State Parks

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The Roanoke Region is fortunate to have quick access to numerous state parks, each with their own distinctive features and offerings. Find your adventure in a state park; it’s likely just a short drive away.

State parks include everything from lakes to trails to boat ramps and other access points. Some also have campgrounds and amenities to stay for a while. Whether you are new to outdoor adventure or a rugged outdoorsman, a state park can be a great place to take a break and absorb the scenery.

Explore State Parks

State Parks

  • Claytor Lake State Park Expand Collapse

    Located on the 4,500-acre, 21-mile long Claytor Lake in the New River Valley, Claytor Lake State Park offers a wide variety of activities for water and land enthusiasts. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, the park offers swimming, camping, cabins, lodges, a meeting facility, nature and history programs, miles of hiking trails, and a visitor center.

  • Douthat State Park Expand Collapse

    Douthat-LakeDouthat State Park was named one of the nation’s 10 best by Outside Family Vacation Guide. It is one of the original six Virginia State Parks. Nestled in Virginia’s Western Highlands, Douthat features some of Virginia’s most outstanding scenery.

    • Swimming beach
    • Boat, kayak, and canoe rentals
    • Cabin rentals
    • Campsite rentals

    Some people refer to it as the Disneyland of mountain biking. There are more than 43 miles of wooded hiking trails and mountain biking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. Many park trails climb up the side of the surrounding mountains for several miles and reward mountain bikers with grand views and long flowing descents.

  • Fairy Stone State Park Expand Collapse

    Fairy Stone State Park, the largest of Virginia’s six original state parks (4,741 acres), is home to its namesake “fairy stones.” These rare mineral crosses and the park’s scenic beauty, rich history, and ample recreational opportunities make it a local and regional favorite.

    More than 9 miles of multi-use trails and a 168-acre lake will keep you busy. The park is also just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

  • Natural Bridge State Park Expand Collapse

    Once owned by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The newest Virginia State Park is more than just the bridge. Beautiful forests, open, rolling meadows showcase the area’s karst terrain, and vistas of surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature’s splendor. Access these via 6 miles of hiking trails, including the accessible Cedar Creek Trail that leads from the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade. Living history programs connect you to the past and cover how people once used the area’s resources for survival and inspiration. Start at the Rockbridge Center where you will find exhibits and a gift shop.

    Admission per person is $6 for ages 6-12 and $8 for those 13 and older. Learn about the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund’s facilities and activities here as well.

  • New River Trail State Park Expand Collapse

    New-River-Trail-state-parkNew River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax.

    The trail’s gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. The park’s Foster Falls area offers guided horseback trips; canoe and bike rentals; boat launches; gift shops; and a horse arena. Fishing is popular, and primitive campsites dot the trail.

    There are access points to the trail at Allisonia, Chestnut Yard, Cliffview, Dannelly Park (near Galax), Draper, Dora Junction (near Pulaski), Foster Falls, Fries, Galax, Gambetta, Hiwassee and Ivanhoe. Horse trailer parking is available at Allisonia, Austinville, Cliffview, Dora Junction, Draper, Fries, Ivanhoe and the Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex near Foster Falls arena.

    • Two tunnels: 135 feet and 193 feet long
    • Three major bridges: Hiwassee – 951 feet; Ivanhoe – 670 feet; Fries Junction – 1,089 feet
    • Nearly 30 smaller bridges and trestles
    • A historic shot tower used more than 200 years ago to make ammunition
  • Smith Mountain Lake State Park Expand Collapse

    Smith Mountain Lake State Park is situated on the second largest body of freshwater in the state and is not just for water enthusiasts. In addition to a full range of water-related activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating, the park offers miles of hiking trails, cabins, camping, picnicking, a visitor center, and interpretive programs.

    The 1,148 acre park is on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County.

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