Events in Virginia State Parks

The bones of Kiptopeke's native animal species have some pretty amazing stories to tell.

Explore the park with a leaf identification scavenger hunt.

Reading Stories Written in Stone: Discovering the Symbolism of Historic Gravestones In Southwest Virginia, stories are often found in the quiet details of old cemeteries.

Ready to experience the forest in all its autumn color?

Leaf peep in style on a wagon ride with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the fall color change.

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Ever wondered what happened at Kiptopeke before it became a state park?

 Come join Ranger Webb-Watkins for an orientation tour of the Battle of Cedar Mountain!

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boom town. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

Everyone has heard of dancing in the moonlight, but what about kayaking?

Join our park rangers for a guided walk through Big Stone Gap’s historic Glencoe Cemetery.

Known throughout history as a backdrop for adventure and freedom, the frontier concealed far more in the dark reaches of its hollows and hills.

Join this ranger-guided sunset bike ride along High Bridge Trail.

Join a ranger around the fire at Douthat State Park, gathering inside a historic CCC-built shelter for an evening of reflection, storytelling, and warm apple crisp.

'Whoooo' goes there?

Wash Woods legends come alive for one weekend only!

Known throughout history as a backdrop for adventure and freedom, the frontier concealed far more in the dark reaches of its hollows and hills.

During Halloween, there are things that go bump in the woods. Venture into the shadows on our haunted trail, where eerie whispers drift through the trees, unseen footsteps follow close behind, and every twist in the path brings a new spine-chilling surprise.

Who-who-whoooo's calling?

Join us for a lantern-lit walk through Ivanhoe.

Walk among the 'ghosts' and 'goblins' of Fairy Stone State Park and hear some scary stories!

Explore the sky with the NASA Langley Skywatchers, hosted by Friends of Machicomoco State Park. Come learn about the moon, planets, and stars. Telescopes will be on hand for public viewing just bring a flashlight and lawn chair to enjoy this family friendly evening!

Whoooooo wants to go on a spooky after-dark adventure to search for owls on the trails?

The 5th Annual Storytelling at the Tunnel is a program designed to promote the art of storytelling which is a traditional form of entertainment in our mountains.

Walk among the 'ghosts' and 'goblins' of Fairy Stone State Park and hear some scary stories!

Come find out hooo is lurking in the shadows of the night!

Walk among the 'ghosts' and 'goblins' of Fairy Stone State Park and hear some scary stories!

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Enjoy the stunning views of the awe-inspiring mountains as the leave begin to change from a deep green to vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues.

 Come join Ranger Webb-Watkins for an orientation tour of the Battle of Cedar Mountain!

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners from decades gone by.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

History often remembers naval warfare for its victories and innovations.

Interested in learning about archery in an adult setting?

Westmoreland State Park is home to 5 different ambassador animals: Reba McEntire the corn snake, Stevie Nicks the king snake, and three red-eared sliders, Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, and Earl Scruggs.

Some of Virginia's coolest mammals are rarely seen by humans.

Second only to humans in the ability to change their environment to fit their needs, learn just how smart a beaver can be.

Did you know that coyotes are not naturally native to Virginia?

 Come join Ranger Webb-Watkins for an orientation tour of the Battle of Cedar Mountain!

Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

Ready to experience the forest in all its autumn color?

This October, homeschoolers will delve into the world of shadows and mystery, unveiling the truth behind some of nature's spookier subjects.

This October, homeschoolers will delve into the world of shadows and mystery, unveiling the truth behind some of nature's spookier subjects.

The Friends of York River State Park is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support the mission of the park: We champion the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of York River State Park's estuarine environment.

This trail begins on Iron Mine Trail and features an iron mine once used by Fayerdale residents, as well as an overlook of Fairy Stone Lake.

What happens when people leave a house, barn, field, or farm behind?

This October, homeschoolers will delve into the world of shadows and mystery, unveiling the truth behind some of nature's spookier subjects.

This October, homeschoolers will delve into the world of shadows and mystery, unveiling the truth behind some of nature's spookier subjects.

"Beavers:  Nature's Engineers" examines the characteristics and habits of North America's largest rodent.  Learn about how beavers alter the environment more than any other creature except humans.  Find out how beavers contributed to the westward expansion as settlers arrived in the New World.  Various items, including a beaver skull, pelt, and examples of wood cuttings, will be displayed.  .

Why is Virginia's Eastern Shore one of the best hot spots for birdwatching in the whole Western Hemisphere?

Join our rangers in discovering the secrets of the magnificent White-tailed Deer.

Come sit in the shade and make your own unique, nature-themed keepsake!

Meet with a ranger and go on a guided hike along the Lakeshore Trail (0.81mi.).

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

Rangers from Leesylvania State Park will take your little ones on a nature adventure with reading, games, and crafts.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Did you know that coyotes are not naturally native to Virginia?

Discover the “bear facts” about Fairy Stone State Park’s black bears at our ranger-led program. Learn about their characteristics, habits, how to avoid conflicts, and much more.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is delighted to announce the 2026 fall semester of the WiseJAMS Music Program!

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Calling all homeschoolers!

After the iron industry moved away from the area, residents of Fayerdale went from mining to 'shining.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

The library is coming to the park!

Did you know your shoes leave more than tracks behind?

Come one, come all, for a spooky hike this Fall!

Trees have magical qualities that provide us with many important everyday items, as well as a large portion of the oxygen we breathe.

Get tangled up in the fascinating world of spiders!

Ever wondered what happened at Kiptopeke before it became a state park?

Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

Take in the crisp air and the brilliant colors of autumn as we stroll along Douthat’s scenic lakefront.

Let us keep the kids entertained while the adults set up or take a break from setting up and stop by for a quick craft; discussion of Belle Isle's history; or a lesson on critters.

Have you ever wanted to shoot an arrow with the precision and grace of Robin Hood or Catniss Everdeen?

Come sit in the shade and make your own unique, nature-themed keepsake!

Ever wondered how you stack up against some of the largest birds in the sky?

Did you know that many species of fungi, plants, and even wildlife glow under a black light?

Join us at the Community Fire Ring to relax, enjoy a roasted marshmallow, and get to know your camping neighbors.

Practice starting a fire using natural materials and a 'ferro' rod, then gather around a crackling fire to hear stories shared by a park ranger. Some stories will tell of this region's history, and some will feature adventure, mystery, or spooky experiences in the outdoors.

Join us for some spooky storytelling by the campfire!

Get ready for a Halloween Howl!

Welcome to Fairy Stone State Park!

Ghosts and goblins aren't the only things that come out at Halloween, so do the owls!

Start your weekend off right with s’mores and more!

Welcome to the park, kick off your stay with an unforgettable evening by the fire at the water's edge.

Campers are invited to join the Rangers for a free movie night, screened in our courtyard.

This Samhain, join our rangers on a morning hike through the Holly Marsh Trail to see the sunrise over the Potomac River!

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Would you like to have the chance to explore the trails in Powhatan State Park and meet new people?

Become an owl pellet detective as we dissect the clues an owl leaves behind.

Leaf your fears behind and tree-t yourself to a ranger-led hike focusing on trees and the treats they make for animals and humans alike.

 Come join Ranger Webb-Watkins for an orientation tour of the Battle of Cedar Mountain!

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners from decades gone by.

Grab the leash, summon your courage, and join us for a spooktacular fall B.A.R.K.

Have you carved your pumpkin for the fall season yet?

Let your imagination run wild with this fun scavenger hunt.

Come one, come all, for a spooky hike this Fall!

Black bears are one of the many incredible mammals that dwell in Douthat State Park.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.