Best Virginia State Parks for Late Summer and Early Fall Fun

Whether you are looking for a way to beat the heat in the summer or searching for a fun getaway in the fall, visiting one of the many state parks in the nation is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. The state of Virginia is home to over 37 state parks and numerous other natural areas with public access. While each state park has unique features and a lot to offer any outdoor enthusiast, in my opinion, the following Virginia state parks are the best for their wide variety of activities and scenic attractions in summer, fall, and throughout the year.

Breaks Interstate Park 

PO Box 100, 627 Commission Circle, Breaks, VA 24607. 276-865-4413.

The Breaks Interstate Park is open year round and is just off KY State Route 80. Located high in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia and Southeastern Kentucky, this spectacularly beautiful park contains over 4,500 acres of scenic woodlands and vistas, abundant wildlife, and many unique geological formations, including the largest and deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River, with world-class whitewater rafting that features class 2 through class 6 rapids. Primitive camp sites, as well as fully equipped, spacious cabins; luxury cottages; lodges; and a restaurant, convention center, and gift shop are located on site, as well as swimming, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, geocaching, golf, and many more recreational opportunities, educational programs, and cultural events. I first began taking my children to this park in the summers many years ago, and today, it remains our family's favorite outdoor getaway, regardless of the season.

First Landing State Park 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-1415. 757-412-2300.

First Landing State Park is actually the most visited Virginia state park, and while it can be crowded at different times during the year, it is still a great state park that you will not want to miss. Located on the Chesapeake Bay of U.S. Route 60, the park is situated on the site where settlers first landed before establishing the colony of Jamestown. The park contains over 2,888 acres of woodlands, ponds, marsh, and dunes, as well as 1.25 miles of beachfront. Primitive camping and cabin rentals are available, as are swimming, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, wildlife, bird viewing, and many more activities. The park offers many different historical-themed, educational, and cultural events through the year and is conveniently located near Virginia Beach, Cape Henry Lighthouse, and other attractions.

Westmoreland State Park 1650 State Park Road, Montross, Va. 22520-9717. 804-493-8821.

Westmoreland State Park contains 1,311 acres and over 1.5 miles of beachfront along the Potomac River. It is minutes away from the birthplace of George Washington and the childhood home of Robert E. Lee and within an hour of King's Dominion Amusement Park and the Fredericksburg Civil War Battlefields. Within the park, there is abundant wildlife and unique natural scenery to enjoy, including frequent sightings of blue heron and osprey and the formidable Horsehead Cliffs, which provide stunning views of the Potomac. Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and many more activities are available, as well as cabin rentals, a conference center, and upscale retreat.

New River Trail State Park 176 Orphanage Dr., Foster Falls, VA 24360. 276-699-6778.

New River Trail State Park and Shot Tower contains 1,337 acres, 39 miles of which run parallel to the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world and one of the few that runs north rather than south. The park is a total of 57 miles long and was formed from an abandoned railway line. The trails are great for hiking and biking enthusiasts, and they make excellent bridle trails for lovers of horse riding. Boating, fishing, and kayaking are available, and while there are not any designated swimming areas, tubing at the Foster Falls section is popular with local residents. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and primitive campsites are available. A key feature of this park is the unique shot tower that was used to make ammunition for early area settlers. The park offers picnic shelters, a gift shop, and other cultural and educational activities throughout the year, as well as many other opportunities for recreation. The park is also close to nearby Claytor Lake State Park, the Jefferson National Forest, and the Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex and Arena, with numerous rodeos and other horsing events offered throughout the year.

While there are certainly many more state and national parks in Virginia that have a lot to offer any lover of the outdoors, these are among the best parks in Virginia and well worth the visit.

Little Known Jefferson National Forest Trails Prove Why Virginia is for Lovers

One of the state slogan's for Virginia is the well-known motto, "Virginia is for Lovers." There are several little known but astonishingly beautiful trails that are a well-kept "secret" in Virginia's Jefferson National Forest that prove this old saying. One of these trails that is hidden away in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia that is perfect for both lovers of natural beauty as well as romantics is The Guest River Gorge Trail.

Located just outside of the small town of Coeburn, Virginia, the trail is 5.8 miles in length and follows along an abandoned railway bed. The first mile of the trail is graveled and mostly level and easy for most hikers before winding its way down through the gorge which plunges over 400 down from majestic cliffs, so the trail requires more strenuous effort. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing as well as mountain biking are allowed on the trail and it is one of my favorite destinations for a scenic day hike. Several small waterfalls are to be found throughout its length, enhancing the scenic beauty of this hidden jewel as they cascade down from the high sandstone bluffs that make up the gorge. Numerous geologically unique rock outcroppings, an old railway tunnel and several railroad trestles making the trip interesting as well. To get to this trail take exit #1 at Coeburn on Alternative Hwy. 58 and then travel south for 2.3 miles along scenic and curvy State Route 72. After passing the Flatwoods Picnic Area on the right the Guest River Gorge is left. Turn left onto Forest Road 2477 and drive for 1.4 miles to reach the parking lot. The trailhead is marked.

This trail is not the only site worth seeing in this area. Additional area hiking trails that are a must see for those who love the great outdoors and are seeking a spectacular view as the backdrop for their romantic getaways are within 2 to 10 miles of this part of the Jefferson National Forest and are also accessed from State Route 72 and intersecting forest roads. These areas include the stunning The Devil's Bathtub and Waterfall as part of the Devil's Fork Loop, Little Stony Falls, Bear Rock, Chief Benge's Trail, Hanging Rock, Flag Rock Recreation Area and Bark Camp Lake Recreation Area. An annual Guest River Rally is also held in the nearby town of Coeburn each Labor Day that is filled with many special activities at the gorge on this day.

The nearby Little Stony Falls and Bear Rock are particularly special to me as I spent a great portion of my teen-aged years along these trails as my grandparent's farm was less than two miles away from these stunning areas. Hiking along all of these remote trails in the Jefferson National Forest seem to be one of Virginia's best kept secrets when it comes to the great outdoors and it makes these areas all the more special and enjoyable. Probably the most significant reason why I love these hiking trails the best of any that I have traveled is that it was while viewing the high vistas and breathtaking fall foliage from atop Bear Rock that my husband proposed to me. This area is abundant in wildlife and many interesting scenic views that should not be missed by any lover of natural beauty or romance.

Visiting Historic Big Stone Gap Virginia

The historic town of Big Stone Gap is in the Southwestern portion of the state of Virginia at the foothills of Stone Mountain and the High Knob overlooking scenic Powell Valley. The town was originally known as Three Forks and then Mineral City in 1882 before acquiring its current name in 1888. The town was an important stop along the way for early pioneers and settlers making their way west through the nearby Cumberland Gap and was known for its abundance of natural resources such as timber and minerals such as copper and coal. Today the town remains one of the prime gateways into the state of Virginia and is a convenient location from which to base exploration of areas within Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The town is within 30 minutes of the Tri-Cities and about an hour away from the Twin Cities of Bristol and the famed Bristol Motor Speedway.

Hiking, Biking and Outdoor Activities 
When I first visited Big Stone Gap in 1988 I was immediately struck by how picturesque this town is with its many stately Victorian era homes, an old fashioned Main Street, as well as many modern developments that are juxtaposed against the backdrop of the lush, forested mountains. The town is an excellent place for those who enjoy hiking and biking with a Greenbelt walking trail that winds its way through the town which is both scenic and peaceful. Construction is set to begin soon in the nearby town of Appalachia to convert the abandoned railway that runs between these towns and the scenic area of Roaring Branch and connect it with the existing Greenbelt walking trail, which will make an already pleasant experience even more enjoyable and relaxing. In many areas the trail runs alongside the Powell River, which is kept stocked with trout, bluegill and bass with fishing is allowed. Additional hiking opportunities can be found in the nearby High Knob Recreation Area, Cave Springs, Natural Tunnel State Park, Wilderness Road State Park at the western end of Lee County, and the Virginia Creeper Trail in nearby Abingdon, Virginia.

Museums and Drama

The town is also the location for the state of Virginia's official outdoor drama, The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, which was based on the famous novel of the same name and written by local resident John Fox Jr. at the turn of the last century. The drama plays nightly each summer and is housed in the historic June Tolliver House. The drama is a must see stop for any visitor to the town as is the John Fox Jr. House and Museum, the Harry Meador Coal Museum, historic Clinch Haven Farms, and the Southwest Virginia Museum HistoricalState Park which is also one of the most popular museums in the state.

Festivals

In addition to the natural beauty of the town and its museums and the drama, the town also boasts several festivals throughout the year that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, including a Farmer's Market in the Summer, Home Craft Days featuring authentic Appalachian foods, Unique handmade items and more every October, a Fourth of July Celebration that grows each year and features some of the area's most stunning fireworks displays, the Celtic Festival, the Gathering in the Gap Music festival and much more.

Places to Stay and Dine

The town has many bed and breakfasts in which visitors can enjoy a rejuvinating stay, including The Poplar Hill Cottage at the Southwest VA Museum, rooms at the Ivy Inn, as well as the Comfort Inn which is a modern hotel with all of the amenities. There are two RV campgrounds also available in the town. While there are many chain restaurants in the town, some of the best kept local secrets for culinary delights include my favorites the dreamsicle cupcakes at The Bakery Around the Corner, traditional breakfasts and more at The Café in the Mutual Drug Pharmacy, fast food with a twist at Dari Delight, tea and reserved dining at the John Fox Jr. House, and the daily lunch specials of Pollo Loco, Steak Fajitas and more at Little Mexico Restaurant.

Tour Guides

With all of the cultural and outdoor activities that are available throughout the year, it is little wonder that the town has been home to several prominent authors in addition to John Fox, Jr. The popular modern day author Adriana Trigiani has even used the town for the setting of several of her most successful books including Big Stone Gap, Milk Glass Moon and Big Cherry Holler. Tour guides are available at the Visitor's Center so that fans can see the sights mentioned in her novels.

If you are looking for a charming town from which to start your adventures on The Crooked Road Music Trail or anywhere else in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, this small mountain based town with a big story and an even bigger heart is the best place from which to base your travels. If you do decide to visit you should not be surprised if you find yourself so enchanted that you are like me and decide to stay and make it your home.