During the spring and summer, ospreys dominate the skies over Leesylvania as they build nests and raise their young.

Migrate to the Discovery Center to learn about the fascinating "Fish Hawk".

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boomtown. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

Getting out in nature has incredible benefits to our health and wellness.

Like them or loathe them, snakes are important to our ecosystems.

Frogs, turtles, and fish, oh my!  Explore the life that exists in the pond while learning about the abundance of animals that call this ecosystem home.  Join a park ranger and learn how you can help protect these fascinating creatures.  For more information, please call the Visitor Center at (703) 583-6904 or send an email to leesylvaniavc@dcr.virginia.gov.

 How can we be more sustainable when practicing our favorite hobbies?

Soar on over and take a virtual tour of a family of "fish hawks".

Fling your hula hoop and see where it lands.

Come along on a hike through Kiptopeke's trails to learn about the nature in our park. Meet at picnic shelter #2. The hike is roughly 2 miles long. Great for all ages!

Enjoy a relaxing paddle on the Potomac River. This paddle tour is designed to show you the ecosystem, wildlife, and scenic views from the river as we look back to the shoreline of Westmoreland State Park.  This paddle provides excellent views and wildlife sighting opportunities to include, the Horsehead Cliffs (from a safe distance),stratigraphy of the Cliffs, erosion and water as a true natural force, a brief fossil hunting on fossil beach, and significant bird watching opportunities to include special and unscheduled appearances by Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons, and more!  Please sign up and pay in advance for this program at the Visitor Center. Guests should meet at the day-use beach and boathouse area. All equipment is provided however participants should wear closed-toed shoes. All children participating should be over 35lbs. Participants should wear a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and bring water and snacks with them.  This paddle begins at the scheduled time and can run for roughly 2 hours. This program is limited to 8 spots.

Hop on over to learn about this ancient insect eater, and discover how you can help preserve its habitat.

Hop on over to learn the calls and search for some of Virginia's native frog species.

Kayak through the sunset on Swift Creek Lake.

The day has been filled with fun activities, but now it is time to wind down with a peaceful paddle on the lake.

Join us down by the RV campground for a campfire!

Join an interpretive ranger on a hike to the Fairy Stone Dam and Spillway.

Do you love to interact with nature and learn about conservation and preservation?

The Let's Go Adventures staff will introduce you to the basics like, how to select a rod and reel combo, knot tying, and selecting the right fly for conditions and species.

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Want to go on a scavenger hunt in the wilderness?

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

Have you ever wondered what lies under your feet?

Learn the essentials of basic target archery, a skill that, thanks to artifacts found at the park, we know humans have been practicing here for thousands of years.

Geocaching combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with nature to provide adventure for treasure hunters all over the world.

Come across our Ranger outposts stationed at a lesser-known part of First Landing State Park: the Narrows Beach!

Toads, Turtles and Snakes- Oh my!

From the ashes of the old Fossil Beach has arisen a new, dynamic ecosystem.  The living shoreline between the rip-rap and water’s edge is attracting interesting estuarine and marine creatures and plants.  Discover them and how living shorelines enhance and protect our waterfronts.

View the park from the best vantage point - a canoe or kayak.

Have you ever heard the sound of a pack of coyotes howling in the middle of the night?

Enjoy a fun paddling adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek!  Watch majestic bald eagles and ospreys soar above, a heron hunting along the shore, and turtles basking in the  sunshine.

Are all snakes venomous?

Get ready to catch gold fever and mosey on over to join our interpretive rangers on a quest for this elusive mineral.

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will travel to the site.

Have you ever heard an owl sing at night?

Join a ranger to learn facts and folklore about this controversial form of precipitation.

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Join us as we open the doors to the old Norfolk and Western caboose 518517.

Staunton River State Park is home for many different types of wild animals.

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

Find time to head down to the Tunnel Platform where you’ll find amazing views of the 300-foot-tall amphitheater walls of the Natural Tunnel, rock pigeons, and if you’re lucky, a train.

Did you know owls don't chew their food?

Need a break from your long trip and have a little fun? Do you like being creative? We have many things to see at our Visitor Center.

Come flip your fins and stretch your scutes!

Westmoreland State Park is home to many birds.

Cryptids (animals commonly not believed to be real) like the Moth Man may be local folklore, but the cryptic adaptations of moths are very real.

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own guide!

There are many different wildlife that call Leesylvania State Park their home.

Ahoy Matey!

Do you think you have what it takes to build a shelter that will withstand the wind and the rain?

While we sleep a whole new set of nocturnal animals come out to begin their "daily" activities.

Join us for an immersive adventure!

Leesylvania State Park is part of many different watersheds, some large and some small.

Did you know owls get "hairballs?" About once a day, an owl spits up a ball of hair and bones--leftovers from their most recent meals--called an owl pellet.

Not all bees live in hives.

Get your feet wet investigating the vast array of life in a stream.

Are there beavers at Smith Mountain Lake?

What's under that rock?

Have you ever wanted to see one of the park’s many reptile residents up close?

The 250-acre Hoover Mountain Bike Area is located on a reclaimed 20th century mine site.

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

Bring along your partner and friends to embark on a wayfinding adventure through the Interpretive Area to earn a free Adult Adventurer keychain (Pre-registration recommended).

Can your relationship survive sharing a canoe?

Enjoy a cool summer evening with a short, moderate hike to the highest point in the park, Little Pinnacle, to witness one of the most stunning sunsets in Virginia.

The Chesapeake Bay provides visitors with some of the most stunning views of the sunset and sounds of the waves.

Join our ranger in some night fishing!

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

The one and only mammal on the planet capable of true flight absolutely loves Hungry Mother.

Silent and spooky, the owl is a magnificent animal.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Do you love to interact with nature and learn about conservation and preservation?

Join Yoga instructor, Kelly Blevins, to experience the calming benefits of yoga in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Let us teach you all the basics you'll need to know to get yourself started with one of our most popular outdoor activities, from tying on your hook and tackle to casting your line.

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Mussels play a huge part in our watershed.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

Explore the mighty James River via canoe with your very own interpretive guide!

Did you know 'creepy crawlies' are some of the world's most important recyclers?

How many animal inhabitants of First Landing can you identify?

Can you shout out BINGO first?  Join us for birding bingo, a guided birding hike along the Bluebell Trail.

Become a prospector as we follow in the footsteps of "Stampmill Sam".

Enjoy a brief escape from civilization and unwind at your local state park, where you will learn about the wildlife of Westmoreland State Park.  Join a ranger on this short 1-mile hike.

Learn about the reptiles that can be spotted in the park!

Want to learn how to go geocaching? Join one of our rangers on a guided program on how to start your geocache adventure. Geocaching is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure.

Join us at the Big Water Visitor Center for a feeding frenzy! You will be able to observe a variety of animals in our saltwater fish tank along with our resident Eastern box turtle. Learn how to identify the different species and what they all like to eat.

Plastic, a wonder material with many forms and uses but is it a blessing or a curse?

This is your chance to learn the sport of archery under the watchful eye of a certified instructor.

Second only to humans in the ability to change their environment to fit their needs, learn just how smart a beaver can be.

Join us and Mount Rogers Community Services and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur while fueling your body, mind, and soul every Friday at noon.

The Park will host a special Friday "Lunch on the Lawn" on Friday, July 26, at noon, featuring Katie Bledsoe & The Holler Dogs.

Step inside to learn all about the magic of the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants.

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will travel to the site.

Have you ever wanted to try camping, but didn't because it all seems so confusing and expensive?

Come join us for a fun science experiment all about soil erosion!

Meet local 'shellebrity', Ranger Shelly, our Red-eared Slider turtle as she suns herself and enjoys some enrichment at the beach area.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.