What kind of adventure are you in the mood for today? Maybe thrilling mountain biking across flowy singletrack? Or maybe hikes with soaring views of the mountainous landscape? Or maybe you want to get in one last paddling trip before the water gets too cold? You can find all of this, and more, at a Virginia State Park.
For one of Virginia’s most spectacular geological features, take a trip to Natural Tunnel State Park. Over thousands of years, water carved a tunnel out of the limestone ridge that measures 850 feet long and over 10 stories tall. Today, visitors can walk the trails to view the natural formation from above or take the chairlift to the tunnel floor. The park’s two campgrounds are the perfect place to spend a night away from the crowds. If you prefer to stay in a structure with more permanent walls, book one of the 14 cabins with mountain views or enjoy a picnic on the porch of your yurt.
Between the three miles of shoreline and 22 miles of multi-purpose trails, James River State Park provides an idyllic waterside getaway. Launch your boat onto the James River for excellent smallmouth bass fishing, plus catfish and panfish galore. A variety of lodging options, including primitive tent campsites, cabins, and lodges, make it easy for you to travel alone or bring all of your friends and family with you.
Pocahontas State Park is known for its mountain biking opportunities with over 44 miles of singletrack, machine-built flow, and hand-cycle-friendly trails. An additional 33 miles of multi-use trails make it easy to spend day after day exploring every corner of the park. Rent one of the onsite cabins, yurts, or campsites so you can get going first thing in the morning.
Grab your paddle and head out to Bear Creek Lake State Park. The 40-acre lake is the perfect spot to spend a day puttering around on the water or swimming from the beach. From the park, you can access an additional 16,000 acres of forested land in Cumberland State Forest, including a 14-mile multi-use trail.
That’s only a small piece of what Virginia State Parks have to offer visitors of all ages and abilities. Many parks, including Occoneechee and Belle Isle, feature overnight facilities that make for a convenient base camp. What will you discover on a Virginia State Park adventure?
