parks.
Holiday Shopping

Where to see holiday lights at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted November 20, 2024
Whether you want to see colorful lights on a bridge or a tunnel, from the comfort of your car or in a cozy museum, we have spectacular events for you to enjoy holiday lights and decor at Virginia State Parks.
Festival of Trees

How veterans use their experience as Virginia state park rangers

By Amy AtwoodPosted November 08, 2024
Virginia State Parks are honored to have veterans choose careers within our parks. Meet two of our veterans and their journey to being a ranger.
Park Manager Chris Fritz

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"


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