KIPTOPEKE STATE PARK On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Kiptopeke woos nature lovers with shaded nature trails, a lighted fishing pier, a campground, and four yurts. The camp store rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the bay, home to a fleet of mysterious concrete ghost ships. In the spring and fall, migrating birds, including red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons, glide along the Atlantic Flyway. Then try If you like FIRST LANDING STATE PARK First Landing’s cypress swamps, maritime forests, and sandy bayside beaches naturally draw parkgoers. As the most visited state park in Virginia, it offers plenty of recreational activities, like hiking, biking, paddling, and camping. It’s also a great spot to simply relax on the beach. SHENANDOAH RIVER STATE PARK A short drive from Shenandoah National Park’s north entrance, Shenandoah River offers scenic overlooks, miles of hiking trails, and a top-notch campground. In spring, iconic bluebells burst with color along the Bluebell Trail, while tubing adds to the fun in summer months. If you like SWEET RUN STATE PARK Then try BRIAN C AMP; JOHNNY MOLLOY; HANNAH ARMSTRONG; SAM DE AN; K YLE L AFERRIERE If you like NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK Natural Bridge awes with its towering 215-foot-tall limestone arch — and local lore has it that George Washington etched his initials into the formation in 1750. (“G.W.” is there, about 20 feet up, but this is more folklore than fact.) The park hosts stargazing programs and has a hands-on discovery area perfect for curious kids. Set in Loudoun County’s rolling foothills, Sweet Run is a quiet escape with lush meadows, wooded hollows, and more than 9 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. In fall, foliage sets the park ablaze with gold, amber, and fiery orange leaves. A nature play area and picnic pavilion make this family-friendly gem well-suited for a day spent outdoors. NATURAL TUNNEL STATE PARK Affectionately referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Natural Tunnel is an 850-foot-long, 10-story limestone passage that requires a chairlift ride down to the tunnel floor and observation area. The park has two campgrounds, an amphitheater, and a historic blockhouse replica. Seasonally, the park offers wild cave tours and guided paddles. Then try Virginia Travel Guide 25
Virginia Travel Guide Virginia Travel Guide 2026: Page 25
