11 State Parks for Those Who LOVE the Mountains

John Muir said it best when in 1863 he wrote to his sister: "The mountains are calling and I must go ...". Perhaps you've experienced the feeling? Some of us simply long for the view of the mountains, while others want to conquer it on two feet. Either way, consider these 11 Virginia State Parks to experience the breathtaking beauty of Virginia mountains. 

Wilderness Road State Park—Ewing

Nearby towns: Wheeler, Ewing, Rose Hill

Recreation at the park: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing

In the shadow of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is Wilderness Road State Park. While one of the smaller Virginia State Parks, Wilderness Road has the advantage of connecting their 8.5-mile trail to more than 80 miles of trails within the Historical Park it bounds. 

This history of this park is the reason many people visit. It was here that Daniel Boone forged on through Cumberland Gap, leading settlers west. Experience an outdoor living history museum as well as a frontier museum within park grounds. When you visit, be sure to see the Karlan Mansion, which dates to the 1870s. 

Natural Tunnel State Park—Duffield

Nearby towns: Duffield, Rye Cove, Clinchport

Recreation at the park: Hiking, biking, camping, fishing

The namesake of Natural Tunnel State Park is an 850-foot long tunnel that soars as high as a 10-story building. William Jennings Bryan called it the eighth wonder of the world. You will probably stare at in awe. Pro tip: Take a chairlift ride to see it from a different angle.

When you hike the seven trails, you'll encounter more geological treasures, and a little place called Lover's Leap. Check out a cave tour or take a canoe trip along the Clinch River. Cabins, camping, and a six-bedroom lodge are available. 

Southwest Virginia Museum—Big Stone Gap

Nearby town: Big Stone Gap

Recreation at the park: Walking

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is an anomaly in that it's a museum managed by the state park system. There are no overnight accommodations and limited outdoor recreation. Rather, you can tour the 1880s Victorian stone mansion, a National Historic Landmark. The mansion was built by Virginia Attorney General Rufus Ayers and bequeathed to the commonwealth in 1946 by U.S. Congressman C. Bascom Slemp. The importance of this landmark and park is to preserve and tell the stories of the pioneer era from the 1700s through the late 1800s "boom and bust" era in Southwest Virginia. The museum's collection is more than 25,000 pieces strong.

 While there's not as many outdoor opportunities at this park, the grounds are an Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Walk the outdoor trail of the Southwest Virginia Walk of Fame to take in the region's heritage — you may spot a few songbirds along the path. 

Breaks Interstate Park—Breaks

Nearby towns: Breaks, Bartlick

Recreation at the park: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, boating, fishing, rock climbing, zip lining, and more

The 4,600-acre Breaks Interstate Park, which straddles the Virginia-Kentucky border, is managed by a commission that includes partners from both states. It's one of only two interstate parks in the country.

A trip to Breaks is one you won't soon forget. It's been called the Grand Canyon of the South thanks to the gigantic 1,600-foot gorge the Russell Fork River has forced over the years. The overlooks are stupendous. You'll truly be in awe.

With the views to be had, it's no surprise that hiking is a favorite activity at Breaks. There are more than 25 miles of trails, including a 12-mile mountain biking loop. Guided horseback rides are also available. While the mountains are the centerpiece here, water easily works into the equation. A lake, pond and of course, the Russell Fork, prove to be great fishing areas. There's also a waterpark and a unique zip line through the gorge. When considering an overnight, you have plenty of options. Cabins, cottages, a motel-like lodge, and campground are all on the table.

Hungry Mother State Park—Marion

Nearby towns: Marion, Adwolfe, Atkins

Recreation at the park: Hiking, biking, camping, boating, fishing, swimming 

Nestled in the mountains, Hungry Mother State Park boasts a 108-acre lake and sandy beach. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, jon boats, and paddleboards are available for rent. When you cast a line here, there's a wide range of sport fish you may reel in: channel cats, various bass, walleye, and musky are just a few.

Hiking and biking are popular activities with more than 17 miles of trails to access. Cabins range from a single-room efficiency to a six-bedroom lodge, and there are also plenty of campsites. 

Grayson Highlands State Park—Mouth Of Wilson

Nearby towns: Mouth of Wilson, Volney, Whitetop

Recreation at the park: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, camping 

Looking to conquer mountains? This is a good place to make camp. Grayson Highlands State Park is situated alongside Mount Rogers (Virginia's highest peak) with an Appalachian Trail spur trail to reach it. Aside from reaching a summit, the trails at this park also leads to waterfalls, incredible lookouts, and wild ponies.

Horseback riders will enjoy the scenic horse trails and the amenities of a special camping area and stables. There are also multi-use trails to welcome mountain bikers alongside hikers. Grayson Highlands is also known for its bouldering opportunities. If you're not equipped to boulder or need a replenishment of supplies, the park store sells chalk, chalk bags, and cleaning brushes. Two crash pads are available for rent. Ropes and chipping are prohibited. There are a variety of campsites at Grayson Highlands, including a bunkhouse that accommodates 14 people. There are no cabins at this park.

New River Trail State Park—Meadows

Nearby towns: Fort Chiswell, Wytheville, Pulaski 

Recreation at the park: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, camping 

New River Trail State Park follows the New River and an old railroad bed, making it a rails-to-trails destination with great river fun as well. The park is 57 miles long, with 39 of those miles paralleling the river. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are popular along the easy, mostly level trail. Guided horseback trips are offered at the Foster Falls area of the park, as are canoe, bike and inner tube rentals.

Fishing is allowed and your catch may include one of a variety of bass, sunfish, perch, bluegill or others. Four primitive campgrounds are available. There are no showers or bathhouses, nor is there vehicular access to the sites.

Claytor Lake State Park—Dublin

Nearby towns: Dublin, Radford, Pulaski 

Recreation at the park: Hiking, biking, boating, swimming, fishing, camping 

Named after the 4,500-acre glimmering Claytor Lake, this state park boasts 13 lakeside cabins, a swimming beach, full-service marina and supplies, as well as a waterfront meeting area ideal for weddings and reunions. The lake really is the main thing, but there are also four miles of hiking and biking trails, too. For those who love to camp, there are 100 sites to choose from plus group camping and a bunkhouse that accommodates 14.

Fairy Stone State Park—Stuart

Nearby town: Bassett

Recreation at the park: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, swimming, fishing, boating

Not far off the Blue Ridge Parkway is Fairy Stone State Park, famous for its legendary fairy stones, which are actually staurolite that appears in an "X" shape. If you're lucky, cross-shaped stones can also be found.

When you're not hunting fairy stones, the 168-acre lake is your go-to. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats are available for rent and the fishing is good. The kids will love the beach area and the on-water playground. Ten miles of multi-use trails welcome hikers, bikers and horses, while additional trails are set aside for hiking only.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park—Huddleston

Nearby towns: Bedford, Altavista

Recreation at the park: Hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping

Situated on Virginia's second largest lake, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is the perfect place from which to explore all of the coves and great fishing SML has to offer. Boat rentals are available, and the family will love the beach area. Thirteen hiking trails through the shade and along the shoreline will lead you to new discoveries and keep you cool. Choose from 20 cabins or a variety of campsites. 

Douthat State Park—Millboro

Nearby towns: Clifton Forge, Hot Springs

Recreation at the park: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, fishing, camping 

Tucked into the mountains with a serene 50-acre lake, Douthat State Park is one of the original Virginia State Parks. The lake is stocked with trout and provides good fishing and swimming at its beach area. Hikers and bikers will appreciate the 43 miles of multi-use trails. Six miles are open for horseback riding and a horse campground is available.

Rent a watercraft for a day on the lake. Crafts include jonboats, canoes, paddle boats, hydorboats, and funyaks. Rustic cabins and lodges can be your home base, or wooded campsites (some with lake views) are a great option, too.