Fairy Stone State Park
More actions
Location
Patrick County, near Stuart
Park address
967 Fairystone Lake Drive, Stuart, VA 24171
Known for
Fairy stones and Fairy Stone Lake
Activities
Hiking, boating, swimming, camping and stone hunting
Fairy Stone State Park brings together a distinctive local mineral, a lake-centered recreation area and wooded foothill trails in southwestern Virginia. Its name comes from staurolite crystals—often shaped like crosses—that can be found in the park area. The mineral’s natural formation is the science behind the stones; a local legend explains them as fairies’ tears. [1] Set in Southwest Virginia, the park offers ways to make a day of the visit, from walking a lakeshore trail to swimming, paddling or looking for fairy stones at the designated hunt site. Cabins, campsites and other facilities are also available; check the park’s current information before setting out, since services, access and availability can change. [2]
Plan a trip to Fairy Stone State Park
Why visit Fairy Stone State Park?
The park’s signature experience is its unusual combination of natural history and outdoor recreation. Staurolite crystals formed under heat and pressure as the Appalachian region’s rocks changed; erosion of the surrounding schist can leave the harder crystals exposed. Their intersecting forms may resemble Roman, St. Andrew’s or Maltese crosses. [3]
Visitors can also explore trails on foot, and some routes allow biking or horseback riding. Fairy Stone Lake provides a focus for swimming, boating and fishing, while the park’s cabins and campgrounds make an overnight stay possible. Check current park notices and reservation information for seasonal operations and availability. [4]
Start here
For a first visit, begin with the park’s current map and choose a manageable combination of lake time and trail walking. If finding fairy stones is a priority, note that the designated hunt site is outside the main lake area; review the park’s directions and rules before making the trip. Small numbers may be collected for personal use, while commercial digging is not permitted. [5]
What to see and do
Look for fairy stones
Visit the designated hunt area and search the exposed soil for staurolite crystals. Bring patience, follow posted directions, and take only a small number for personal use; commercial digging is prohibited.
Walk the trail network
Choose among routes in the Little Mountain Falls and Stuart’s Knob trail systems. The park’s trail guide lists routes for hiking, with some trails also open to biking or equestrian use; check the current map for mileage, difficulty and permitted uses.
Spend time at Fairy Stone Lake
The lake area is the setting for swimming, boating and fishing. Check current conditions and park information for operating seasons, rentals, access and any restrictions before visiting.
Explore the park’s history
Look for the park’s connections to the former community of Fayerdale, iron mining and the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Iron Mine Trail passes an old mine shaft, according to the state park’s historical account.
Stay overnight
Cabins, campsites and group-camping facilities are among the park’s accommodations. Check Virginia State Parks for current reservation details, facility availability and site-specific rules.
History and significance
Fairy Stone State Park was one of Virginia’s original six state parks developed with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The first CCC workers arrived at the future park in October 1933. Roanoke publisher Junius B. Fishburn donated the land for the park. [6]
The park’s lake also reshaped the local landscape: the former community of Fayerdale was flooded to make way for the 168-acre lake. The state park’s history notes that remnants of the area’s past can be encountered in places such as the Iron Mine Trail and a visitor-center exhibit about moonshining. [7]
Planning a visit
The park is at 967 Fairystone Lake Drive, Stuart, Virginia 24171. The park office number listed by Virginia State Parks is 276-930-2424. [8]
Use the official trail guide and facilities map to plan routes and locate facilities. Trail lengths, permitted uses and difficulty vary; trail conditions and amenities may change. Review current park notices before travel, especially if your plans depend on swimming, rentals, camping, lodging or the hunt site. [9]
For a fairy-stone search, follow the official directions to the designated area rather than collecting crystals elsewhere. The park says a small number may be taken for personal use and prohibits commercial digging. [10]
Nearby attractions
Philpott Lake
Explore another Virginia lake destination; check the destination page and official sources for the best fit and current travel details.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The mountain region provides a broader context for the park’s foothill landscape and outdoor destinations.
Virginia State Parks
Browse the state park system for more destinations and trip ideas across Virginia.
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ All About Fairy Stones, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Fairy Stone State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ All About Fairy Stones, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Fairy Stone State Park Facilities Guide, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ All About Fairy Stones, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Join the Conservation Corp and see the country, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, April 25, 2011. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Moonshining, Iron Mining, and a Town Buried Under a Lake, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Find a Virginia State Park by amenities, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Fairy Stone State Park Trail Guide, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ All About Fairy Stones, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.