National and State Park Experiences in Virginia

Blue Ridge Parkway | Credit: NPS

Virginia is home to a rich array of national and state parks, each offering unique natural beauty and historical significance. With their diverse landscapes and rich history, these parks preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the region while providing open spaces for recreation.

The Appalachian Trail, for instance, is a renowned 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains, providing hikers with an immersive experience of America's wilderness.

History enthusiasts can visit the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, where the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia marked the end of the Civil War, posing questions about the nation's future and the realization of emancipation. 

For those interested in maritime history and coastal ecosystems, Assateague Island National Seashore presents a dynamic environment shaped daily by ocean winds and waves, featuring sandy beaches and salt marshes teeming with wildlife.

Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Virginia. The park is known for its cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, wildflowers, and quiet woodlands and other habitats.

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a different pace, with a slow, relaxing drive revealing stunning vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. 

Moreover, the Booker T. Washington National Monument honors the influential African American educator and leader, inviting visitors to explore his birthplace and learn about his life and philosophies.

The Cape Henry Memorial, part of the Colonial National Historical Park, commemorates the first landing of English colonists in 1607, marking the beginning of a new chapter in American history. 

Virginia's state parks complement these national treasures, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and conservation.

First Landing State Park, located at 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, offers not only a rich historical significance as the first landing place of the Jamestown colonists in 1607 but also provides visitors with over 20 miles of trails and a variety of water activities.

False Cape State Park, accessible only by foot, bicycle, beach transport, or boat, is a serene getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

With over 42 state parks scattered across the state, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, hiking, boating, and exploring historical sites.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation manages state parks in the Commonwealth.

Shenandoah National Park Fee Free Days 2021

There will be seven fee-free days at Shenandoah National Park in 2021. Six of the days celebrate significant national events and all national parks will waive their entrance fees on those days. The seventh day, Neighbor Appreciation Day, is a special fee-free day for Shenandoah National Park alone.

 Shenandoah National Park fee-free days for 2021 are:

● Monday, January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
● Saturday, April 17 – First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day
● Saturday, June 19 – Neighbor Appreciation Day
● Wednesday, August 4: One year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
● Wednesday, August 25 – National Park Service Birthday
● Saturday, September 25 – National Public Lands Day
● Thursday, November 11 – Veterans Day

The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping or special tours. Shenandoah National Park’s entrance fee is normally $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per individual providing entry for seven consecutive days.

Shenandoah National Park overlook

With over 200,000 acres of protected lands, Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Virginia.

The park is known for its cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, wildflowers, and quiet woodlands and other habitats. 

Old Rag is the most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park. The mountain is popular with hikers, climbers, and explorers.

Shenandoah National Park is within a two or three hour drive from Washington, D.C., Hampton Roads, and other metropolitan areas.

In 1976, Congress designated 79,579 acres of Shenandoah National Park as Wilderness under the Eastern Wilderness Areas Act.

The Shenandoah National Park smartphone app allows users to explore the park with detailed maps, self-guided digital tours, points of interest, and park information.

For more information, visit the Shenandoah National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/shen/

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Planners from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are developing a new 15-year management plan, known as a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

The plan is expected to address issues that will affect wildlife and habitat management, administration and public uses of the refuge.

According to USFWS, accomplish the refuge’s wildlife conservation mission, while promoting sustainable, compatible enjoyment of the refuge by over one million people who visit annually.

The August 2012 CCP newsletter is now available and can be found on the refuge website at: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/Chincoteague/ccphome.html

The draft CCP is expected to be published for public review and comment at the end of 2012.

For more information, contact the refuge at 757.336.6122.

NPCA Virginia National Parks Study

A new report from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) highlights financial benefits provided by Colonial National Historical Park and the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The report, Making Connections: Colonial National Historical Park Enhances Economic Vitality in Virginia’s Historic Triangle, finds that Colonial National Historical Park is a strong economic driver for the region, providing jobs and highly desired open space and recreational opportunities for the millions of visitors.

According to the report, 363,000 visitors toured the park in 2010, spending an estimated $327 million in the Historic Triangle region. Visitors supported 1,184 local private-sector jobs and 81 National Park Service staff members at the park.

The report also highlights the positive impact a new national park at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia would have on the Historic Triangle and the local economy.

“There is a growing demand for recreational opportunities throughout the state for hiking, birding, boating and other outdoor activities,” said Goddard. “The Old Point Comfort Peninsula offers public access to over two miles of beautiful Chesapeake Bay shoreline, camping facilities and a marina.  Fort Monroe’s rich history and beaches will create a world-class destination and infuse tourist dollars into the regional economy.”

According to NPCA data, 40% of jobs in the area are in tourism-related businesses.  A national study commissioned by NPCA found that every federal dollar invested in national parks generates at least four dollars of economic value to the public.

To view the full report, visit:

http://www.npca.org/mid_atlantic/who_we_are/regional-publications.html