Virginia's State Park Trails
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Virginia’s state parks make it easy to find a trail for a short leg-stretcher, a full day outside or a ride on a long rail trail. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) publishes park-by-park trail guides and maps, with routes for hiking, biking and horseback riding, as well as accessible and multi-use trails. Start with the official map for the park you have in mind, then check its current alerts and trail conditions before you go.[1]
Find the right trail
DCR’s trail guides are designed to give an overview of each park’s trails. For a particular route, use the park’s trail guide and map together: the guide helps you compare routes, while a detailed map is better for navigation. DCR provides paper guides and maps, along with geo-referenced PDFs that can be used with mapping apps.[2]
The statewide trail map page explains how to find a park’s guide and download its geo-referenced map. Download the map before leaving home: the GPS-based position display can work without a cell signal if the map is already on your device. Check the individual park page for the latest guide, alerts and details before setting out.[3]
Choose a trail by experience
- For a short, easy outing: DCR highlights Lakeview Trail at Claytor Lake State Park as an easy, mile-long walk. The park has several easy trails, and the official guide can help you plan a longer visit.
- For a lakeside loop: At Holliday Lake State Park, Lakeshore Trail follows the lake through forest and wetlands. DCR describes it as a 6.3-mile route; consult the park’s current trail guide for route details and conditions.
- For a coastal walk or ride: First Landing State Park’s Cape Henry Trail is a wide, flat, 10.1-mile out-and-back route, according to DCR. The park’s guide can help you choose a section and see how it connects with other trails.
Explore different kinds of park trails
Virginia’s state park trail network includes routes dedicated to hiking, biking and horseback riding, as well as multi-use, interpretive, accessible and rail trails. What is permitted varies by trail, so check the specific park guide rather than assuming every route allows every use.[5]
For an extended ride or walk on a former railroad corridor, compare New River Trail State Park and High Bridge Trail State Park. DCR identifies both among the park system’s rail-trail routes; confirm route access and current conditions with the park before traveling.[6]
Plan and prepare
Before choosing a route, compare its distance, difficulty and permitted uses with your group’s experience and the time you have. Bring water and a map, wear suitable footwear, and check weather, park alerts and trail conditions. DCR advises downloading the trail guide before leaving and staying on marked routes; conditions and available recreation can change.[7]
Make it a statewide challenge
For hikers who enjoy visiting parks over time, DCR’s Trail Quest is a self-paced program that recognizes visits to participating Virginia State Parks. Check the program’s current requirements and participating locations before planning a trip around it.[8]
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ Hiking at Virginia State Parks, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ More about trails, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Park trail maps for hiking, biking, walking and horses, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Hiking at Virginia State Parks, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ More about trails, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Trail etiquette on Virginia State Parks’ rails-to-trails, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, March 25, 2026. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Recreate Responsibly at Virginia State Parks, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia State Parks Trail Quest, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved October 22, 2026.