What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
November
Virginia State Parks offer many events in November to kick off the holiday season! Whether it’s recognizing indigenous peoples, celebrating the service of our veterans or learning about our night skies, there is something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Plus, nothing says ‘holiday spirit’ quite like a turkey run or a parade of trees! And while you’re at it, be sure to celebrate with a hike on one of the state parks’ more than 700 miles of trails. Don't forget to Opt Outside Thanksgiving weekend! Check out the guided hikes along with all the other festive events below.
Events Sampler:
Nov. 1 & 2, 2024. 6:00 p.m.
James River State Park
As a designated International Dark-Sky Park, we have been working with the International Dark-Sky Association to do our part in protecting our night skies from light pollution, and we invite you to celebrate this wonderful accomplishment with us. This is a unique, two-night opportunity that only comes once a year and will be the largest gathering of astronomers at the park.
Nov. 2, 2024. 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Seven Bends State Park
Come check out this new Sippin' Series venue at the beautiful Muse Vineyards and Seven Bends State Park. This race will take you along a dramatic bend of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, which carves its way through the vibrant community of Woodstock, VA.
Nov. 2 & 30, 2024. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Bring your canine companion and join the B.A.R.K. Ranger program at Twin Lakes State Park! This self-guided program invites dogs and their owners to explore the park while learning about responsible pet practices. As a B.A.R.K. Ranger, you and your pup will help preserve the park’s natural beauty by following the B.A.R.K. principles.
Nov. 2, 2024. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Amateur Radio operators will set up a Parks on the Air demonstration station in Shenandoah River State Park. Parks on the Air, simply known as POTA, is an amateur radio activity in which Ham Radio operators travel to various park entities and public lands in different states or countries to set up their radio equipment to make contacts with other Hams.
Nov. 2, 2024. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Nov. 3, 2024 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Caledon State Park
Tantalize your senses with the tastes from local wineries and restaurants, the vision of beautiful art from local artists, and the sounds of great music - all in the relaxing and beautiful surroundings of Caledon State Park.
Nov. 9, 2024. Tours start at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Veterans and their sacrifices are important to us at Sailor's Creek Battlefield.
Staff, volunteers, and period-dressed public historians will be hosting our 16th annual “Veterans Day Luminary” commemorative trail illumination. This year rangers will lead four tours of visitors down an illuminated path where historical vignettes will be recreated by public historians describing the scenes from the Battles of Sailor's Creek and its aftermath.
Nov. 16, 2024. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Once the smoke cleared from the battlefield, Johnny Reb and Billy Yank would often collapse from exhaustion and set up camp for the night. What did a military camp look like? Was it dangerous to be in camp? Come out for an interactive experience with our rangers as we walk you through the lives of the soldiers from both North and South.
Nov. 10 - Dec. 31, 2024. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum
A beloved holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees celebrates its 29th year. Get yourself in the mood for the holidays as you enjoy beautifully decorated trees, mantels, banisters and doorways. Each tree is decorated by volunteers representing families, churches, schools, businesses and civic groups around the region. We are also offering
night viewings on certain dates.
Nov. 16, 2024. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
November is National Native American Heritage Month!
Join our ranger and discover the rich Native American history of our park and the Shenandoah Valley. This history spans thousands of years and is worth acknowledging and appreciating.
Nov. 23, 2024. 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Westmoreland State Park
Get your gobble wobble on at your leisure right before the holiday season begins or give it your best to potentially earn a trophy. The Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K run/walk will begin at 9:00. It is held on moderate park trails and roads.
Nov. 23, 2024. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Join professional outdoor instructor Tim MacWelch to learn about the remarkable seasonal wild edible and medicinal plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This full-day hike will cover native and non-native species of useful plants and will conclude with a sampling of the foods you gathered from the wild.
Nov. 23, 2024. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
York River State Park
This hike honors the shared history of African, European and Native Americans who made their homes along the Mattaponi, Pamunkey and York Rivers. We will stop at certain points along the trails, in particular those that highlight the history of Taskinas Plantation (the colonial name for where our park is located) and other areas of historic significance.
Nov. 29-30, 2024 and dates in December.
Wilderness Road State Park
Join us for a magical and entertaining view of one of our most treasured holidays at the Karlan Mansion. Browse trees uniquely decorated by the local community while enjoying classic holiday music.
Nov. 22 - Dec. 31, 2024. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
During the Festival of Trees, local organizations are asked to decorate a holiday tree to represent themselves in the community. Members of the community will then vote for their favorite tree by placing this year's donation items under the tree of their choice.
More Events
More November Events
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