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.

Virginia National Recreation Trails

Two Virginia trails have been designated as national recreation trails by the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service officials.

The newly designated national recreation trails are:

High Bridge Trail State Park
High Bridge Trail State Park is a 31-mile multiuse rail-trail in Central Virginia. The trail is suitable for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Its centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, on the National Register of Historic Places and a Virginia Historic Landmark. High Bridge is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia and among the 10 longest recreational bridges in the United States.

Tobacco Heritage Trail (South Boston)

Nature enthusiasts enjoy birding, scenic views of the Dan River, and plenty of fresh air along a 2.6-mile segment of the Tobacco Heritage Trail. Featured historic sites on the rail-trail include the remains of a cotton mill, the Prizery (community theatre, museum, and events venue), Diamond Hill (a former slave cemetery), and Berry Hill Plantation.

source: U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)

Virginia Wildlife Management Area Stakeholder Workshops

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) owns more than 201,000 acres on 39 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) located across the Commonwealth. The land was acquired primarily to conserve wildlife habitat and to provide wildlife-related recreational opportunities for the public.

Virginia Wildlife Management Areas were purchased and are maintained using Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Funds derived from excise taxes assessed on hunting and fishing equipment and supplies; hunting, trapping and fishing license revenues; and a variety of other funding sources including grants from partner organizations.

While WMAs were initially purchased by the agency to be used by hunters and anglers (many WMAs contain public lakes or have access to public waters), these largely undeveloped lands are also used by bird watchers, boaters, hikers, horseback riders, participants in field dog trials, and others.

To gain stakeholder input regarding recreational use and land management of WMAs, VDGIF Bureau of Wildlife Resources staffs and researchers from Virginia Tech's Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences will hold public workshop meetings on five evenings in March. At the request of VDGIF, Virginia Tech researchers completed a year-long study in September 2010 that examined recreational use on WMAs in Virginia. The March workshops are the next step in a multi-year process of assessing use of and developing a statewide management plan for Virginia's WMAs.

Five WMA workshop meetings will be held in March.

Dates, times, and locations of workshop meetings are as follows:

Tuesday, March 8 (7:00-9:00 PM): John Barton Payne Community Room, 2 Courthouse Square, Warrenton (former Fauquier County Library Building)

Wednesday, March 9 (6:30-8:30 PM): Virgil I. Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive, Newport News

Thursday, March 10 (7:00-9:00 PM): DGIF Richmond Office, 4010 W. Broad Street, Richmond

Wednesday, March 16 (7:00-9:00 PM): Augusta Co. Government Center (South Board Room), 18 Government Center Lane, Verona

Thursday, March 17 (7:00-9:00 PM): Wytheville Community College (122 Smyth Hall), 1000 East Main Street, Wytheville

The public is invited to attend and to discuss goals and concerns regarding recreational use and land management on the WMAs. To help VDGIF plan, please call or email Amy Carrozzino at Virginia Tech (acarroz@vt.edu, 540-231-0961) if you plan to attend one of the meetings.

To learn more about the Department's wildlife management areas, visit www.wgif.virginia.gov