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What’s New This Fall at Virginia State Parks

Special Bulletin: Leaf Reports

It’s leaf peeping season! Fall foliage hikes, rides and paddles are well underway. If you’ve not visited a park near you, now is a good time to get out and take your “best” photos, because the fall colors won’t last long!

Fall Trail Hike at Natural Tunnel State Park

Peak leaf season is right around the corner. You can follow all the drama across the state by viewing our Fall Foliage Reports. Each week throughout the season, we’ll be sharing current conditions with you from parks across the state. You can sign up for our weekly newsletter to get the latest updates on Foliage Reports, tips on where to go and what to see, our newest blogs and more.

Go in Confidence!

New park? No problem! Check out Avenza Maps on your mobile device and download the geo-referenced PDF maps of Virginia State Parks. Avenza uses the built-in GPS device on your mobile phone and works even when you don’t have mobile service. As you move through the park, your location, indicated as a blue dot, will move in real time on the map. Avenza will help you figure out which trail to take and where the nearest restroom is. It’s basically like having a park kiosk in the palm of your hand.

Paddling at a state park using Avenza Maps

The app is especially useful for paddlers looking for their put-in and take-outs, and for our “long-trail” parks like New River Trail and High Bridge. With features like point to point navigation and route tracking, you’ll always know how far you’ve gone and how much farther you have to go.

Make a Reservation

If you want to explore your parks a little longer this fall, there’s still time to plan a weekend getaway.

Full-service and primitive campsites are available at many of our parks and are a great way to experience the season. Fall weather tends to be favorable for tent camping and the scenery is tough to beat. Get out and experiment with some new gear or take your friends out for a socially distanced hang at a park near you.

Douthat Lake State Park in the fall

If you’ve not tried one of our yurts, autumn is prime time for a yurt stay. Yurts aren’t climate controlled and make for cozy evenings. Each comes with a few parking spots, a fire ring and picnic area to get your grill on.

Our camping cabins offer a similar experience—uninsulated, no frills shelters. They’re great for those who want to spend the day exploring and come back to a sturdy place to sleep.

Know Before You Go

For the latest information on your favorite park’s recreation opportunities and potential closures, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov/besafe.

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