{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2018-11-16T17:51:59","modified_gmt":"2018-11-16T17:51:59","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Roanoke3\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

PARKS & NATURE<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

State\/Federal Parkland<\/strong><\/p>\n

Appalachian National Scenic Trail<\/strong>
\nTrail Park Office
\nHarper’s Ferry, WV 304-535-6278
\nwww.appalachiantrail.org<\/a>
\nStretching more than 2,100 miles, this continuous footpath showcases spectacular mountain beauty from Maine to Georgia.<\/p>\n

Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest<\/strong>
\nDillwyn 434-977-6555
\nwww.dof.virginia.gov<\/a>
\nNearly 20,000 acres of deep forest is nestled in the piedmont of Virginia, 40 miles east of Lynchburg.<\/p>\n

Bear Creek Lake State Park<\/strong>
\nCumberland 804-492-4410
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks<\/a>
\nPark activities center on the 40-acre recreational lake to include boating, swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking.<\/p>\n

Blue Ridge Parkway Association<\/strong>
\nPark Headquarters Office
\nAshville, NC 828-271 4779
\nInformation Line 828-298-0398
\nwww.nps.gov\/blri<\/a>
\nKnown 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.<\/p>\n

Cascades Recreation Area<\/strong>
\nGeorge Washington & Jefferson National Forests
\nPembrooke 540-265-5100
\nwww.southernregion.fs.fed.us\/gwj<\/a>
\nThis developed area features a spectacular waterfall cascading over a 60-foot-high crescent of shale cliffs and spilling into Little Stony Creek.<\/p>\n

Claytor Lake State Park<\/strong>
\nDublin 540-643-2500
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks<\/a>
\nVisitors 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.<\/p>\n

Douthat State Park<\/strong>
\nMillboro 540-862-8100
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks<\/a>
\nAcclaimed as one of the nation’s finest parks, Douthat offers breathtaking scenery and a 50-acre lake for swimming, boating, and seasonal trout fishing.<\/p>\n

Fairy Stone State Park<\/strong>
\nStuart 276-930-2424
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks<\/a>
\nCovering 4,537, the park is the largest of Virginia’s original state parks and features rare mineral crosses, scenic beauty, and rich history.<\/p>\n

George Washington & Jefferson National Forests<\/strong>
\n5162 Valleypointe Parkway
\nRoanoke 540-265-5100
\nwww.fs.fed.us\/r8\/gwj<\/a>
\nTwo spectacular forests stretch across Virginia to encourage hiking, fishing, mountain biking, camping, nature study, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, photography, and orienteering.<\/p>\n

Holliday Lake State Park<\/strong>
\nAppomattox 434-248-6308
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks<\/a>
\nNestled in a state forest, the park is a natural paradise with fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking, boating, and nature study.<\/p>\n

James River State Park<\/strong>
\nGladstone 434-933-4355
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks<\/a>
\nEnjoy access to nearly 20 miles of multi-purpose trails, numerous overnight options, fishing, canoeing, and other river activities.<\/p>\n

Mt. Pleasant National Scenic Area<\/strong>
\nGeorge Washington & Jefferson National Forests
\nNatural Bridge 540-291-2188
\nwww.fs.fed.us\/r8\/gwj<\/a>
\nThis popular hiking and camping destination offers scenic routes with spectacular rhododendron groves, old chestnut snags, mountain meadows, and breathtaking views.<\/p>\n

Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area<\/strong>
\nGeorge Washington & Jefferson National Forests
\nPembrooke 540-265-5100
\nwww.southernregion.fs.fed.us\/gwj<\/a>
\nMore than 120,000 forested acres offer camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, nature study, and mountain biking.<\/p>\n

Occoneechee State Park<\/strong>
\nClarksville 434-374-2210
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks<\/a>
\nVirginia’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.<\/p>\n

Smith Mountain Lake State Park<\/strong>
\nHuddleston 540-297-6066
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks<\/a>
\nBoasting the second-largest body of fresh water in Virginia, the park also provides hiking trails, cabins, camping, picnic areas, and interpretive programs.<\/p>\n

Staunton River Battlefield State Park<\/strong>
\nScottsburg 434-572-4623
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks<\/a>
\nNearly 1,600 acres along the shores of the John H. Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island Lake) and two rivers combine with many other recreational attractions.<\/p>\n

Twin Lakes State Park<\/strong>
\nGreen Bay 434-392-3435
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov\/state_parks<\/a>
\nSwimming, camping, fishing, biking, canoeing, and hiking are popular activities in this park with the Cedar Crest Conference Center.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Regional Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bryce Resort<\/strong>
\n1982 Fairway Drive
\nBasye 540-856-2121
\nToll free 800-821-1444
\nwww.bryceresort.com<\/a>
\nThe panoramic Shenandoah Valley is the setting for the country pleasures of golfing, hiking, swimming, boating, and winter sports.<\/p>\n

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve<\/strong>
\nBoat Dock 540-563-9170
\nwww.roanokeva.gov<\/a>
\nThe reservoir is a major water source surrounded by 12,700 scenic acres for fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking.<\/p>\n

The Caverns at Natural Bridge<\/strong>
\n15 Appledore Lane
\nNatural Bridge 800-533-1410
\nwww.naturalbridgeva.com<\/a>
\nKids 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.<\/p>\n

Dixie Caverns<\/strong>
\n5753 West Main Street
\nSalem 540-380-2085
\nwww.dixiecaverns.com<\/a>
\nWest 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.<\/p>\n

The Huckleberry Trail Heritage Park & Trail System<\/strong>
\nClay & Draper Roads
\nBlacksburg 540-382-6975
\nwww.montva.com\/departments\/parks<\/a>
\nThis six-mile trail extends from Blacksburg through Montgomery County to the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg.<\/p>\n

James River Heritage Trail<\/strong>
\nLynchburg Area 434-455-5858
\nwww.ci.lynchburg.va.us<\/a>
\nComplementing the Blackwater Creek Bikeway, a RiverWalk leads from the bustling streets of Lynchburg into Amherst County across Percival’s Island.<\/p>\n

Luray Caverns<\/strong>
\n970 US Highway 211 West
\nLuray 540-743-6551
\nwww.luraycaverns.com<\/a>
\nThe East’s largest and most popular caverns offer paved walkways through cathedral-sized rooms filled with natural wonders.<\/p>\n

Natural Bridge of Virginia<\/strong>
\n15 Appledore Lane
\nNatural Bridge 800-533-1410
\nwww.naturalbridgeva.com<\/a>
\nOne 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.<\/p>\n

Peaks of Otter<\/strong>
\nBlue Ridge Parkway
\nLocations Vary
\nInformation 828-298 0398
\nwww.nps.gov\/blri<\/a>
\nFor more than 8,000 years, people have traveled through the Peaks of Otter area searching for their livelihood and recreation.<\/p>\n

Randolph Park<\/strong>
\n5100 Alexander Road
\nDublin 540-674-1513
\nwww.pulaskicounty.org\/randolph_park<\/a>
\nNearly 90 prime acres of land creates a spacious and panoramic backdrop for the $6 million state-of-the-art outdoor recreational facility.<\/p>\n

Roanoke Star & Scenic Overlook<\/strong>
\n114 Market Street
\nRoanoke 540-853-2236
\nwww.roanokeva.gov<\/a>
\nCelebrated 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.<\/p>\n

Virginia’s Explore Park<\/strong>
\nMilepost 115, Blue Ridge Parkway
\nRoanoke 540-427-1800
\nToll free 800-842-9163
\nwww.explorepark.org<\/a>
\nThis 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.<\/p>\n

Wildwood Campground<\/strong>
\n6252 Elon Road
\nMonroe 434-299-5228
\nToll free 866-883-5228
\nwww.wildwoodcampground.com<\/a>
\nOutdoor enthusiasts can enjoy 75 primarily wooded sites at this beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains retreat.<\/p>\n

Wintergreen Resort<\/strong>
\nRoute 664
\nWintergreen 434-325-2100
\nwww.wintergreenresort.com<\/a>
\nMore 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.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nature Centers & Gardens<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bottom Creek Gorge<\/strong>
\nRoute 669
\nInformation 434-295-6106
\nwww.nature.org<\/a>
\nMore 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.<\/p>\n

Boxerwood Gardens<\/strong>
\n963 Ross Road
\nLexington 540-463-2697
\nwww.boxerwood.com<\/a>
\nThis horticultural treasure features a 15-acre mature arboretum and a nature center with educational programs.<\/p>\n

Buffalo Springs Herb Farm<\/strong>
\nWest Raphine Road
\nRaphine 540-348-1083
\nwww.buffaloherbs.com<\/a>
\nSeveral original structures combine with a museum of garden history and theme herb gardens.<\/p>\n

Claytor Nature Study Center<\/strong>
\nLynchburg College
\nLynchburg 434-544-8360
\nwww.lynchburg.edu\/claytor.xml<\/a>
\nSerious naturalists will want to learn more about the center and its special programs in appreciation of the natural environment.<\/p>\n

Falls Ridge Preserve<\/strong>
\nFalls Ridge Road
\nInformation 434-295-6106
\nwww.nature.org<\/a>
\nMontgomery 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.<\/p>\n

Mill Mountain Zoo<\/strong>
\nBlue Ridge Parkway
\nRoanoke 540-343-3241
\nwww.mmzoo.org<\/a>
\nMammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians are featured at this mountain top haven with its kaleidoscope of educational programs, special events, and scenic views.<\/p>\n

The Narrows<\/strong>
\nInformation 434-295-6106
\nwww.nature.org<\/a>
\nAlthough 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.<\/p>\n

Northern Shenandoah Audubon Society<\/strong>
\n400 Blandy Farm Road
\nBoyce 540-662-9513
\nwww.audubon-nsvas.org<\/a>
\nBirding enthusiasts have the benefit of an organization that serves as a valuable source of information.<\/p>\n

Ruskin Freer Nature Preserve<\/strong>
\nBlackwater Creek Natural Area
\n515 Monticello Avenue
\nLynchburg 434-455-5878
\nwww.ci.lynchburg.va.us<\/a>
\nThis 115-acre preserve is showcased along the Ruskin Freer Loop Trail, named for an outstanding biology teacher.<\/p>\n

Valley of Virginia Wildflower Meadow<\/strong>
\n76 McClure Boulevard
\nFairfield 540-348-5885
\nwww.antiquesvirginia.com<\/a>
\nDon’t miss the breathtaking beauty of six acres of colorful wildflowers in their natural meadow setting, along with butterflies and songbirds.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Parks & Recreation Contacts<\/strong><\/p>\n

National Park Service<\/strong>
\nWashington, DC 202-208-6843
\nwww.nps.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

National Park Service<\/strong>
\nSoutheast Region
\nAtlanta, GA 404-562-3100
\nwww.nps.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

USDA Forest Service<\/strong>
\nWashington, DC 202-205-1661
\nwww.fs.fed.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Forest Service Southern Region<\/strong>
\nAtlanta, GA 678-320-3000
\nwww.fs.fed.us\/r8<\/a><\/p>\n

Virginia Department of Forestry<\/strong>
\nCharlottesville 434-977-6555
\nwww.dof.state.va.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Virginia State Park System<\/strong>
\nDepartment of Conservation & Recreation
\nInformation 800-933-PARK
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Virginia Recreation Planning<\/strong>
\nDepartment of Conservation & Recreation
\nRichmond 804-786-5046
\nwww.dcr.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Amherst County Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\nAmherst 434-946-9371
\nwww.countyofamherst.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Bedford County Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\nBedford 540-586-7682
\nwww.co.bedford.va.us\/Res\/Rec<\/a><\/p>\n

Botetourt County Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\nFincastle 540-473-8326
\nwww.co.botetourt.va.us\/recreation<\/a><\/p>\n

Campbell County Recreation<\/strong>
\nRustburg 434-332-9570
\nBrookneal 434-283-9570
\nLynchburg 434-592-9570
\nwww.co.campbell.va.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Franklin County Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\nRocky Mount 540-483-9293
\nwww.franklincountyva.org\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n

Montgomery County Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\nChristiansburg 540-382-6975
\nwww.montva.com\/departments\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n

Pulaski County Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\nPulaski 540-674-4161
\nwww.pulaskicounty.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Roanoke County Parks Recreation & Tourism<\/strong>
\nSalem 540-387-6078
\nwww.roanokecountyva.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Bedford City Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\nBedford 540-587-6061
\nwww.bedfordva.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Lynchburg City Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\nLynchburg 434-455-5858
\nwww.lynchburgva.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Roanoke City Parks and Recreation<\/strong>
\nRoanoke 540-853-2236
\nwww.roanokeva.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Salem City Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\nSalem 540-375-3057
\nwww.ci.salem.va.us<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Roanoke3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Roanoke3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Roanoke3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Roanoke3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Roanoke3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Roanoke3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":611,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Roanoke3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/611"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Roanoke3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}