Hiking at Virginia State Parks
Hiking is a popular pastime in state parks. Access to hiking trails is important to many visitors.
All Virginia State Parks have hiking trails, from a casual stroll through the grounds of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park to 21 miles of dedicated hiking trails in Bear Creek Lake State Park.
More than 160 miles of the park system’s 626 miles of trails are strictly reserved for hiking, and hiking is allowed on more than 397 miles of multi-use trails.
Popular hikes
Click on the above photos to learn more about each region’s popular hikes. Here’s just a taste.
- Mountains: Lakeview Trail – Claytor Lake State Park has six easy trails covering 7 miles. The trails generally pass through hardwood forest. Lakeview Trail is an easy, handicapped-accessible mile-long stroll. The trail is also the starting point of a 5K cross-country trail designed by Boy Scout troop 244. It’s ideal for seasoned and novice runners.
- Central: Lake Shore Trail – In the heart of central Virginia, Holliday Lake State Park offers assorted trails of various difficulty. They include an aquatic boating trail, short and easy hikes, and the 10.2-mile multiuse Carter Taylor Trail. Lakeshore Trail is 6.3 miles and loops around the lake and the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center. The trail, which passes through a hardwood forest and wetlands, affords opportunities to view wildlife, the lake and the dam.
- Coastal: Cape Henry Trail – In the heart of urban Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre oasis of cypress swaps, undisturbed natural areas and sandy beaches. Rich in history and Virginia’s most-visited state park, First Landing has 10 trails covering about 20 miles, including bike and fitness trails. Cape Henry Trail is 10.1 miles out and back and is wide and flat. It’s ideal for bikers and hikers and those hoping to view eagles, turtles, snakes, frogs and other wildlife. The use of insect repellant is suggested.
Trail Maps
Virginia State Parks offer pre-printed maps that include park facilities and trails. Parks with more extensive trail systems also offer a separate Facilities Guide and Trail Guide. Check the park’s webpage for more information.
Additionally, we offer geo-referenced PDFs for all of our parks that can be accessed through a third-party app, Avenza Maps, available for Apple and Android devices. Learn more.
Trail Quest
You’re hiking a trail so why not get prizes for doing it, right? Our Trail Quest program offers rewards when you document your visits to state parks.
Hike-in campsites
Primitive hike-in camping is available at Belle Isle, Caledon, False Cape, New River Trail, Powhatan and Sky Meadows.
Know before you go
State parks aren’t amusement parks or backyards; they’re nature. The animals are wild, and the rivers and streams run stronger than they appear. Be sure to remain aware of surroundings when in a park and to prepare properly before you go.
A few simple steps of preparation should help you avoid potential problems, difficulties and unpleasantness.
- Stay hydrated. Take water. There are no water fountains on the trails.
- Wear proper shoes and socks.
- Know your limits. If walking from the parking lot to the grocery store leaves you winded, then consider starting with shorter hikes and don’t begin with a 5-mile trek.
- Have a plan. Tell people where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
- Take a friend. Solitude is inspirational, but it’s safer and often more enjoyable to hike with a friend or two.
- Keep your pet on a leash. When your dog catches the scent of an animal, you don’t want your beloved family dog dashing into the brush to meet nose to nose with a bear. Or a fox. Or a skunk.
- Observe animals from a distance. You’re a visitor to their home so view animals at a safe distance.
- Prepare for the weather. Dress in layers. Have the proper headgear. Watch for rain or storm clouds.
- Apply sunscreen. A few hours outdoors can leave you sunburned even on overcast days.
- When you return, check for ticks.
Leave no trace
Pack it in, pack it out. If you bring it in, you take it out. Learn more here.
