Virginia State Parks

Virginia State Parks are all about Your Parks Your Adventures, meaning they offer adventures to everyone, no matter your age, fitness level or interest. The Parks can offer anything from a simple walking trail to a strenuous climb up the mountain; a leisurely bike ride to some of the best mountain biking in the state; a fun kid’s outdoor program to a guided climbing adventure. Virginia State Parks are here to offer you the level of adventure that suites you and helps you unwind. You’ll find plenty of programs, events and activities, with seven of the 38 parks right here in the Shenandoah Valley. From the experienced hiker to the novice, you are sure to find your path at one of the Parks. It’s no wonder hiking is among the most popular activities. It’s low impact, inexpensive, keeps you fit, strengthens bones and keeps the pounds off. Escape the crowds, breathe fresh air, enjoy wildlife and take in the stunning scenery that only Virginia can offer. Park trails accommodate other activities including biking, mountain biking and horseback riding, and many parks have universally accessible trails. Douthat State Park offers 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. Several state parks also offer connector trails to other trail destinations. For instance, Sky Meadows State Park not only offers 10.5 miles of bridle trails, 22 miles of hiking trails and 9 miles of bike trails, but it also provides Appalachian Trail access. Biking is a great stress reliever, especially in the great outdoors while you’re breathing clean, fresh, country air. You can get to places on a bike, especially a mountain bike, where cars can’t go. Holliday Lake

State Park has several hiking trails, including a connector trail to the 10.2-mile Carter Taylor Multi-use Trail for hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders. Biking also helps the environment: they’re efficient and cause no pollution. Get off the highway and visit a nearby state park to pedal your way to fun and adventure. Learn about a particular park’s trails by visiting the Virginia State Park website https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/ state-parks/trails. The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www. virginiastateparks.gov.

Natural Bridge State Park

If you love authentic, vibrant small towns and rural scenic beauty, exploring the Winchester area tops the list. Feel the heartbeat of this thriving community in Old Town Winchester, where you can stroll through unique shops and dine at outdoor cafes. The historic district features incredible architecture, cultural activities, and exciting events. In the spring, Winchester hosts the biggest party of the year, the annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, April 24-May 3, 2020. The festival features parades, fireworks, dances, celebrities, sporting events, a wine festival, carnival, and more. Join them to celebrate the blooming apple trees in the orchards surrounding town! Don’t miss the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, a regional museum dedicated to interpreting the art, history, and culture of the Shenandoah Valley. A must-see attraction in the spring is the museum’s breathtaking gardens. On display from April 18 – September 13, 2020, the gardens will feature a unique outdoor sculpture exhibition, David Rogers’ Big Bugs.

Old Town Winchester

Patsy Cline Historic House