PARKS & NATURE
Dramatic natural features combine with developed amenities like the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway to provide unrivaled opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature. Scores of state parks throughout Virginia offer camp sites, cabins, 500 miles of panoramic trails, and convenient access to shimmering lakes and waterways. Closer to home, outstanding resources like the Explore Park and the Mill Mountain Zoo are ideal for naturalists and families.
State/Federal Parkland
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Trail Park Office
Harper’s Ferry, WV 304-535-6278
www.appalachiantrail.org
Stretching more than 2,100 miles, this continuous footpath showcases spectacular mountain beauty from Maine to Georgia.
Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
Dillwyn 434-977-6555
www.dof.virginia.gov
Nearly 20,000 acres of deep forest is nestled in the piedmont of Virginia, 40 miles east of Lynchburg.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Cumberland 804-492-4410
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks
Park activities center on the 40-acre recreational lake to include boating, swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking.
Blue Ridge Parkway Association
Park Headquarters Office
Ashville, NC 828-271 4779
Information Line 828-298-0398
www.nps.gov/blri
Known as “America’s favorite drive,” the parkway continues to be one of the jewels of the national park system. Roanoke at Milepost 120 is the largest city along this path of breathtaking natural beauty, scenic vistas, picnic areas, campsites, and trails.
Cascades Recreation Area
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
Pembrooke 540-265-5100
www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/gwj
This developed area features a spectacular waterfall cascading over a 60-foot-high crescent of shale cliffs and spilling into Little Stony Creek.
Claytor Lake State Park
Dublin 540-643-2500
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks
Visitors area drawn to the 4,500-acre, 21-mile-long lake with the state’s only full-service marina, miles of hiking trails, camping facilities, swimming areas, and cabins.
Douthat State Park
Millboro 540-862-8100
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks
Acclaimed as one of the nation’s finest parks, Douthat offers breathtaking scenery and a 50-acre lake for swimming, boating, and seasonal trout fishing.
Fairy Stone State Park
Stuart 276-930-2424
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks
Covering 4,537, the park is the largest of Virginia’s original state parks and features rare mineral crosses, scenic beauty, and rich history.
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
5162 Valleypointe Parkway
Roanoke 540-265-5100
www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj
Two spectacular forests stretch across Virginia to encourage hiking, fishing, mountain biking, camping, nature study, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, photography, and orienteering.
Holliday Lake State Park
Appomattox 434-248-6308
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks
Nestled in a state forest, the park is a natural paradise with fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking, boating, and nature study.
James River State Park
Gladstone 434-933-4355
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks
Enjoy access to nearly 20 miles of multi-purpose trails, numerous overnight options, fishing, canoeing, and other river activities.
Mt. Pleasant National Scenic Area
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
Natural Bridge 540-291-2188
www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj
This popular hiking and camping destination offers scenic routes with spectacular rhododendron groves, old chestnut snags, mountain meadows, and breathtaking views.
Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
Pembrooke 540-265-5100
www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/gwj
More than 120,000 forested acres offer camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, nature study, and mountain biking.
Occoneechee State Park
Clarksville 434-374-2210
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks
Virginia’s largest lake is the park’s focal point, although hikers enjoy more than 18 miles of trails that allow them to experience the history of the Occoneechee.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Huddleston 540-297-6066
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks
Boasting the second-largest body of fresh water in Virginia, the park also provides hiking trails, cabins, camping, picnic areas, and interpretive programs.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Scottsburg 434-572-4623
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks
Nearly 1,600 acres along the shores of the John H. Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island Lake) and two rivers combine with many other recreational attractions.
Twin Lakes State Park
Green Bay 434-392-3435
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks
Swimming, camping, fishing, biking, canoeing, and hiking are popular activities in this park with the Cedar Crest Conference Center.
Regional Highlights
Bryce Resort
1982 Fairway Drive
Basye 540-856-2121
Toll free 800-821-1444
www.bryceresort.com
The panoramic Shenandoah Valley is the setting for the country pleasures of golfing, hiking, swimming, boating, and winter sports.
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
Boat Dock 540-563-9170
www.roanokeva.gov
The reservoir is a major water source surrounded by 12,700 scenic acres for fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking.
The Caverns at Natural Bridge
15 Appledore Lane
Natural Bridge 800-533-1410
www.naturalbridgeva.com
Kids will love the entertaining 45-minute tour through the wonderland of the East Coast’s deepest commercial cavern, a full 34 stories below the surface.
Dixie Caverns
5753 West Main Street
Salem 540-380-2085
www.dixiecaverns.com
West Main Street marks the entrance to the only caverns in southwestern Virginia. Underground tours showcase the famous wedding bell and other unique formations. Attractions include a campground and pottery shop.
The Huckleberry Trail Heritage Park & Trail System
Clay & Draper Roads
Blacksburg 540-382-6975
www.montva.com/departments/parks
This six-mile trail extends from Blacksburg through Montgomery County to the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg.
James River Heritage Trail
Lynchburg Area 434-455-5858
www.ci.lynchburg.va.us
Complementing the Blackwater Creek Bikeway, a RiverWalk leads from the bustling streets of Lynchburg into Amherst County across Percival’s Island.
Luray Caverns
970 US Highway 211 West
Luray 540-743-6551
www.luraycaverns.com
The East’s largest and most popular caverns offer paved walkways through cathedral-sized rooms filled with natural wonders.
Natural Bridge of Virginia
15 Appledore Lane
Natural Bridge 800-533-1410
www.naturalbridgeva.com
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the ancient “tree-trunk” bridge towers 215 feet in height. The Monacan Indian Nation operates a living history museum on site.
Peaks of Otter
Blue Ridge Parkway
Locations Vary
Information 828-298 0398
www.nps.gov/blri
For more than 8,000 years, people have traveled through the Peaks of Otter area searching for their livelihood and recreation.
Randolph Park
5100 Alexander Road
Dublin 540-674-1513
www.pulaskicounty.org/randolph_park
Nearly 90 prime acres of land creates a spacious and panoramic backdrop for the $6 million state-of-the-art outdoor recreational facility.
Roanoke Star & Scenic Overlook
114 Market Street
Roanoke 540-853-2236
www.roanokeva.gov
Celebrated as the city’s best-known landmark, one of the largest man-made stars in the world shines brightly over “Star City of the South” and is visible for 60 miles.
Virginia’s Explore Park
Milepost 115, Blue Ridge Parkway
Roanoke 540-427-1800
Toll free 800-842-9163
www.explorepark.org
This multi-faceted park features historic areas that depict Virginian life from 1670 to 1850 and an environmental section with hiking trails and recreational activities from biking to fishing.
Wildwood Campground
6252 Elon Road
Monroe 434-299-5228
Toll free 866-883-5228
www.wildwoodcampground.com
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy 75 primarily wooded sites at this beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains retreat.
Wintergreen Resort
Route 664
Wintergreen 434-325-2100
www.wintergreenresort.com
More than 11,000 acres on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains offer superb recreational amenities including breathtaking trails, cascading streams, and lush forests.
Nature Centers & Gardens
Bottom Creek Gorge
Route 669
Information 434-295-6106
www.nature.org
More than 1,600 acres of spectacular scenery in Montgomery County, the preserve features a gorge that forms the headwaters or the Roanoke River as well as the second-highest waterfall in Virginia, virgin hemlocks, and dazzling wildflowers.
Boxerwood Gardens
963 Ross Road
Lexington 540-463-2697
www.boxerwood.com
This horticultural treasure features a 15-acre mature arboretum and a nature center with educational programs.
Buffalo Springs Herb Farm
West Raphine Road
Raphine 540-348-1083
www.buffaloherbs.com
Several original structures combine with a museum of garden history and theme herb gardens.
Claytor Nature Study Center
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg 434-544-8360
www.lynchburg.edu/claytor.xml
Serious naturalists will want to learn more about the center and its special programs in appreciation of the natural environment.
Falls Ridge Preserve
Falls Ridge Road
Information 434-295-6106
www.nature.org
Montgomery County features this 655-acre preserve of steep and rugged ridges that rise from the valley of the North Fork of the Roanoke River. The spring-fed travertine waterfall towers 80 feet in height.
Mill Mountain Zoo
Blue Ridge Parkway
Roanoke 540-343-3241
www.mmzoo.org
Mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians are featured at this mountain top haven with its kaleidoscope of educational programs, special events, and scenic views.
The Narrows
Information 434-295-6106
www.nature.org
Although human contact is very restricted, this steep, rocky, 322-acre xeric hardwood forest high above the New River in Giles County protects the world’s only remaining Peters Mountain mallow plants.
Northern Shenandoah Audubon Society
400 Blandy Farm Road
Boyce 540-662-9513
www.audubon-nsvas.org
Birding enthusiasts have the benefit of an organization that serves as a valuable source of information.
Ruskin Freer Nature Preserve
Blackwater Creek Natural Area
515 Monticello Avenue
Lynchburg 434-455-5878
www.ci.lynchburg.va.us
This 115-acre preserve is showcased along the Ruskin Freer Loop Trail, named for an outstanding biology teacher.
Valley of Virginia Wildflower Meadow
76 McClure Boulevard
Fairfield 540-348-5885
www.antiquesvirginia.com
Don’t miss the breathtaking beauty of six acres of colorful wildflowers in their natural meadow setting, along with butterflies and songbirds.
Parks & Recreation Contacts
National Park Service
Washington, DC 202-208-6843
www.nps.gov
National Park Service
Southeast Region
Atlanta, GA 404-562-3100
www.nps.gov
USDA Forest Service
Washington, DC 202-205-1661
www.fs.fed.us
Forest Service Southern Region
Atlanta, GA 678-320-3000
www.fs.fed.us/r8
Virginia Department of Forestry
Charlottesville 434-977-6555
www.dof.state.va.us
Virginia State Park System
Department of Conservation & Recreation
Information 800-933-PARK
www.dcr.virginia.gov
Virginia Recreation Planning
Department of Conservation & Recreation
Richmond 804-786-5046
www.dcr.virginia.gov
Amherst County Parks & Recreation
Amherst 434-946-9371
www.countyofamherst.com
Bedford County Parks & Recreation
Bedford 540-586-7682
www.co.bedford.va.us/Res/Rec
Botetourt County Parks & Recreation
Fincastle 540-473-8326
www.co.botetourt.va.us/recreation
Campbell County Recreation
Rustburg 434-332-9570
Brookneal 434-283-9570
Lynchburg 434-592-9570
www.co.campbell.va.us
Franklin County Parks & Recreation
Rocky Mount 540-483-9293
www.franklincountyva.org/parks
Montgomery County Parks & Recreation
Christiansburg 540-382-6975
www.montva.com/departments/parks
Pulaski County Parks & Recreation
Pulaski 540-674-4161
www.pulaskicounty.org
Roanoke County Parks Recreation & Tourism
Salem 540-387-6078
www.roanokecountyva.gov
Bedford City Parks & Recreation
Bedford 540-587-6061
www.bedfordva.gov
Lynchburg City Parks & Recreation
Lynchburg 434-455-5858
www.lynchburgva.gov
Roanoke City Parks and Recreation
Roanoke 540-853-2236
www.roanokeva.gov
Salem City Parks & Recreation
Salem 540-375-3057
www.ci.salem.va.us
