Region: Central
Learn more about the amazing outdoor destinations in the Central region of Virginia by clicking the links below:
- Bear Creek Lake State Park
Bear Creek Lake was built in 1938 as a project of the Virginia Department of Agriculture through the State Forestry Division. Although this project was undertaken during the closing days of the Great Depression, the 100 men who built the lake were not members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They were simply carpenters, farmers and unskilled laborers seeking jobs. Along with the lake, these men built two pavilions, a concession stand and six fireplaces. The land was given to the Division of State Parks in 1940, and it was operated as a day-use recreation area. In 1962 the division added campgrounds and the area's name was changed to Bear Creek Lake State Park.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Fishing, Kid-Friendly
- High Bridge Trail State Park
High Bridge Trail State Park is a multi-use trail ideally suited for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Its centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 160 feet above the Appomattox River. The bridge was built in 1853 as part of the South Side Railroad. The High Bridge played a significant role during Lee's retreat in the final days of the American Civil War, and was the site of two battles in April 1865. Except for High Bridge itself, all 30 miles of this linear park's trails are open. Work on access to the bridge continues, but the bridge can be seen from certain sections of the trail. The bridge is slated to be open to the public in late 2011. Visitors are strongly encouraged to be sure to bring plenty of drinking water. No drinking water is available on the trail.
- Holliday Lake State Park
Deep in the heart of Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake State Park is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill is a popular activity in the 150-acre lake within the park. The nearby state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries delayed-harvest trout stream allows anglers to fish for brown and rainbow trout. The park also features excellent hiking trails and one multi-use trail open to hikers, bikers and equestrians. Swimming is a popular summer activity at the park's life-guarded beach where the "Critter Hole" play area is a favorite of young visitors. Park facilities include a 30-site campground, a large shaded picnic area, two picnic shelters, two playgrounds, a boat ramp, a seasonal concession stand and campstore, and canoe, rowboat and paddle boat rentals. Interpretive and environmental education programs also are available for school and scout groups. This park is just minutes from the famous Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, the site of General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant in 1865.
- James River State Park
James River State Park is located in the rolling hills of Buckingham County, Virginia along the James River. The park has numerous options for overnight stays, and offers access to 15 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. River fishing and boating can easily be enjoyed along 8 miles of the James River and canoes, kayaks and tubes can be rented at the Outdoor Adventure livery. The park has four camping areas and two of them; Branch Pond and Canoe Landing are open year-round for primitive camping. Bring your horses and camp in one of five primitive horse campsites at Canoe Landing; or stay in the newest camp area, Horseshoe Campground. For those who don't camp; stay in one of 18 modern cabins and enjoy all four seasons of the year.
The Friends of James River State Park help the park with financial support and volunteerism. This nonprofit group enhances park programs, activities and facilities. The friends increase the public's awareness of the park's educational and recreation benefits and opportunities. The group promotes environmental stewardship of the natural and cultural resources of James River. If you'd like more information on the Friends Group, the benefits of joining, or to sign up, please call (434) 933-4355 or email jamesriver@dcr.virginia.gov.
- Pocahontas State Park
Just 20 miles from downtown Richmond, the capital of Virginia, Pocahontas State Park has been one of the more popular parks in the state park system. Swift Creek forms the nucleus of the park, which is centered in a wildlife management area.Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this was the first recreational park in the Richmond-Petersburg-Hopewell area. The National Park Service donated the facility to Virginia State Parks in 1946, making it the largest Virginia state parks with more than 7,600 acres and two small lakes. The area was renamed Pocahontas State Park and Pocahontas State Forest and was operated under a cooperative management arrangement with the Department of Forestry. In 1989 a new master plan, funded jointly by the Commonwealth of Virginia and Chesterfield County, called for expansion of park facilities to accommodate the large urban population surrounding the park.
- Sailors Creek Battlefield Historical State Park
Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park is a great place to stop for lunch because it's midway between Petersburg and Appomattox Court House. There are charcoal grills and picnic tables at the Overton-Hillsman House and the nearby Confederate overlook. No water is available. A pit-toilet is available during daylight hours.It's a historical site because on April 6, 1865 - the Black Thursday of the Confederacy - Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia lost 7,700 men, including eight generals, in the Battle of Sailor's Creek. This defeat was key to Lee's decision to surrender at Appomattox Court House 72 hours later, thus ending the war in Virginia.
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Although situated on the second largest body of freshwater in the state, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is not just for water enthusiasts. In addition to a full range of water related activities, including swimming, fishing and boating, the park offers miles of hiking trails, housekeeping cabins, primitive camping, picnicking, a visitor center and interpretive programs.Smith Mountain Lake itself was created in 1960 when Appalachian Power built a dam on the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap. Construction of the dam was completed in 1966, and in 1967 Appalachian Power donated the first parcel of park's land for the proposed park. The state bought the rest of the park's land over the next six years. The park opened to the public in 1983.
- Twin Lakes State Park
Twin Lakes State Park, centrally located in Virginia's Piedmont region, provides visitors from all over the Commonwealth with a variety of lakefront activities in a secluded setting. Swimming, camping, fishing, canoeing and hiking are popular activities. The park is home to Cedar Crest Conference Center, a perfect facility for group meetings, family reunions, wedding receptions and company picnics. Call (434) 767-2398 for details.
The land for Twin Lakes State Park was initially bought from struggling farmers by the federal government during the Great Depression. Two parks, Goodwin Lake and Prince Edward Lake, were founded in 1939 and until the early 1960s were run as two racially segregated parks. The parks merged in 1976 and became Twin Lakes State Park in 1986.
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