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On the Trail in Virginia State Parks
Come and relax at one of Virginia’s State Parks. You’ll find plenty of programs, events and activities, with seven of the 38 parks right here in the Shenandoah Valley.
Each park provides unique experiences, and some of the most popular activities happen on the park trails, with some of the best hiking and biking trails in the state. From the experienced hiker to the novice, you are sure to find your path at one of Virginia’s gorgeous parks. It’s no wonder hiking is among the most popular activities in the parks. 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.
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Park trails accommodate other activities including biking, mountain biking and horseback riding, and many parks have universally accessible trails. At Shenandoah River State Park you can even zipline. 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, it also provides Appalachian Trail access. The park also offers a small loop trail in the new outside Children’s Discovery Area that allows children and their families to ease their way into the outdoors and learn to use trails.
Biking is as fun as it is good for you. It’s 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. Biking also helps the environment: it’s efficient and causes no pollution. Get off the highway and visit a nearby state park to pedal your way to fun and adventure.
Learn about a specific park’s trails by visiting the Virginia State Park website
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-
parks/. Whether you’re after a relaxing picnic or a two-week vacation, leave life’s daily pressures behind and reconnect with nature and your family at a nearby state park.
