Media Center - Press Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 19, 2024
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Explore a Virginia State Park and Opt Outside on Thanksgiving weekend

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Fairy stones and map after Fairy Stone hunt and workshop)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Owl in a tree at a Virginia State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Scenic view at Smith Mountain Lake)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Fall hike at Natural Bridge)

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia State Parks will participate in the annual #OptOutside event to encourage people to take a break from indoor activities and opt to spend time outdoors instead. The campaign will run from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 at all Virginia State Parks.

Park guests of all ages can partake in self-guided and ranger-led activities to create unique Thanksgiving memories. Guests are encouraged to hike, bike or have a picnic with Thanksgiving leftovers while enjoying a wonderful experience at one of Virginia’s 43 state parks.

Consider one of these activities:

Wilderness Survival School, Beach Safari or a night hike at First Landing
Self-Guided Family Scavenger Hunt at Sweet Run
Jr. Ranger activities at Belle Isle (Lancaster), Claytor Lake, Sky Meadows, Smith Mountain Lake and Staunton River
Echolocation Exploration at Twin Lakes
Smoke and S’mores or a history hike at Machicomoco
Fairy Stone Hunt and Workshop at Fairy Stone
Owl Prowl at Claytor Lake
Wandering the Wetlands at James River

For a complete list of Virginia State Parks Opt Outside activities, visit virginiastateparks.gov/events.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit virginiastateparks.gov.

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