CLICK HERE for Summit Info

What does it mean to be a leader in the Parks Movement? Just ask Virginia State Parks Ambassador Aaron Parlier. Aaron has a passion for bouldering. As Ambassador and AmeriCorps member for Grayson Highlands State Park, Aaron just had to share the fact that Grayson Highlands State Park offers the best bouldering on the east coast.

Bouldering at Grayson Highlands State Park

So Aaron wrote a couple of blogs for America's State Parks Ambassadors. He started his own blog. But that wasn't where his passion ended. He got the park to purchase some equipment to rent to folks interested in bouldering. He drew an amazing map for bouldering in the park. He wrote a guide book. And, he has recruited volunteers to come to the park to develop a trail for better access to the best bouldering on the east coast.

The Virginia State Parks Youth Summits are part of the America's State Parks Ambassador Program and made possible by Outdoors Nation.

Virginia State Parks have hosted many such events for public and private schools, home school groups, and parents who want to broaden their children's educational experiences. As a chaperone, you can have a great impact on a kid's love for the outdoors and can broaden your horizons as well.  Here are a few tips on helping to turn an escape from work to a great learning experience:

Cooler than a classroom

• Glance through a field guide or two to familiarize yourself with the possible plants and creatures that are in the region. 
• Take binoculars and be ready to share as there may be a limited number provided by the park or school.
• Let the interpreters (teacher/ranger/naturalist) take the lead. If you have expertise in the subject, let them know ahead of time and they will call on you to add to the experience.
• Follow directions. When kids see adults obeying the rules, they tend to do the same.
• Keep a park guide or two as you may want to take your family on a more detailed trip later.
• Bring a camera and take pictures of the kids involved in nature as permitted by the school system and other parents.

Experiences beyond electronics

Virginia State Parks have rangers on staff who can lead meaningful field education experiences ranging from coastal watersheds to caves and mountains. Self guided programs are also welcome.  Call or e-mail the local park office to see what programs and resources they have to offer.

Share natural wonders with children

Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.

Before becoming a state park, the property was known as Gold Hill and was part of the Goodwin Gold Mine.  The land for the park was acquired in 1972 and work began on developing the park which opened in 1983.

 

Gold panning is fun for all ages

Steam & Gas Engine Show on June 1-2, 2013

Chippokes Plantation State Park is hosting the 23rd annual Steam & Gas Engine Show on June 1-2, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.  Featuring hit-n-miss engines, classic cars, antique tractors, children's activities, and craft/food booths, the Steam & Gas Engine Show is great family fun.  Get outdoors and enjoy the day learning about our agricultural past.

Antique tractors will be the highlight of the Steam & Gas Engine Show!

Slated to begin the same day as National Trails Day and Clean the Bay Day (June 1st), you could make a day of it and volunteer a couple of hours cleaning the trails or along the river in the morning, then enjoy the afternoon at the Steam & Gas Engine Show.  Or come out on Sunday, June 2nd for a good old-fashioned Sunday afternoon on the farm. The cost for the Steam & Gas Engine Show is $5 per person; children under 12 are free. 

Live sawmill demonstrations will begin at 10 a.m. each day!

Most of the Steam & Gas Engine Show activities are ongoing all day, but there will be park activities and programs scheduled over the weekend, including a children's fishing tourney at 9 a.m.; Jones-Stewart mansion tours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; an evening canoe trip along the James River at 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday; and live demonstrations at the historic sawmill at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.  For more information about these programs and how to register, click here.

Canoe trips at Chippokes are a lot of fun! 

Be sure to make your reservation by calling 1-800-933-PARK!

Chippokes Plantation State Park features a 50-site campground, four historic cabins, and the Farm & Forestry Museum. The park is located in Surry, Virginia. Click here for a Google map for directions.

The experience of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is a journey filled with history, culture, and the great outdoors.

The Museum exhibits depict life in southwestern Virginia.

While visiting the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, make sure you explore its many component parts, including:

The Ayers Mansion, Collection, & Victorian Parlor

The Southwest Virginia Museum’s collection is housed in an 1890s Victorian mansion The museum's collection includes more than 25,000 pieces and state of the art exhibits telling the story of the exploration and development of Southwest Virginia from the pioneer era of the 1700s to the mining "boom and bust" era of the late 1800s. New exhibits include the interactive “Voices of the Hills” exhibit, which examines regional music and history, and an interactive exhibit of coal mining history.

The gift shop features unique items representative of the area's history and a brand new “Gallery in the Gap,” which offers hand-made crafts from local artisans. Also in the mansion, guests may visit the Victorian Parlor, a beautiful space in the museum’s lowest floor perfect for meetings or other gatherings and the location of many of the park’s public programs, such as the monthly First Saturday Community Coffee House, the WiseJAMS music education program, and the monthly Artisan Series. The building is outfitted with Wi-Fi to keep folks connected during meetings or tours.

The Park’s Grounds

The grounds of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park offer a variety of sights as necessary to the park experience and diverse as those found inside the museum. Both natural and human-made worlds are represented, showcasing artifacts as well as native and cultivated plants.

Adriana Trigiani, author of the book "Big Stone Gap: The Novel" is just one of the honorees on the Walk of Fame at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park.

The Southwest Virginia Walk of Fame was founded in 2008 to provide a showcase for the heritage of Southwest Virginians—past and present—who have made significant contributions to our state, nation, and world.  The Carriage House originally stored carriages and horses for the family and was built around the same time as the mansion. The house is now used to store approximately two-thirds of the museum’s total artifacts not currently on display. These artifacts are used for special exhibits and temporary exhibitions in local communities.

The Victorian Garden is located on the park’s back lawn area, which features a breathtaking backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors may listen to the music of nature—birds singing and flowing water—various flowers, and a bird bath. The park is part of a bird sanctuary in association with the National Audubon Society. The garden’s arbor is a beautiful location for a picnic lunch, photographs, and one of the many outdoor programs offered at the site.

The Victorian Garden is home to a variety of birds

Poplar Hill Cottage

Poplar Hill Cottage is the perfect mountain getaway. The quaint, garden-themed cottage, located in historic Poplar Hill, is furnished with reproduction furniture. It has three bedrooms, two full baths, a kitchen, and an ample living area. The cottage sleeps up to six people. You’ll find tasteful furnishings as well as a microwave, refrigerator, oven, dishes, cooking utensils, silverware, kitchen towels, and glassware. Towels and linens, including mattress covers, pillows, blankets, sheets and pillow cases, are also included. A TV, DVD player, and Wi-Fi access are available to overnight guests.

Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance in person or by calling (276) 523-1322 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (not available online).

Make yourself at home at the Poplar Hill Cottage

Want to Camp?

If you would rather camp, the Jessie Lea Park and Campground is located just down the road from the Museum. It has 32 full hook-up sites, beautiful view of the Powell River and access to the Green Belt Walking Trail.

Natural Tunnel State Park in nearby Duffield, VA is just 20 miles from the Museum. The park has 10 cabins with a full kitchen, linens, heat pump, and gas logs. Natural Tunnel State Park also has two campgrounds 34 electric and water sites. A group camp is also available.  Check availability online here.

While you are in the area:

The Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama based on a novel by John Fox, Jr.  the drama tells the love story of a lovely Appalachian Mountain girl, June Tolliver, and a handsome mining engineer, Jack Hale, from the East.  This is a musical  drama that (to quote the brochure) "depicts the story of the great boom in Southwest Virginia when the discovery of coal and iron ore forced the lusty, proud mountain people into making many drastic changes in their way of life."

The John Fox, Jr. House and Museum located in the historic town of Big Stone Gap, nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. This unique property was home to one of the most popular authors of the early twentieth century. John Fox, Jr. lived in the house many years, writing short stories and novels. The home is now registered as a Virginia Historic Landmark as well as a National Historic Landmark.

The June Tolliver House is a registered Virginia and National Historic Landmark, with 19th century furnishings and a gift shop featuring mountain handicrafts and other assorted gifts. It is located next door to the June Tolliver Playhouse, home of the Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama.

For more information about local attractions, click here.

Come out to Southwest Virginia Museum and experience some time travel of your own!

Hiking Bushy Point Trail along the Potomac River, Leesylvania State Park

With more than 500 miles of trails and miles of river, lake and bay shoreline, the Commonwealth’s 35 Virginia State Parks are perfect destinations for everything from a strenuous hike, casual walk, peaceful paddle, refreshing swim or a day’s fishing. Our staff and a large contingent of volunteers work hard to keep those trails and the shoreline clear of debris.

Laurel Point Trail, Westmoreland State Park

On the first Saturday in June each year two well known organizations sponsor events that help the public appreciate these resources and put out a call for volunteers to come out and lend a hand. This year June 1, 2013 marks National Trails Day and, for the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Clean the Bay Day. Virginia State Parks will participate in these celebrations by offering special activities and programs.

The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is held to encourage the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to learn about trails while participating in outdoor activities, clinics and trail work projects.

An enthusiastic Geoff Hall leads the first guided hike on the new Clyburn Hollow Trail 
at Hungry Mother State Park for the 2012 National Trails Day

Clean the Bay Day is a statewide stewardship event sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and celebrating its 25th anniversary working for clean and healthy waterways. Since 1989, Clean the Bay Day has engaged over 122,000 volunteers, who have removed approximately 5.8 million pounds of debris from nearly 5,500 miles of shoreline in Virginia alone.

Volunteers turn their "collections" in at First Landing's 2012 Clean the Bay Day

Every Virginia State Park will have special activities on June 1 including Powhatan State Park, the newest state park scheduled to open this summer. Powhatan will be holding their first volunteer work day.* Each of the 20 Virginia State Parks that are in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed will be hosting Clean the Bay Day events for the 25th anniversary of this statewide stewardship event. Since 1989, Clean the Bay Day has engaged over 122,000 volunteers, who have removed approximately 5.8 million pounds of debris from nearly 5,500 miles of shoreline in Virginia alone.

For a complete list of activities, including opportunities to volunteer, self-guided hikes and ranger-led programs, click here.

Fossil Hike at York River State Park

The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-7275 or visit our website.

*If you are interested in participating in the Volunteer Day at Powhatan State Park, please contact Gaston Rouse.

Canoe and Kayak Launch at Powhatan State Park

Recently Carol Hammer and Paul Servis, both Audubon volunteers, were out at Belle Isle State Park monitoring bluebird habitat and counting birds for their local reports. On the park's aptly named, Bluebird Trail, Carol and Paul recorded 35 bluebird eggs, 12 chickadee eggs, 26 baby bluebirds, and 4 chickadee babies.

Working slowly and carefully so as not to disturb the birds in their natural habitat, Carol and Paul were able to take this photo of four hungry baby bluebirds.

Belle Isle has full slate of ranger-led programs this summer including birding hikes, paddling programs, night hikes, craft programs and the annual Music-by-the-River series on select Saturday nights. Click here for a calendar of upcoming programs at Belle Isle State Park.  The park also has canoe, kayak, bike, and motor boat rentals. Book your campsite, the Bel Air Mansion, or the Bel Air guest house by calling 1-800-933-PARK. The park is also open daily for day visits.  Parking is only $2/weekdays; $3/weekends.

Belle Isle State Park is located on the Rappahannock River in Lancaster, Virginia.

I have titled this article "Use-by Date" as this means; time flies so get your drawers on and head on out to your favorite swimmin' hole. Memorial Day is the official start date for the swimming season at Virginia State Parks, where you have lakes, rivers, beaches and bays!

Come on in the water's fine!

Don't worry if you forgot anything, you can visit the park store

The footpath to the beach from the parking area at Fairy Stone State Park

Path to the restrooms, store and snack bar at Fairy Stone State Park

The beach is open at Fairy Stone State Park Memorial Day Weekend!

Fairy Stone Lake swimming - Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day only. The swimming beach is complete with a bathhouse, concession area and beach toys. Times of operation may vary prior to mid-June and after mid-August depending on the availability of lifeguards, as the park uses mostly students. Guests may wish to call Fairy Stone prior to making reservation if swimming is important. Click here for park fees. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and the lodge. Swimming cannot be guaranteed, however, should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.

Here is a complete list of all Virginia State Parks that offer swimming (click here for a PDF of the amenities grid):

• Blue Ridge
  Claytor Lake State Park
  6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive
  Dublin, VA 24084-5643 
  Phone: (540) 643-2500 
  Email: ClaytorLake@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
•  
  Hungry Mother State Park
  2854 Park Boulevard
  Marion, VA 24354-6366 
  Phone: (276) 781-7400 
  Email: HungryMother@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
• Central Virginia
  Bear Creek Lake State Park
  929 Oak Hill Road
  Cumberland, VA 23040-9518 
  Phone: (804) 492-4410 
  Email: BearCreek@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
•  
  Holliday Lake State Park
  Route 2, Box 622
  Appomattox, VA 24522-9209 
  Phone: (434) 248-6308 
  Email: HollidayLake@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
•  
  Pocahontas State Park
  10301 State Park Road
  Chesterfield, VA 23832-6355 
  Phone: (804) 796-4255 
  Email: Pocahontas@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
•  
  Smith Mountain Lake State Park
  1235 State Park Road
  Huddleston, VA 24104-9547 
  Phone: (540) 297-6066 
  Email: SMLake@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
•  
  Twin Lakes State Park
  788 Twin Lakes Road
  Green Bay, VA 23942-2525 
  Phone: (434) 392-9027 
  Email: TwinLakes@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
• Chesapeake Bay
  Westmoreland State Park
  1650 State Park Road
  Montross, VA 22520-9717 
  Phone: (804) 493-8821 
  Email: Westmoreland@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
• Eastern Shore
  Kiptopeke State Park
  3540 Kiptopeke Drive
  Cape Charles, VA 23310 
  Phone: (757) 331-2267 
  Email: Kiptopeke@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
• Hampton Roads
  Chippokes Plantation State Park
  695 Chippokes Park Road
  Surry, VA 23883 
  Phone: (757) 294-3728 
  Email: Chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
•  
  First Landing State Park
  2500 Shore Drive
  Virginia Beach, VA 23451-1415 
  Phone: (757) 412-2320 
  Email: FirstLanding@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
• Heart of Appalachia
  Breaks Interstate Park
  PO Box 100
  Breaks, VA 24607 
  Phone: (276) 865-4413 
   
•  
  Natural Tunnel State Park
  Route 3, Box 250
  Duffield, VA 24244-9361 
  Phone: (276) 940-2674 
  Email: NaturalTunnel@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
• Northern Virginia
  Lake Anna State Park
  6800 Lawyers Road
  Spotsylvania, VA 22553-9645 
  Phone: (540) 854-5503 
  Email: LakeAnna@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
• Shenandoah Valley
  Douthat State Park
  14239 Douthat State Park Road
  Millboro, VA 24460 
  Phone: (540) 862-8100 
  Email: Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
• Southern Virginia
  Fairy Stone State Park
  967 Fairystone Lake Drive
  Stuart, VA 24171-9588 
  Phone: (276) 930-3927 
  Email: FairyStone@dcr.virginia.gov 
   
•  
  Staunton River State Park
  1170 Staunton Trail
  Scottsburg, VA 24589-9636 
  Phone: (434) 572-3694 
  Email: StauntonRiver@dcr.virginia.gov

Sure, the bald eagle is a very majestic bird enclosed in an aviary at the zoo. Capturing the image of one with a fish in its talons shows the natural power of this bird that cannot be seen in an enclosed and controlled space. Powerful raptors, elegant waders, and familiar backyard species make interesting subjects to photograph. While expensive equipment and years of training and practice help professionals create the most compelling images, anyone can shoot very good pictures with less costly gear and some basic tips.

Nesting Ospreys should be on your photo bucket list

• General knowledge - Field guides are great resources of information about the animals you wish to see.  Rangers can also point out nesting and feeding areas to aid in your success. 
• Alertness - Before you reach that perfect spot for the photo, keep your eyes and ears ready for impromptu photo opportunities.  If you hear something making loud or rapid noises, chances are something is happening or is about to happen.

Be ready for anything

• Patience - Wildlife act on their time and not ours. Don't be surprised to see the birds and animals simply resting. Sometimes, you won't see them at all.
• Focus - sometimes wildlife will take cover among vines and thickets making a clear shot impossible. If you can switch to manual focus, do so. Otherwise, stalk around to see if a better opportunity is possible. 

 Even a Kingfisher can be captured with patience

• Composition - Even if you have a point-and-shoot with very high zoom or a 300mm lens or higher, following rules of photo composition turn an ordinary snapshot to an interesting image. 
• Edit - Sometimes the creatures are moving too fast to settle down and compose the shot properly.  General editing software will allow you to adjust, crop, and make other adjustments as needed.

Have fun with your photo processing software

Are you looking for a place to photograph and people who share your interest? York River State Park holds Photo Walks every second Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Members of the Williamsburg Photography Meet-Up and other clubs often attend to capture images of the changing variety of birds. We also enjoy taking pictures of deer, raccoons, turtles, and (with the permission of their owners) the dogs who enjoy walking the trails. 

What, you didn't bring your camera?

Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.

What makes Hungry Mother so popular?

Boating

The lake is 108 acres and in the center of activities at the park.   Kayak, canoes, and paddle boats are all available to rent at the Dock and Shop located on the lakes edge just behind the Restaurant.  Visitors are welcome to bring their own boats as well.  Only non-gasoline powered motors may be used on the lake. 

The Boat House

Swimming

The park’s swim beach is a family favorite because it has something for everyone.  For those just wanting to relax, there is plenty of room to spread out a blanket and soak in the sun or for the more adventurous, there is the high dive.  The diving tower has been here since the park opened. Swimming is offered Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Fishing

Fishing from the shore or by boat is a popular activity at the park.  The lake is home to Crappie, Blue Gill, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie, and Carp.  All of Virginia’s fishing regulations apply while fishing at Hungry Mother State Park.

Trails

There is over 17 miles of trails at Hungry Mother.  Unless marked otherwise, the trails are accessible to both hikers and bikers.  The trails in the park range from a easy paved trail that runs through the park to the difficult 1 mile hike to the summit of Molly’s Knob.  The newest of the trails at Hungry Mother opened in 2012.  The Clyburn Hollow Loop Trail is classified as an easy trail with vistas that overlook the lake.  It doesn't’ matter your which trails you use, the views will be your reward. 

Overlook from the Clyburn Hollow Trail

Overnight Accommodations

There is so much to do in the park and visit in the surrounding area, consider staying a few nights or a week. The park offers four campgrounds including Camp Burson, one of only two Virginia State Parks campgrounds with sewer hookups and a tents only campground that features unique platforms and great views.

Platform tent camping

Some of the sites in Camp Burson offer views of the spillway

Hungry Mother also has more than 30 cabins. Many of the cabins are log or frame cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Hungry Mother Lodge is a beautifully restored CCC era building that sleeps up to 15. 

One of the park's cabins

Overnight lodging can be booked up to eleven months in advance either through our Virginia State Parks managed information and reservation center open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Simply call 800-933-7275. Or you can also book 24/7 through our web reservations. 

And There's More

The park offers a seasonally operated restaurant on the lake as well as year round catering services. The park also has meeting and banquet space and hosts a number of business meetings and events like weddings and reunions. You can find more information here.

There is so much to do in the surrounding area. Route 16 that runs through the park is know as the Back of the Dragon and a great trip. Click here for a detailed list of area attractions.

How To Find Us

Hungry Mother State Park is in Smyth County. To get there, take Exit 47 from Interstate 81. Travel approximately one mile on Route 11 toward Marion. Turn right on Route 16 north and travel four miles to the park Register at the Discovery Center.