Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., now through April 30. Learn more.
What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
April
As April arrives, the weather starts to warm up and many events are taking place. You can visit a park to witness the blooming wildflowers in the daytime or to observe the stars at night, as April is Dark Sky Month. Four parks have been designated for stargazing. You can enjoy fishing by casting your line from the shore or a watercraft. Additionally, you can take a hike, have a picnic, and mark Earth Day on April 22. Partake in our Let's Go Adventures program. Learn something new! National Volunteer Week is observed during April 21-27. You can participate in park events to do your part.
Events sampler:
April 1-May 31, 2025
Southwest Virginia Museum
In its 28th season, this annual quilt show exhibit honors both past and present quilters and features quilts from the Museum's collection and from members of the community who display quilts from their own collections.
April 3, 2025– “Redbud Ride”: Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Trestle, 13.6 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
April 10, 2025 – “Redbud Ride”: Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Access, 16 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
April 17, 2025 – “Redbud Ride”: Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Access, 16 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
April 24, 2025 – “Silverbell Ride”: Hiwassee to Draper, 8.6 miles RT, 5:30-7 p.m. (1.5 hours)
April 10, 2025 – “Redbud Ride”: Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Access, 16 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
April 17, 2025 – “Redbud Ride”: Foster Falls to Ivanhoe Access, 16 miles RT, 5-7 p.m. (2 hours)
April 24, 2025 – “Silverbell Ride”: Hiwassee to Draper, 8.6 miles RT, 5:30-7 p.m. (1.5 hours)
New River Trail State Park
This is a fantastic time of year to take-in the beautiful spring ephemeral wildflowers of Southwest Virginia. Dutchman's Breeches will be blooming en masse along the hillsides with cutleaf toothwort, bloodroot and hepatica.
April 3, 2025. 6-8 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Have you ever considered the crucial command decisions made in spring 1865 that led to the end of fighting in Virginia? If you're interested in the military and personal choices of Union generals during the Appomattox Campaign, this program is for you!
April 5, 2025. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Celebrate the beauty of spring at Shenandoah River State Park! Each April, Virginia Bluebells blossom along our winding riverbank, creating a beautiful carpet of blue and purple hues.
April 5, 2025. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Step back in time with us on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park for a powerful commemoration of what the South grimly called “Black Thursday," the decisive battle that helped seal the fate of the Confederacy. Relive one of the American Civil War’s most intense engagements as Union and Confederate public historians bring this hallowed ground to life with stirring reenactments and immersive living history experiences.
April 5, 2025. 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
Calling all young anglers; kids 12 and younger get free admission and can fish for free during this annual event. Cedar Creek, which runs under the Natural Bridge, will be stocked with rainbow trout. Kids aged 12 and under get to keep up to six fish. Park rangers and volunteers will be on hand to help teach you how to fish or do a craft program.
April 7, 2025. 5 - 6:30 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Join us for a special guided battle walk commemorating the 160th anniversary of the Battles of High Bridge and the fighting around Farmville. Explore how these engagements played a critical role in the closing days of the Civil War, leading to the surrender at Appomattox just two days later.
April 9, 2025: Fossil Find
April 16, 2025: Nature Journaling
April 23, 2025: Let's Go Orienteering
April 30, 2025: Birds of Caledon
April 16, 2025: Nature Journaling
April 23, 2025: Let's Go Orienteering
April 30, 2025: Birds of Caledon
Caledon State Park
Are you age 55+ with an interest in spending time in nature? Join peers at Caledon to get active, learn about the local environment, and sharpen your sense of wonder! Learn about plants, animals, conservation, history, stewardship and much more! This six-part series includes nature identification, exercise, fellowship, expert-led talks, crafts, wagon rides and hikes.
April 12, 2025. 1 - 3 p.m.
Seven Bends State Park
Step into the world of medicinal plants and connect with nature in a whole new way at Seven Bends State Park!
April 18, 2025. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Join us for a night of bat-tastic fun at Twin Lakes State Park! Kick off the evening with bat-themed crafts and games, then get ready for an exciting adventure as we head outside with specialized bat-detecting equipment to hear real-time echolocation in action.
April 19, 2025. 4 - 11 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Experience the magic of an unforgettable evening this Earth Day under the moonlight at Stars and Guitars. Gather your loved ones, pack your blankets, and immerse yourself in a night of music, food and wonder at Sky Meadows State Park. Enjoy the enchanting melodies of live performances by talented local artists. From soothing ballads to foot-tapping tunes, our line up promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Then delve into the wonders of outer space with rangers and spark curiosity in our International Dark Sky Park.
April 26, 2025. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Gather at the Blockhouse with Daniel Boone to prepare for the journey “Into the Wilderness.” The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association in conjunction with Natural Tunnel State Park and Scott County 250 will host a reenactment of the preparation required for traveling the trail. Scheduled demonstrations include, soap making, spinning linen, making lead shot, garden preparation, making salt, and more. Come and meet Daniel Boone and Captain John and Rebecca Anderson, owners of the Blockhouse.
Various days throughout April 2025. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
False Cape State Park
Experience Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park on a 4-hour guided tour! Spot wildlife on the Blue Goose Tram and uncover the history of this spectacular area. In addition, hike through pristine maritime forest to the historic Wash Woods church and cemetery.
Easter Events
April 12, 2025. 11 a.m. - 1p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
April 12, 2025. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Caledon State Park
April 13, 2025. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Westmoreland State Park
April 13, 2025. 1 - 3 p.m.
Kiptopeke State Park
April 19, 2025. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 3 p.m.
Occoneechee State Park
April 19, 2025. 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
April 19, 2025. 2 - 3 p.m.
- Birding events - from morning bird walks to presentations by Master Naturalists - something for every birder
- Fishing events - April is an excellent month for fishing and there are many events for beginners to the most experienced anglers
- Astronomy and Stargazing events - events popular at parks where the skies are the darkest in Virginia
- Archery events - learn how to use a bow and arrow and take up the sport of archery
