Events in Virginia State Parks

Are all snakes venomous?

 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?

Join a ranger around the fire at Green Pastures Recreation Area, gathering inside the historic CCC-built picnic shelter for an evening of reflection, storytelling, and warm apple crisp.

Step into the quiet, mysterious woods after dark for an unforgettable experience.

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

Join us on a guided golf cart tour of High Bridge where we will learn about the bridge's history and the role it played in the American Civil War.

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

All are welcome at the Friends of Sailor's Creek Battlefield volunteer support group during their monthly meeting as they focus on a variety of objectives designed to assist the park's mission in preserving the hallowed grounds of the last major battle of the American Civil War in Virginia on April 6, 1865.

This FREE two-night (October 19 & 21) Boating Safety Course will enable participants to obtain their Boater Safety certification/card which is required in Virginia for all PWC operators age 14 and older and all operators (regardless of age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine.  Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult and pre-registration for all participants is required. Register online here.

Help support the park you love.

The Friends of Powhatan State Park is a group made up of citizen volunteers from Virginia’s Piedmont region who are passionate about supporting the park’s mission.

Join a park ranger on a three-mile hike to the waterfall and back.

Are you age 60+ with an interest in spending time in nature?

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

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.

Fall is a great time of year to take-in Southwest Virginia's beautiful scenery by bike.  This bike meet up will go from Foster Falls to Austinville and back (10.4 miles round trip).  Group Ride: Rides will be at a group pace.

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

This FREE two-night (October 19 & 21) Boating Safety Course will enable participants to obtain their Boater Safety certification/card which is required in Virginia for all PWC operators age 14 and older and all operators (regardless of age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine.  Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult and pre-registration for all participants is required. Register online here.

Heads up; the sky is putting on a show-er.

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

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.

"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.  .

Slither and splash into the world of reptiles.

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

Enjoy pumpkin decorating, costume contests, and a community-based Trunk-or-Treat, where children can experience an old-fashioned Halloween in a fun and safe environment.

Slip on your closed-toe shoes and get ready to explore the creek.

Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.

Our Friends Group is an organization of citizens who support our park's operations, events, and material needs through fund raising.

Ever wonder what goes on at night in a park?

Step into the quiet, mysterious woods of Douthat State Park after dark for an unforgettable experience.

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

Calling all homeschoolers!

Meet with a ranger and go on a one-mile guided hike along the Oak Hickory Trail, rated as a moderate hike.

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.

Meet local 'shellebrity' Ranger Myrtle, the Red-eared Slider turtle, as she suns herself in her enclosure behind the Discovery Center.

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!

Can you tell the difference between an elk and a deer?

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

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

Meet a ranger for a leisurely paced morning walk from the Foster Falls Depot to the Shot Tower.

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

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.

“The Moon and stars are not above us; they are within us." --John Muir Come join our rangers on an evening hike through the Holly Marsh Trail to view the Full Moon rising above the Potomac River!

Wear your best costume and come join us at Fairy Stone State Park for a fun filled afternoon of Trunk-or-Treating. Parking for the event will be in the upper beach parking area.

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?

What does fire mean to you?

Explore an enchanting evening amidst the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun sets and the world transitions from day to night!

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

This October, spirits from the past will guide you along the trail to the Natural Bridge, lit only by lantern light.

Wash Woods legends come alive for one weekend only!

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.

This October, spirits from the past will guide you along the trail to the Natural Bridge, lit only by lantern light.

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

Grab your binoculars and get outside.

Join us as we open the doors to the old Norfolk and Western caboose 518517.

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

Join local photographer and educator Sharon Fisher for a photography workshop. Using observational and photography skills to document nature, this session will focus on finding and capturing images that capture autumn’s beauty.

Step back in time and celebrate the rural traditions that shaped the landscape of Sweet Run State Park!

Step inside the Interpretive Center and discover how Harvest, Home, and History are woven into the story of Sweet Run State Park.

Join us for a series of gentle outdoor experiences designed for women who want to reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other.

Enjoy the Autumn days while also helping out your state parks! Check out some of Widewater's Autumn volunteer opportunities below.  Educational Volunteer Opportunities Federal Duck Stamp Class: September 19th, October 17th, & November 21st Natural Resource Management Japanese Silt Grass Removal: September 25th Beaver Dam Trail Maintenance: October 24th & November 21st Recreation & Special Events Volunteer Appreciation Event: October 3rd **Registration Required Trek n' Treat Trail - Decoration Setup: October 11th  - Decoration Takedown: November 1st Saturday, September 19th : Waterway Cleanups Summer Cleanup on the Aquia Creek Join this Stafford-based non-profit as they help keep Aquia Creek clean of trash and debris via kayaks in their Autumn cleanup at the park.

The Timberneck House got a new paint job last year!

Take a fall walk of exploration with two Virginia Master Naturalists in this third of a series of seasonal walks planned for children.

Hoot have thought reconstructing skeletons could be so cool?!

Explore historic Prince Edward Lake on this guided canoe tour led by rangers.

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Bask in the autumn beauty on this ranger-led hike, where you'll practice tree identification using leaf shape, color, bark, and nuts.

Oct.

Have you ever wondered about the birds in your area?

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

Go back in time in the historic village of Foster Falls.

Enjoy the Potomac River's cool autumn breeze with your friends and family at Leesylvania State Park's Annual Fall Festival! Celebrate the season with hayrides, crafts, trunk or treat, vendors, and more.

Introduced by the National Parks, B.A.R.K.

Explore disc golf with a ranger.

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.

Join the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry (NOVAAR) Club as their model rockets go up, up, and away.

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.

Cryptid Tales Unleashed at Southwest Virginia Museum Join park rangers and volunteers in the museum’s Victorian Parlor on Saturday, October 24 from 12-1 p.m. for an exciting exploration of southern Appalachia’s most captivating legends and local mysteries—from Norton’s legendary Woodbooger to the 1987 UFO sightings over Wytheville, Virginia.

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

History often remembers naval warfare for its victories and innovations.

Step inside the Discovery Center to learn from a park ranger about local wildlife, the park's history, and the New River! All ages welcome.

Slime is survival.

Ever wonder what dolls of the 18th century frontier looked like or what they were made of?

Did you know 'creepy crawlies' are some of the world's most important recyclers?

You are invited to slow down, step outside, and discover how nature journaling can change the way you notice the world around you.

Happy fall, y'all!

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

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Come and paint a pretty pumpkin!