The 10 Best Parks in Virginia!

Virginia has an abundance of parks throughout the state, each with its own splendor and beauty. From the breathtaking Shenandoah National Park to the inspiring Mt. Trashmore, Virginians are lucky to have access to such wonderful outdoor opportunities. Here are 10 of the best parks our state has to offer.

Shenandoah National Park, Stonewall, VA

The Shenandoah National Park is a national treasure. With over 200,000 acres of protected land housing “cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and quiet wooded hollows,” the park never disappoints. Each trip is a unique experience. Whether you’re driving along Skyline Drive or hiking through the Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah is a must on any nature goer’s list.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Vienna, VA

The Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has shows from May through September, including musicals, dance, opera, jazz, and popular and country musical performances. Special events and traveling artists from around the world come to Wolf Trap to share their craft. The grounds surrounding the amphitheaters are prime-hiking trails, too. 

Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield, VA

The Pocahontas State Park just outside of Chesterfield, Virginia is consistently one of the most popular park destinations in the state. It is the largest state park with over 7,600 acres of land and two fishing lakes available to the public. It is currently undergoing massive renovations, but is open to the public during this tumultuous time. 

Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Huddleston, VA

Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston, Virginia, is situated on one of the largest bodies of freshwater in the state. As such, many of the activities are water based, such as swimming, fishing, and boating. Nevertheless, hiking trails, primitive camping, and picnicking are frequent favorites of park-goers, particularly in colder months.

First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, Virginia, is home to First Landing State Park, which includes three indoor aquariums, showers, and water sport rentals. With over a million annual visitors, First Landing is consistently Virginia’s most popular state park. It is also the first planned state park of Virginia and is the site of Christopher Newport’s first landing in the Americas.

Mount Trashmore, Virginia Beach, VA

Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a park created from a previous landfill. The park is over 165 acres and includes 15 picnic shelters, playgrounds, a basketball court, four volleyball areas, walking trails, and two fishing lakes. Skateboarders, such as the world-famous Tony Hawk, frequent the 24,000 square foot skate park on the premises. 

False Cape State Park, Virginia Beach, VA

Vehicles cannot access the False Cape State Park in southern Virginia Beach. Instead, one must hike, bike, or boat to the spot. Primitive camping and environmental education programs are central features of this park, where the coastal environment has remained largely undisturbed by modernization. 

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Middlesboro, VA

Native Americans once traveled through the Gap to follow the game animals that lived there. Today, it is a 20,500-acre park with fantastic views of the Appalachian Mountains, diverse vegetation, and wildlife including black bears, rabbits, foxes, wild turkeys, and others. The park hosts regular events, which can be found on its website.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Mt. Solon, VA

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in Mt. Solon, Virginia cover over 1.8 million acres of land. Two-thousand miles of hiking runs through the park, as does Virginia’s highest point, Mount Rogers. Hiking, mountains biking, and hunting are all popular pastimes.

Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland, VA

The Bear Creek Lake State Park aims to offer many of the same attractions of the larger surrounding parks without the crowds. The park is mostly comprised of the 40-acre lake, and most of the most popular activities are water based. Those that visit Bear Creek know that the boating, fishing, and swimming offered are second to none. 

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22 Bear Creek Lake Road, Cumberland, VA
Nestled in the heart of the Cumberland State Forest in central Virginia, Bear Creek Lake is less than an hour west of Richmond. It's the perfect ge... Read More
1730 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Palmyra, VA
About Us:Pleasant Grove Park is an 800 acre park that has something for everyone. The Pleasant Grove House Museum (FREE Admission) is also located ... Read More
628 Louisa Ave, Mineral, VA
This lovely small park is named for Elizabeth Trice Walton, a prominent and generous member of the Mineral community. Mrs. Walton was born about 19... Read More
4616 Powhatan State Park Road, Powhatan, VA
You'll find Powhatan State Park in the northwest corner of Powhatan County on the historic James River. The park has diverse wildlife habitat, from... Read More
1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA
Athletics:1 Little League baseball field; 3 softball fields; 4 multi-purpose fields used for soccer, lacrosse, and football; 4 tennis courts; and 3... Read More
Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville, VA
Azalea Park consists of 23 acres of level land located off Old Lynchburg Road at the southern edge of the City near Interstate 64.  The City secur... Read More
6541 Saylers Creek Road, Rice, VA
On April 6, 1865, nearly a quarter of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's army, more than 7,700 men, were killed, wounded or captured here. Lee surren... Read More
6888 Green Bay Road, Green Bay, VA
High Bridge Trail is 31 miles long and ideally suited for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Once a rail bed, the trail is wide, level and gen... Read More
4748 Chris Greene Lake Road, Charlottesville, VA
239 total acres (with 53 water acres and 2 beach acres)Amenities:3 miles of trails; wheelchair-accessible playground; 8 tables and 5 grills scatter... Read More
2759 State Park Road, Appomattox, VA
Deep in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and bl... Read More
6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania, VA
The park has a beach on one of Virginia's most popular lakes, a fishing pond accessible to children and the disabled, a bathhouse-concessions compl... Read More
104 Green Hill Dr, Gladstone, VA
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park features rolling grasslands, quiet forests and beautiful views, as well as 3 miles o... Read More
11576 Verdon Rd, Doswell, VA
Amenities:Historic SiteTrails Opens a New Window.Virginia Birding and Wildlife Opens a New Window.Picnic Area Read More
10301 State Park Road, Chesterfield, VA
Just 20 miles from Richmond, Pocahontas offers boating, picnicking, camping, camping cabins, hiking, and nature and history programs. The Aquatic C... Read More
600 South Boulevard, Richmond, VA
This 287-acre park in Richmond's Near West End is one of the city's most popular. Spread along both sides of The Boulevard and Blanton Avenue start... Read More
6600 Whitepine Road, Richmond, VA
Large park features sports fields & courts, fitness trails, a golf course, playground & picnic area. Read More
3200 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA
This expansive 30-acre park offers a 180' view of the city. It is also home to the National Battlefield Park headquarters and one of Richmond's mos... Read More
251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, VA
Henricus Historical Park is a living history museum operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in partnership with the Henricus Foundation an... Read More
6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA
What began in 1991 as an effort to preserve a threatened Civil War battlefield near Petersburg, Virginia, has evolved into one of America's finest ... Read More
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