8 Under-Appreciated State Parks In Virginia You’re Sure To Love
It’s hard to imagine Virginia without its beautiful state park system. Tucked away in nearly every corner of the state, these designated natural areas are the perfect settings for picnics, camping trips, hikes, and day trips. Did you realize that our state boasts 37 beautiful parks? Today, we’d like to feature eight that fly under the radar (at least, in terms of those we’ve already covered). So for your next outing adventure, you’ll love your time spent at any of the following spots:
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Located between Fairview Beach and Owens, Caledon State Park is a beautiful landscape particularly known for its American bald eagle population. The park encompasses nearly 2,500 acres and has plenty of trails to explore. Address: 11617 Caledon Rd., King George, VA 22485.
Named for one of the oldest continuously-farmed plantation homes in the country, Chippokes Plantation State Park is located along the riverbank of the James across from Jamestown. Visitors to the park can enjoy activities from centuries ago, offering a unique perspective into the history of the land. Guests are also welcome to stay at the campgrounds provided here. Address: 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry, VA 23883.
Douthat may be something of a hidden gem, but its impact on state parks across the nation is nothing small. Since 1936, families in the area as well as visitors from Virginia have enjoyed the pristine natural beauty of this beloved park. From stream fishing to hiking trails, cabins, and even playgrounds, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy at Douthat State Park. Address: 14239 Douthat State Park Rd., Millboro, VA 24460.
Tucked away in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest you’ll find the scenic Holliday Lake State Park. For any fan of fishing, this spot is nothing short of heavenly. The park also offers a beautiful place to swim as well as miles and miles of hiking and biking trails. You’ll find campsites here, too, as well as picnic shelters and playgrounds. It’s a destination for folks of all ages. Address: 2759 State Park Rd., Appomattox, VA 24522.
Leesylvania State Park is a coastal haven, situated along the Potomac River in northeastern Virginia. It’s here that visitors can enjoy their fill of water activities such as fishing and boating. There are also wonderful hiking trails that show off the natural beauty of this historic landscape. As you can imagine from the photograph above, it’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. Address: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge, VA 22191.
Paralleling the beautiful New River for 39 miles, New River Trail State Park winds its way through four counties in Southwest Virginia. Along the trail, which follows an abandoned railroad, visitors will notice opportunities for fishing as well as more primitive campsites. It’s a breathtaking area that combines history with gorgeous natural surroundings. Address: 116 Orphanage Dr., Max Meadows, VA 24360.
You’ll find Occoneechee State Park along the John H. Kerr Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island. While this spot is especially popular among fishers, there are also plenty of other activities available including hiking and camping. The area is named for the Native American tribe who lived in the area for many years. Anyone who wishes to stay overnight can reserve one of the on-site cabins with a gorgeous view of the water. Address: 1192 Occoneechee Park Rd., Clarksville, VA 23927.
Powhatan State Park is located in the heart of Virginia, right along the beautiful James River. In addition to an impressive amount of wildlife, the park also offers observation decks, shelters, campsites, and forested trails. Address: 4616 Powhatan State Park Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139.
For more information on all of Virginia’s State Parks, be sure to visit the official website here. Which are your favorite state parks to visit? We’d love to hear from you!
