There is no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in and around Loudoun County, especially as the weather warms and the days get longer. There are 38 Virginia State Parks to explore in our great state, including Sky Meadows that is only about a 30 minute drive and several others that are just over an hour from Loudoun.
Sky Meadows State Park
Rich in history, this park provides recreational offerings that engage visitors and help connect them with farming practices that formed its unique pastoral landscape. This 1,860-acre park has scenic views, woodlands and the rolling pastures of a historic farm that captures the colonial through post-Civil War life of the Crooked Run Valley. Nature and history programs are offered year-round. Hiking, picnicking, fishing and primitive hike-in camping for families and groups are favorite activities in this peaceful getaway on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park has 10.5 miles of bridle trails, 22 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of bike trails and Appalachian Trail access.
The park is less than two miles south of Paris, Va., via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South; or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park's main entrance is on State Route 710. Its address is 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144-0710.
- 04/06/2019 - Explorer Outpost
- 04/06/2019 - Introduction to the Backcountry: Earth Connection Series
- 04/06/2019 - Kitchen Garden
- 04/06/2019 - The Farmer's Forge
- 04/06/2019 - The Settle's Kettle
- More events at this park.
Mason Neck State Park
This Northern Virginia park offers many outdoor activities and programs. It has hiking trails, 3 miles of paved multi-use trails, a large picnic area, a playground, a car-top canoe launch and a visitor center. Canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals are also available. Bird watching, especially for American bald eagles, and guided canoe trips of Kane's Creek and Belmont Bay are favorites with park visitors. The park's wetlands, forest, open water, ponds and open fields make it ideal for environmental study and wildlife observation. Nearby attractions include the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge, Gunston Hall and Pohick Bay Regional Park.
The park is in southern Fairfax County. Access to the park is via U.S. 1, then five miles east on Route 242 (Gunston Road) to the park entrance. Its address is 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, VA 22079-4010
- 03/23/2019 - Roving Ranger at the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge
- 03/23/2019 - Rockin' Raptors
- 03/23/2019 - Ranger at the Blind
- 03/24/2019 - Roving Ranger on Bay View
- 03/24/2019 - Turtle Time
- More events at this park.
Leesylvania State Park
Leesylvania is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years. Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery. It's also the ancestral home of Virginia's legendary Lee and Fairfax families. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating. A universally accessible fishing pier, playground, boat launch, boat storage area, snack bar and store, visitor center and gift shop are available. A 20-station fitness trail and canoe and kayak rentals also are available.
Leesylvania State Park is in the southeast area of Prince William County. From I-95, take Rippon Landing Exit 156, then go east on Dale Blvd. to U.S. 1. Jefferson Davis Hwy. Turn right on Jefferson Davis Hwy., and then turn left onto Neabsco Rd. (Route 610) east for about two miles. Its address is 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge, VA 22191-4504
- 03/23/2019 - Shoreline Cleanups
- 03/23/2019 - Owl Book Club
- 03/30/2019 - Owl Book Club
- 03/30/2019 - Junior Rangers
- 04/06/2019 - Owl Book Club
- More events at this park.
Shenandoah River State Park
This park is on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and has more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline. The park opened in June 1999. In addition to meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. A large riverside picnic area, picnic shelters, trails, river access and a car-top boat launch make this a popular destination for families, anglers and canoeists. Ten riverfront tent campsites, a campground with water and electric sites, cabins, camping cabins and a group campground are available. With more than 24 miles of trails and a new zipline, the park has plenty of options for hiking, biking, horseback riding and adventure.
The park is in Warren County, 8 miles south of Front Royal and 15 miles north of Luray. It's off Rt. 340 in Bentonville. Its address is 350 Daughter of Stars Drive, Bentonville, VA 22610
