Most People Don’t Know Virginia Has A Fairy Trail… And It’s Positively Magical
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Beth
Author
Located in Patrick County is the largest of Virginia’s six original state parks. Its unique name, Fairy Stone, seems like something from a storybook. And that’s exactly how you’ll feel when you set foot on these grounds. The enchanting park is named for beautiful stones that can be found in the area, known as fairy stones. Among many other recreational activities, visitors can enjoy navigating the trails while hunting for these peculiar rocks.
Fairy Stone State Park opened on June 15th, 1936 on land donated by the former owner of the Roanoke Times. The entire park consists of nearly 5,000 acres and is one of the largest state parks in the entire state. Many structures in the park, including the lake, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
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The unique stones for which the park is named are actually made of staurolite, which is an opaque mineral that sometimes includes a white-ish streak. Samples of this mineral can be found in Switzerland, Georgia, and within the confines of this Virginia State Park.
These fairy stones have become somewhat legendary, and visitors of all ages enjoy meandering down the park's beautiful wooded paths in search of them. The area has 11 trails to choose from. The longest trail, Little Mountain Falls, is just over 3 miles. Most of the trails are mulit-use and also enjoyed by bikers and horseback riders.
In addition to seeking out fairy stones, visitors to the park can enjoy all kinds of recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, and camping. There are plenty of gorgeous campsites available for the authentic in-the-woods experience. There are also rustic cabins available to accommodate larger groups.
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An afternoon or weekend spent at Fairy Stone will be one to remember. Not only does it have the magical element of the fairy stones, but it also happens to be in one of the most breathtaking areas of the state. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Mabry's Mill, and some incredible vineyards are just a quick drive away.
Looking for more enchantment in Virginia? You won’t want to miss the 11 Enchanting Spots In Virginia You Never Knew Existed.
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