Virginia
Parks in Virginia
Discover the best state parks, lakes, hiking trails, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation throughout the Old Dominion.
Virginia offers much more than its cities. From the beaches of First Landing to the wild ponies of Grayson Highlands, the gorge at Great Falls, and the Blue Ridge crest of Shenandoah, there are places to enjoy the outdoors in every corner of the state.
Explore Virginia ParksEnjoy the Outdoors in Virginia
Virginia has more than 40 state parks, plus national park sites, county parks and city green spaces. Whether you are looking for a scenic hike, a lake to swim or paddle, a waterfall trail, sports facilities, or a quiet place to relax, the state has parks for many different lifestyles.
Popular Parks in Virginia
Explore some of Virginia's best-known state parks, national sites and outdoor recreation areas.
Page, Rappahannock, Rockingham and Warren County
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park protects 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge along Skyline Drive, with more than 500 miles of trails and dozens of overlooks.
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Virginia Beach County
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park sits where the 1607 Jamestown colonists first came ashore, with cypress swamps, beachfront and 20 miles of trails.
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Fairfax County
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park overlooks the Potomac River's dramatic rapids at the Mather Gorge, with cliff-top overlooks and rugged river trails.
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Richmond County
James River Park System
The James River Park System protects 550 acres of urban river, islands, rapids and trails running through the middle of Richmond.
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Richmond County
Maymont
Maymont is a 100-acre Victorian estate in Richmond with an Italian garden, a Japanese garden, a nature center and roaming native wildlife.
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Rockbridge County
Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge State Park protects a 215-foot limestone arch that was once owned by Thomas Jefferson and drawn by visitors for two centuries.
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Grayson County
Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park sits at 4,000 feet in Virginia's highest mountains, with open balds, wild ponies and access to Mount Rogers.
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Bath and Alleghany County
Douthat State Park
Douthat State Park is one of Virginia's original six state parks, with a mountain lake, a beach, cabins and more than 40 miles of trails.
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Pulaski County
Claytor Lake State Park
Claytor Lake State Park sits on a 4,500-acre reservoir in the New River Valley, with swimming, boating, camping and lakeside cabins.
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Bedford County
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Smith Mountain Lake State Park occupies a wooded peninsula on Virginia's largest lake, with a beach, cabins and boat access.
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Virginia Beach County
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park is a remote barrier-spit park reachable only by foot, bike or boat, with undeveloped beach and maritime forest.
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Virginia Beach County
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects a barrier-island mix of marsh, beach and dunes on Virginia's southern coast, with trails and wildlife viewing.
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James City and York County
Colonial National Historical Park
Colonial National Historical Park links Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown along the 23-mile Colonial Parkway, telling the story of Virginia's colonial capital.
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Prince William County
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park preserves the ground of the First and Second Battles of Bull Run, with trails, earthworks and a visitor center.
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Warren County
Shenandoah River State Park
Shenandoah River State Park follows more than five miles of the South Fork, with riverfront campsites, trails and canoe access.
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Chesterfield County
Pocahontas State Park
Pocahontas State Park covers nearly 8,000 acres outside Richmond, with two lakes, a pool, camping and one of the region's best mountain bike trail systems.
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Northampton County
Kiptopeke State Park
Kiptopeke State Park sits on the Chesapeake Bay near the Bay Bridge-Tunnel, with a beach, fishing pier, campground and famous fall bird migration.
View Park DetailsGreat Parks for Families
Families across Virginia have plenty of options for a day outside. Many state parks have swimming beaches, playgrounds, open lawns, shaded picnic areas, hiking trails, and facilities that make it easy to spend several hours outdoors.
- Playgrounds and play structures
- Picnic tables and pavilions
- Open lawns for games
- Walking and biking paths
- Shaded areas
- Family-friendly recreation
Walking, Biking & Outdoor Fitness
Virginia's parks and rail-trails make it easy to stay active through every season. Residents use them for morning hikes, jogging, cycling, paddling, cross-country skiing, and everyday recreation.
Explore Virginia's Natural Side
Virginia is shaped by the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic, the James and Shenandoah rivers, and the Blue Ridge. Parks such as First Landing, False Cape, Grayson Highlands and the Great Falls offer a quieter side of the state, from sandy beaches to rocky gorges.
Perfect for walking, wildlife viewing, photography, and simply relaxing outdoors.
Find Parks Near Virginia Cities & Towns
Living near a quality park can make a big difference in everyday life. Parks provide recreation, community gathering spaces, walking opportunities, and easy access to outdoor activities.
Explore Virginia Cities & TownsWhy Parks Matter When Choosing Where to Live
Outdoor Recreation
Easy access to walking, biking, boating and family activities.
Family Lifestyle
Playgrounds and green spaces give families more options close to home.
Community
Parks often serve as gathering places for events, recreation, and neighborhood activities.
Quality of Life
Access to attractive outdoor spaces adds to the overall appeal of a neighborhood.
Virginia Parks FAQs
Discover More of Virginia
Explore Virginia cities, towns, counties, parks, restaurants, shopping, local businesses, and things to do throughout the Old Dominion.