Chesapeake Bay = Virginia Lowlands
Belle Isle State Park
Located in the rural Northern Neck area, Belle Isle State Park features diverse tidal and nontidal wetlands, lowland marshes, tidal coves and upland forest land. Campsites are accessible by canoe only.
Outdoor adventures include:
- Trails for biking, hiking, horseback
- Boating
- Saltwater fishing
- Rent motorboats and canoes
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Caledon Natural Area State Park
A National Natural Landmark known for its old growth forest and summer home to one of the largest concentrations of American bald eagles on the East Coast, Caledon Natural Area State Park attracts bird watchers of all ages. Eagle tours are offered seasonally, and forest trails are open year-round.
Outdoor adventures include:
- Wildlife Observation
- Hiking Trails
- Picnicking
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Westmoreland State Park
Westmoreland State Park in Westmoreland County extends about one and a half miles along the Potomac River, which Horsehead Cliffs overlook. The park was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps created during the Great Depression.
Outdoor adventures include:
- Trails for hiking
- Swimming Pool
- Boating - motorboats permitted
- Saltwater fishing, pier
- Rent rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks.
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Hampton Roads Region = Oceanside Adventures
Chippokes Plantation State Park
Once the site of the few legal distilleries in the Commonwealth, Chippokes Plantation State Park borders the creek named for an Indian Chief who befriended early English settlers. The park is also one of the oldest working farms in the United States.
Outdoor adventures include:
- Trails for biking, hiking, horseback Other
- Boating
- Olympic-size and Kiddie Swimming Pools
- Freshwater fishing
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False Cape State Park
In the 1800s, False Cape was known as a "ship's graveyard." One of the area's first communities, Wash Woods, was developed by survivors of a shipwreck! Access to the park is by foot, tram or boat, and primitive camping is available with prior registration. The park is next to Little Island City Park in Virginia Beach.
Outdoor adventures include:
- Trails for biking and hiking
- Motorboats are permitted on the Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
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First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is the state's most popular park! In 1607, 100 English settlers landed there and established the first elective government before moving on up to James River to establish Jamestown.
Outdoor adventures include:
- Trails for biking and hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming in the Chesapeake Bay
- Rent kayaks
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York River State Park
York River State Park was once Taskinas Plantation and the site of a 17th-century public tobacco warehouse where local planters stored their crops before being shipped. The York River runs long its border.
Outdoor adventures include:
- Trails for biking, hiking, horseback
- Fishing - both freshwater and saltwater
- Motorboats are allowed on the river
- Rent rowboats, paddlesboats, canoes
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Eastern Shore Region = Birders' Paradise
Kiptopeke State Park
Kiptopeke State Park is a prime spot to watch bird migrations and was named in honor of the young king of the Accawmack Indians who befriended early settlers. Its name means "Big Water."
Outdoor adventures include:
- Trails for biking and hiking
- Saltwater fishing from a boat or pier
- Swimming - Beach on the Chesapeake Bay
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Images Courtesy of Virginia State Parks
For more information on wildlife management areas and natural preserves, please visit the Department of Conservation & Recreation!