Blue Ridge Highlands State Parks
Claytor Lake State Park
Claytor Lake State Park in the New River Valley covers 4,500 acres and is 21 miles long. The lake was formed in 1939 by the Appalachian Power Company as a hydroelectric plant before it became a recreation area in 1946.
Outdoor adventures include:
- Boating,
- Freshwater fishing and fishing pier
- Swimming
- Trails for hiking
- Rent rowboats, canoes and motorboats.
Fairy Stone State Park
Home of the mysterious fairy stones, which are shaped like St. Andrew's and Roman crosses, Fairy Stone State Park is located in Patrick County.
Outdoor adventures include:
- Trails for biking, hiking, horseback
- Swimming
- Freshwater fishing
- Rent rowboats, paddleboats and canoes
- Motorboats are permitted on the reservoir only.
Grayson Highlands State Park
In Grayson County bordered on the north by Jefferson National Forest, Grayson Highlands State Park is near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain on Route 58. These mountains are the highest in the state at about 5,700 feet.
Outdoor adventures include:
- Trails for mountain biking, hiking, horseback
- Freshwater fishing
- Outdoor programs
Hungry Mother State Park
Hungry Mother State Park in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains has beautiful forests and an 108-acre lake with a sandy beach! Legend says the park got its name from a hungry child looking for his mother!
Outdoor adventures include:
- Trails for biking and hiking
- Boating (except gasoline motors)
- Freshwater fishing and pier
- Swimming
- Rent rowboats and paddleboats
New River Trail State Park
The New River Trail State Park follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way that parallels the New River for 39 miles. Another Rails to Trail Program, the park goes through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe and Pulaski counties with plenty of Native American history, railroad and mining history.
Outdoor adventures include:
- Trails for biking, hiking, horseback along the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail
- Boating (including motorboats)
- Freshwater fishing
- Rent canoes, jonboats, kayaks and horses.
For more information on wildlife management areas and natural preserves, please visit the Department of Conservation & Recreation!