Venturing by Foot in Virginia State Parks

Virginia is likely one of the few locations the place you possibly can hike scenic mountains, rolling hills, and sandy coastal seashores, whereas nonetheless getting access to lovely downtowns and sprawling city facilities. The 41 state parks make it straightforward for hikers to see as a lot of Virginia as attainable, with countless miles of trails and shared public area to please in.

Mountain Reminiscences

The mountains are calling, and so is Hungry Mom State Park! Reaching 3,270 ft above sea degree, this park accommodates an 108-acre lake encircled by 17 miles of trails, together with the legendary Molly’s Knob Path. Iconic amongst critical hikers, this two-mile path takes vacationers up steep and slender terrain earlier than reaching the summit.

Entry the Appalachian Path at 5,000 ft! Deep within the coronary heart of Grayson Highlands State Park, Twin Pinnacles Path is a reasonable 1.33-mile hike that provides two beautiful overlooks, Massive Pinnacle and Little Pinnacle. On clear days, hikers get beautiful views of the Highlands and may see into the neighboring states, North Carolina and Tennessee. Skilled hikers can use this park as an entry level for the Appalachian Path to unlock much more mountaineering bliss.

Get the youngsters shifting at Shenandoah River State Park! The Redtail Ridge Path is a few mile lengthy and presents a number of overlooks of the river, excellent for the little ones. The Cottonwood Path is about 1.3 miles of straightforward mountaineering, with wheelchair accessibility, and an elevated boardwalk end. These two hikes make up only a small portion of the 24 miles of mountaineering trails within the park, however are loads of enjoyable.

A Central Focus

Typically the center is the very best half! Central Virginia is house to many nice hikes like Rolling Meadows Path in Sky Meadows State Park. This path is a reasonable, 2.5-mile trek on a grassy path, and for extra of a problem, detour onto the two.2-mile Misplaced Mountain Path. The park has 10 mountaineering trails overlaying 13 miles, and entry to the Appalachian Path. 

Journey to the second largest freshwater lake within the state for a soothing mountaineering retreat. Smith Mountain Lake State Park presents entry to the lake and 17 straightforward to reasonable trails, together with Turtle Island Path. This shaded, straightforward 1.5-mile path results in a fantastic view of Smith Mountain Lake, and continues to the three.1-mile Striper Cove Path, which is the park’s longest path.

Coastal Adventures

The japanese seas will not be only for swimming. Only a half an hour from Washington D.C., Mason Neck State Park presents greater than 9 miles of mountaineering and multiuse trails. Bay View Path is a straightforward one-mile loop, the place you possibly can benefit from the pure sights of the bay. Kiptopeke State Park is one other nice coastal choice, with greater than 5 miles of mountaineering trails in hardwood forests and boardwalks. 

Take a hike proper within the coronary heart of city Virginia Seaside at First Touchdown State Park, a 2,888-acre oasis of cyprus swamps, undisturbed pure areas and sandy seashores. Cape Henry Path is a well-liked choice out of all 10 trails, with 10.1 miles of flat and extensive walkway.

Keep Secure and Keep the Night time

Earlier than embarking on any mountaineering journey, make sure you put on correct attire, carry meals and water, and examine the climate and Virginia State Parks web site to make sure a pleasing and protected expertise. Path Quest is a self-paced program that rewards you for visiting a park, and value trying into as nicely!

Plan forward and keep the evening! Lots of Virginia’s parks have in a single day lodging with almost 300 cabins, 47 yurts and greater than 2,000 campsites. Fourteen parks even have lodges as an choice to put your head at evening.

Hike Highlights

Baywoods Path at Kiptopeke State Park connects to the southern seashore the place guests can discover the park’s dune formation!