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From mountain climbing scenic trails and fishing in your subsequent nice catch to using flowy singletrack and telling tales across the campfire after a protracted day, our Blue Ridge yard is filled with thrilling outside adventures. Solo vacationers, households, and everybody in between can discover one thing to see and do. Whether or not it’s nationwide and state lands or metropolis inexperienced areas, uncover new methods to get outdoors with this information to our area’s parks.
A World of Enjoyable at Pipestem Adventures, W.Va.
What’s your favourite solution to get outdoors? With a wide range of thrilling actions multi functional spot, Pipestem Adventures is bound to have one thing that matches your concept of enjoyable. Situated inside the coronary heart of Pipestem State Resort Park, it’s the proper vacation spot for thrill-seekers, households of all ages, and adventurers of each type.
You may’t go to West Virginia with out getting on one of many state’s lovely waterways. Whether or not it’s floating the Bluestone Nationwide Scenic River snaking via the park, operating class I-V rapids on the New River, or bouncing on the trampoline and inflatables at Journey Lake, Pipestem can coordinate all of it. The brand new Splash Park is a good spot for households with little ones who wish to take to the slides and run via the dumping buckets.
Should you’re extra of a excessive flier, Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tour is the cease for you. Absorb an aerial view of the park as you zip from tree to tree to the underside of Bluestone Gorge. Alongside the way in which, you’ll attain speeds as much as 50 miles an hour over 300 toes above the bottom. For much more thrills, guide a mountaineering and rappelling journey; guides and equipment included.
Wish to see extra of the park? Discover the paths with motor-assisted e-bike leases or a guided bike tour. These skilled guides know all the greatest spots to see, plus they may give you detailed insights into the world’s pure historical past and customise the expertise relying on what you need.
And who may neglect the Journey Zone? Seize an all-inclusive move for simple entry to all of the actions, from axe-throwing station and 3D archery to disc golf and miniature golf, or guide every exercise individually. Set your groups as you battle on the laser tag discipline or follow your shot on the skeet capturing course. Who is aware of what new talent you’ll study.
With so many actions to strive, you’ll wish to hang around for greater than a day. Fortunately, the lodges, cabins, and campsites on the state park make it simple to spend an evening with a brief commute again to the enjoyable within the morning. Uncover a brand new facet of your self within the West Virginia wilderness of Pipestem Adventures.
WVTourism.com/PipestemAdventures
41 Virginia State Parks to Discover
What sort of journey are you within the temper for right now? Possibly thrilling mountain biking throughout flowy singletrack? Or perhaps hikes with hovering views of the mountainous panorama? Or perhaps you wish to get in a single final paddling journey earlier than the water will get too chilly? You could find all of this, and extra, at a Virginia State Park.
For considered one of Virginia’s most spectacular geological options, make a journey to Pure Tunnel State Park. Over 1000’s of years, water carved a tunnel out of the limestone ridge that measures 850 toes lengthy and over ten tales tall. As we speak, guests can stroll the paths to view the pure formation from above or take the chairlift to the tunnel flooring. The park’s two campgrounds are the proper place to spend an evening away from the crowds. Should you want to remain in a construction with extra everlasting partitions, guide one of many 14 cabins with mountain views or get pleasure from a picnic on the porch of your yurt.
Between the three miles of shoreline and 22 miles of multi-purpose trails, James River State Park offers an idyllic waterside getaway. Launch your boat onto the James River for wonderful smallmouth bass fishing, plus catfish and panfish galore. A wide range of lodging choices, together with primitive tent campsites, cabins, and lodges, make it simple so that you can journey alone or carry your entire family and friends with you.
Pocahontas State Park is understood for its mountain biking alternatives with over 44 miles of singletrack, machine-built circulate, and hand-cycle-friendly trails. An extra 33 miles of multi-use trails make it simple to spend day after day exploring each nook of the park. Lease one of many onsite cabins, yurts, or campsites so you will get going very first thing within the morning.
Seize your paddle and head out to Bear Creek Lake State Park. The 40-acre lake is the proper spot to spend a day puttering round on the water or swimming from the seaside. From the park, you possibly can entry an extra 16,000 acres of forested land in Cumberland State Forest, together with a 14-mile multi-use path.
That’s solely a small piece of what Virginia State Parks have to supply guests of all ages and talents. Many parks, together with Occoneechee and Belle Isle, function in a single day services that make for a handy base camp. What’s going to you uncover on a Virginia State Park journey?
VirginiaStateParks.gov
Uncover Inexperienced Areas and Wild Waters in Harford County, Md.
Amongst 89 county parks and 4 state parks, there’s a piece of nature for everybody in Harford County, Md. Discover wooded, waterfront, and sensory trails via the world’s parks, nature facilities, and gardens.
Outside journey awaits in Rocks State Park, that includes 855 acres of rocky forest land nestled in rural northern Harford County. Hold an eye fixed out for the King and Queen Seat, a spectacular 190-foot-high rock outcrop overlooking Deer Creek. The principle part of the park consists of three picnic areas, 3.5 miles of mountain climbing trails, and entry to the creek for fishing, wading, and tubing. The Falling Department space of the park, which is positioned about 5 miles north of the primary park, is dwelling to Maryland’s second-highest vertical drop waterfall, Kilgore Falls. This non-developed, environmentally delicate space has a serene half-mile mountain climbing path main from the car parking zone again to the waterfall.
Along with fishing, boating, and fifteen miles of trails for mountain climbing and equestrian use, Susquehanna State Park is dwelling to a number of the hottest mountain biking trails in Maryland. Historical past buffs will probably be drawn to the restored Rock Run Historic Space with its working gristmill, Carter-Archer Mansion, Jersey Toll Home, and the stays of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal. You don’t must go far on the finish of the day whenever you spend the night time at one of many park’s family-friendly campsites or cabins.
Encompassing 18,000 scenic acres within the Gunpowder River Valley, Gunpowder Falls State Park options over 100 miles of trails, trout streams, and the historic village of Jerusalem and 18th-century grist mill firm city. Get pleasure from a day spent using the multi-use rail path, swimming on the seaside, and picnicking by the water. E book a guided journey with a neighborhood clothing store for flat water and transferring water kayaking, canoeing, fly-fishing, catamaran crusing, windsurfing, and pure historical past walks.
You could find much more enjoyable fishing Deer Creek at Palmer State Park, having fun with mountain climbing trails and environmental applications at Eden Mill Park Nature Middle and Historic Gristmill, or spending a day by the Susquehanna River at Tydings Park and Promenade. Fill out your go to whenever you spend a while visiting the world’s farms, family-friendly museums, charming outlets, and eclectic eating choices. Uncover what makes Harford County, Md., a playground for the entire household.
The Jewel of Dawsonville, Ga.
Cool Georgian rivers, tumbling waterfalls, difficult trails—Dawsonville actually has all of it. Situated between Chattahoochee Nationwide Forest and Lake Lanier, you’ll discover no higher vacation spot for a getaway suited to each sort of adventurer. An hour outdoors of Atlanta, it’s the proper place to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of town.
No go to to Georgia is full and not using a cease at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge. The principle attraction on the park is the 729-foot Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall within the state and the third tallest east of the Mississippi. It’s not exhausting to see why it’s known as one of many seven pure wonders of Georgia. On the base of the falls, forged a line within the stocked fishing pond. Different highlights embrace the southernmost terminus of the Appalachian Path, the spot the place through hikers can start their journey by taking the eight-mile Strategy Path to Springer Mountain. Day hikers have loads of different choices with ten mountain climbing trails within the 829-acre park.
Absorb much more of the mountains on an exhilarating aerial journey with Screaming Eagle Aerial Journey Zipline Tour, positioned proper contained in the park. A wide range of experiences make it simple for newbie and intermediate thrillsters to have time. Or head proper to the longest zipline for the final word thrill, that includes a 2,000-foot line and heights reaching as much as 250 toes.
On the finish of the day, get pleasure from a snug keep on the Amicalola Falls Lodge the place you possibly can eat at Cascades, an onsite restaurant, and soak up panoramic views overlooking the mountains. The park additionally provides an extra 24 wooded campsites and RV websites or an opulent keep in a fully-furnished safari tent at Timberline Glamping.
From the park, you would possibly select to spend the night time in a spot that’s not only a lodge–however an expertise. Solely accessible by a five-mile path from the highest of Amicalola Falls, the Len Foote Hike Inn is Georgia’s solely backcountry lodge. You may journey gentle: carry a change of garments and toiletry objects, and the inn will offer you every little thing else you could want. Bond with different hikers in the course of the two family-style meals served every single day within the eating corridor. Throughout your keep, you’ll have easy accessibility to all of the Chattahoochee Nationwide Forest has to supply. There are almost 450 miles of mountain climbing trails inside the 750,000-acre forest, which suggests there isn’t a restrict to exploring.
Reap the benefits of Dawsonville’s easy accessibility to Lake Lanier, which covers 38,000 acres and incorporates 690 miles of shoreline. You received’t get bored out on the lake with numerous choices for tenting, fishing, swimming, and boating. When you’re on the water, go to a number of the 160 islands across the lake.
Head into downtown Dawsonville for a cease on the Georgia Racing Corridor of Fame and Museum to study Dawsonville’s position because the “Birthplace of Inventory Automobile Racing.” Then fulfill your cravings on the unofficial auto racing headquarters, the Dawsonville Pool Room, recognized for sounding the “SI-REEN” for each Elliott victory since 1983. Or take a drive alongside Hospitality Freeway 400 to the Blue Bicycle, a chef-owned bistro beloved by locals, and store 140 outlet outlets on the North Georgia Premium Retailers.
For distinctive entry to a few of Georgia’s greatest parks and most thrilling adventures, look no additional than a go to to the mountains of Dawsonville.
Parks for All in Berkeley County, W.Va.
Amidst the mountains and rivers of Berkeley County, uncover wild West Virginia round each nook of those pristine parks. Tie your laces, pack your mountain bike or fishing rod, and head out on an journey. Who is aware of what you’ll come throughout as you discover a brand new place.
Encompassing 28,000 acres, there’s loads of room to unfold out and discover all the nooks and crannies within the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Administration Space. Spend your days mountain climbing miles of path, overcoming obstacles in your mountain bike, fishing the scenic lake, and looking out the woods for hidden geocache shops. The mighty Tuscarora Path, a 250-mile spur off the Appalachian Path, runs via the world. This rocky and rugged terrain offers a hike away from the crowds. For hovering views of the encircling mountains, take the Beacon Path to Pee Wee Level.
For the perfect probability at recognizing native wildlife, head to Stauffer’s Marsh Protect. Among the many shallow ponds, marshy areas, and woodlands you’ll discover over 150 species of birds, particularly migrating and nesting waterfowl. Two trails loop across the property, alongside Again Creek, and previous the meadow for a peaceable stroll. Yankauer Nature Protect is the place to view the native flora, together with 105 species of vegetation which have been recognized. Stroll the path out to the limestone bluffs overlooking the Potomac River for a quiet second towards a gorgeous backdrop.
Nonetheless haven’t gotten your fill? Try one of many county’s 18 public parks for much more enjoyable within the solar. Poor Home Farm Park provides a bit of one thing for everybody. Play 27 holes of disc golf or fish at Rickard Lake for bass, trout, and others. Newbie to superior mountain bikers will love the winding singletrack looping via the forest.
Discover a spot within the shade to chill out at Battle Memorial Park the place you possibly can wade into Tuscarora Creek as you fish for trout or play a spherical on the miniature golf course. Keep watch over the calendar for the summer season live performance sequence that includes stay music and good occasions. Between the canine park and youngsters’s backyard, Ambrose Park is the proper spot to go to with the entire household.
Conveniently positioned inside a day’s drive to main East Coast cities, you don’t must journey far to benefit from the peaceable parks of Berkeley County, W.Va.
Go to Rockingham County, Va., for Miles of Trails
Picture by Joshua Gooden
From mountain ridge tops to underground caverns, the parks of Rockingham County present entry to a wide range of Virginia adventures. With over 177,000 acres designated as nationwide park or nationwide forest land, there’s a lot to maintain you coming again 12 months after 12 months.
Observe Skyline Drive to one of many spectacular overlook or waterfall hikes in Shenandoah Nationwide Park. Dozens of trailheads, together with entry to over 100 miles of the Appalachian Path, and three campgrounds make this a must-see Virginia vacation spot. A brief hike to Blackrock Summit or Hightop Summit provides beautiful views from a rocky outcrop, and each are wonderful choices for a dreamy sundown hike. Close by, First Mountain State Forest is a great spot for anglers trying to spend hours on the water. The higher reaches of Boone Run are a must-visit, categorised as a Class II wild trout stream.
Head deep into George Washington Nationwide Forest for extra distant however no much less scenic trails. Whether or not you favor fishing the cool mountain streams, mountain biking miles of rocky and rooty terrain, or tenting in a secluded spot, you possibly can’t go incorrect exploring this huge swath of scenic magnificence. Excessive Knob Hearth Tower is a well-liked vacation spot on the border with West Virginia. After a 40-minute hike, climb the tower constructed from rocks for sweeping views of the encircling mountains and valleys.
Go to one of many space’s city parks earlier than exploring the choices for a chew to eat and a style of the native spirits. Stroll the pollinator path round Lake Shenandoah for a glimpse of native wildflowers, grasses, and a wide range of wildlife species, or stroll the loop alongside North River at Wildwood Park in Bridgewater. Try the pours on faucet at Cave Hill Farms Brewery, Elkton Brewing Co., or BrewHaHa Brewing after a day of exploration.
Fill out your itinerary with a hike alongside Massanutten Ridge Path to a panoramic view of Massanutten Resort’s ski slopes or a nature stroll amongst the Elk Run Trails, an 18-mile wooded path good for a peaceable jaunt. You would possibly even end up kayaking, canoeing, or tubing the North and South Forks of the Shenandoah River on a morning run or all-day journey. Should you’re trying to escape that heat summer season solar or unpredictable afternoon showers, head underground at Limitless Caverns, Melrose Caverns, or Grand Caverns for a tour of the world’s wealthy geological historical past.
Create Treasured Recollections in Franklin County, Va.
Embedded within the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, outside journey waits for you round each flip in Franklin County, Va. Should you’re on the lookout for a time out on the water, the world’s rivers and lakes present an abundance of spots to swim, kayak, or fish. Bordering the Blue Ridge Parkway to the west, it’s simple to go for a scenic drive or bike trip on the winding highway. If there’s one factor that’s for positive, you received’t wish to miss all that Franklin County has to supply.
Get pleasure from a calming day at Smith Mountain Lake Group Park, the place you possibly can entry Virginia’s second-largest freshwater lake and over 500 miles of shoreline. Situated instantly throughout the water from Smith Mountain Lake State Park, there are a number of actions you possibly can select from at this scenic park. Construct a sandcastle on the public seaside, go for a swim within the protected swimming lane, or forged a line from the fishing pier. Plus, with easy accessibility to lodging and eating choices across the lake, it’ll be exhausting to drag the household away from this spot.
The campground at Jamison Mill Park on Philpott Lake is the proper place to arrange camp earlier than you head out on the water. Because the smallest campground on the lake, that includes solely 11 websites, it is a quiet spot to benefit from the pure magnificence throughout you. Every web site comes with a picnic desk and grill, in addition to entry to consuming water and a bathhouse. From the park, launch your non-motorized boat as you paddle out to Picnic Level or Beards Creek Inlet. You may even hearken to stay music with out ever having to go away the water with the annual summer season Live shows by Canoe sequence. Held on the Twin Ridge Recreation Space, paddle up for some pickin’ and grinnin’ as native and regional Appalachian musicians courageous the floating stage
Should you want to discover by land, take a look at the 15 miles of multi-use trails and over 10,000 toes of play within the new disc golf course at Waid Park. Ensure that to heat up on the favored bike abilities loops earlier than hitting the flowy singletrack. Mountain bikers are positive to get pleasure from options resembling a bounce line, river crossings, and picket ramps. The state-of-the-art disc golf course includes a nine-hole newbie course and an 18-hole professional course, so you possibly can good your abilities and problem your recreation all from one handy spot. On the weekends, lease a tube to drift down the Pigg River via the park, together with the flexibility to customise the size of your journey.
Along with all of its outside choices, Franklin County can also be the jap gateway to the Crooked Street, Virginia’s Heritage Music Path. This 330-mile route connects music venues, concert events, jam periods, and music historical past websites via 19 southwestern Virginia counties. Should you’re a music fan, see if there’s a present enjoying throughout your go to on the Harvester Efficiency Middle in Rocky Mount or Coves Amphitheater on Smith Mountain Lake.
After spending a day open air, head into the charming small city of Rocky Mount, Franklin’s county seat, for a chew to eat. Refill at Buddy’s BBQ, one of many tastiest spots within the space, earlier than visiting the award-winning Chaos Mountain Brewing or the newly opened Dwelling Proof Beer Firm to seize a drink within the “Moonshine Capital of the World.”
When it comes time to plan your subsequent journey, look no additional than the mountains, waters, and parks of Franklin County, Va. It’s a visit you’ll be pondering again on for years to return.
A Path Runs Via Galax, Va.
Within the coronary heart of Galax, Va., the southern terminus of New River Path State Park begins its winding journey alongside Chestnut Creek earlier than its confluence with the New River. Irrespective of your model of play, this state park provides one thing for each sort of adventurer.
The 57-mile rail path with its mild slope is ideal for mountain climbing, biking, and horseback using. Expertise a piece of the path or a multi-day tour as you journey alongside the river, over bridges, and thru cities. Thrill-seekers will love the path community simply off the primary path on the Hoover Mountain Biking Space. 5 loops, all rated simple to average, present hours of enjoyable.
You can too begin your journey at Fries River Park, a terrific place for picnicking by the water. You would possibly even seize an ice cream cone from the brilliant purple caboose if it’s a scorching day. A little bit greater than midway via your journey, the Foster Falls space is one other great spot to cease. Right here, the park provides canoe and bike leases, boat launches, a present store, and entry to the historic city of Foster Falls.
Should you’re planning to bike, cease by New River Path Outfitters for your entire gear rental wants whereas on the path. Their shuttle system makes it simple so that you can get again to your automotive on the finish of your journey. Should you want to be on the water, New River Outside Adventures can outfit you with all of the gear you’ll want for the New River. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a calming float or an all-day paddle, you possibly can lease kayaks, canoes, or tubes in your outing. Pack your rod and reel to do some fishing alongside the way in which or bounce within the water to chill off.
There are a number of handy spots to spend an evening or two throughout your go to. The park has three primitive campgrounds—Cliffview, Millrace, and Double Shoals—alongside the path, making it simple to arrange your tent after a protracted day on the go. Every web site offers a fireplace ring, picnic desk, non-flush rest room, and potable water. For a comfortable getaway, New River Path Cabins options 12 comfortable stays with direct entry to the path.
It’s time to pack your luggage and head out on a brand new journey. Make Galax, Va., your start line in your New River Path journey.
Peaceable Parks in Halifax County, Va.
Amongst the rolling hills of the Virginia countryside, Halifax County provides a calming getaway for hikers, paddlers, anglers, and historical past buffs alike.
Immerse your self totally in nature whenever you go to Staunton River State Park, considered one of Virginia’s authentic state parks and the state’s first Worldwide Darkish Sky Park. Whether or not you’re exploring the 17 miles of multi-use trails, fishing the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway, or renting a telescope to view the celebs, there’s all the time one thing to find on this pure oasis. Go to sleep in your cabin or tent for the night time.
Study concerning the space’s Civil Battle and Native American historical past at Staunton River Battlefield State Park. A wide range of displays, a 1.2-mile self-guided path, and two wildlife remark towers make it simple to spend an fulfilling afternoon taking within the wetlands and deepening your understanding of historical past and nature.
Situated on a former dairy farm, Edmunds Park now offers loads of house to hang around with pals or household. Play a spherical on one of many state’s prime disc golf programs, fish the pond, or stroll via the botanical gardens. There’s all the time a brand new facet of Halifax County to find whenever you go to southern Virginia.
Discover Your self in Patrick County, Va.
The nice open air are in full abundance in Patrick County, Va. No matter your velocity, there’s a park for you.
Fairy Stone State Park is the second-largest in Virginia. Search out journey on its many mountain climbing, biking, and horseback using trails. Carry your equestrian good friend alongside for the journey with the park’s useful stable-side tenting spots. Get on the water and forged a line in Fairystone Lake or adjoining Philpott Lake. Attempt your luck at discovering legendary fairy stones. Take part on a guided hike or workshop led by educated park rangers. On the finish of the day, relaxation your head at a tenting spot, cozy cabin, or yurt.
Patrick County is filled with different great parks to discover if you happen to’re trying to enterprise out. Head up the mountain for a drive alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway, the place you’ll discover breathtaking scenic views, historic spots, and mountain climbing trails such because the Rock Fort Gorge Nationwide Recreation Path. Pack a picnic for Fred Clifton Park, a quiet oasis affected by beautiful overlooks of the mountains and valleys under. Carry your mountain bikes to I.C. Dehart Park and trip miles of cross-country trails. Discover all of it in Patrick County.
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