Bear Creek Lake Park

Labor Day - America's State Parks

Thursday, September 2, 2010 by Shellie Anne

Take the day off on Labor Day and enjoy nature and the outdoors at a Virginia State Park, your family will thank you!

Visit the Virginia State Parks Website and plan your weekend adventure today! An overnight, a picnic along the river or lake or a hike up to the Falls! Whatever you plan, let Virginia State Parks be a part of your weekend as you getaway from the labors of life.

There is so much to love at Virginia State Parks!

Video courtesy of America's State Parks - Close to Home.

Calm before the Storm: Hurricane Earl Preparations

Thursday, September 2, 2010 by Staci Martin

Due to the Hurricane Watch for coastal Virginia, False Cape, First Landing and Kiptopeke State Parks are closing at 4p.m. Thursday, September 2, 2010

Many people are wondering why the parks are closing when the storm track indicates an eastern swing late Thursday. I'd like to take a moment to explain the complex preparations Virginia State Parks make in these situations.

First and foremost, visitor safety is the absolute priority.

Ranger John Thurston preps for Hurricane Earl.

Virginia State Parks follows a set of policy guidelines that require us to close the parks when an area is under a "hurricane watch." This closure decision then triggers a complex set of protocols that are implemented with visitor safety in mind.

Weather forecasting is tricky business even on normal days--imagine trying to predict what will happen when the storm is nearly 200 miles wide with winds around 135 miles per hour. NOAA simply can not determine with 100% accuracy the track of this storm.

Ranger Shawn Waldrup preps chainsaws before Hurricane Earl.

Camping in an RV or tent in a wooded area during an intense storm is a lot different than hunkering down in your brick and mortar home. Heavy rains and moderate winds can bring down tree branches and fling debris across the park. Water pumps and electrical pedestals can fail due to downed trees and flood waters.

Yesterday, park staff alerted guests that the park will be closing at 4 p.m. Many park guests were directed to the Chesapeake Bay Center where City of Virginia Beach CVB staff and a public workstation with internet access is available. Guests are able to transfer their park reservation to inland parks, book hotel rooms, check email and check the latest weather data.

Traffic cones are prepped before Hurricane Earl

Throughout yesterday and today, park staff are gassing up vehicles, inspecting and fueling chainsaws, inventorying signage, prepping traffic cones and pulling out safety equipment. All of this is done with the goal of being able to open the park as soon as possible after the storm hits.

Late this afternoon after the park is closed to visitors, park staff will secure buildings by pulling down hurricane shutters, securing outdoor furniture and closing all gates and access points.

Late this evening, park staff will secure their own homes and make last-minute shopping excursions for supplies for their families. One of the reasons, we must make a closure decision so early in the storm tracking process is because we must give our employees time to handle their personal situations--relocating their families, stocking their hurricane kits, etc.

On Friday the storm is forecasted to pass through coastal Virginia between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m., once the situation is deemed safe, park staff will conduct inspections of all the public facilities and create a plan for re-opening the park.

The goal is to re-open as quickly as possible. On Friday, as soon as conditions permit, work crews will go out with chainsaws, tractors, and work trucks to remove down trees and debris. Dominion Power will be alerted to any electrical problems. If flooding is a problem, the park manager may decide to open on a limited basis--for instance, the manager may decide to open for day use only or may decide to open only the campground loops that are safe for visitors.

The best thing to do is to check the Virginia State Parks website for information on re-opening of the parks. Again, the main priority is visitor safety. We will re-open as soon as possible!!

Wilderness Road Opens Its Doors To The Community

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Michael Brindle

Wilderness Road State Park will host their second annual Community Appreciation Open House on Saturday, September 11 with a free lunch and a day full of entertainment beginning at 8:00 am. The highlight of the event will be a special evening program at 7:00 pm, featuring the life of frontier legend Daniel Boone as Scott New returns to Historic Martin’s Station to reprise his role as the folk hero in a Kentucky Chautauqua program through the Kentucky Humanities. The event is free of all charges with the community encouraged to come out and enjoy their state park.

By the time of his death in 1820, Daniel Boone had already become a legend. Much of what Americans think they know about this great frontiersman is in some instances, off the mark. “Neither a backwoods bumpkin nor an epic slayer of Indians, Boone was an intrepid explorer and natural leader whose actual exploits easily justify his larger-than-life reputation,” explains the Kentucky Humanities Council. “And he never wore a coonskin cap!”

Scott New has portrayed Boone in films and other venues, such as Wilderness Road State Park, Colonial Williamsburg and now Boonesborough Ky. For more than 10 years Scott has followed his lifelong interest by interpreting the Kentucky frontier and early American history. “Scott (New) is a tremendous interpreter, showman, teacher and friend” stated park concessions manager Mike Brindle. “I have known Scott for more than 8 years and I consider him to be one of the best interpreters I have witnessed and an expert on Daniel Boone.

The program will focus on Boone’s experience as a longhunter and trailblazer, with New utilizing first-hand account dialogue in his presentation. “The program will be conducted in first-person perspective, meaning Scott will speak, act and take on the demeanor of Daniel Boone, himself,” explained Brindle. “If you ask him a modern-day question, he will not know the answer. When he is in character in the program, he is Daniel Boone.”

In appreciation for the local community’s support in helping Wilderness Road State Park enjoy another wonderful year, the park will offer a full day of entertainment along with a free hotdog lunch at 12:20 pm. The day begins when the park grounds open at 8:00 am with programs slated to begin at 10:00 am. The programs will feature history and nature activities as well as an Amazing Race using GPS (Global Positioning System) units.

“This Park belongs to the people of the Commonwealth and we are pleased to have an opportunity to show our appreciation with a day of fun, food and activities, free of charge, to our extended community.” explained Wilderness Road State Park Manager Jon Tustin.

One program sure to generate lots of interest is Stories in Stone presented by Cumberland

Gap National Historical Park interpreter Scott Teodorski. Join Teodorski and step back in time to see and hear what our rock formations tell us about our land’s history, its makeup and events that shaped our region’s past.

Ever wonder what lurks in the layers of sandstone and limestone that have been thrust through the top of the ground as a result of the Earth’s plates slamming into one another? Ever wonder what rocks would tell us if they could talk? Teodorski will attempt to interpret what the rocks are telling us by studying their structure, chemical makeup and the fossils they contain.

“I think at some point in time, most of us that grew up in this area have played and climbed on rocks. And we probably have all turned over a few rocks just to see what was under them or what they looked like,” explained Mike Brindle, concessions manager at Wilderness Road State Park. “This program will take us back to that time, and allow us to find out exactly what these rocks, rock formations and cliffs have to tell us about an ancient world forgotten, but preserved in stone.”

Teodorski concluded with: “Come out and listen to these stories in stone and see how ancient earth-changing forces still chart the journey of modern explorers.” This activity will be held at 2:00 pm in the picnic area.

Welcoming ceremonies will be conducted at 12 noon. A free hotdog lunch complete with chips, drinks and a dessert treat, will get underway at 12:30 pm at shelter #3.

A new addition to the park’s offerings is the Cumberland Outpost, located behind the Visitor Center, which opened this summer offering ice cream, candy, snacks and drinks. It also serves as a nature center. The Outpost will be open throughout the Open House celebration.

Historic Martin’s Station will open at 10:00 am. The theme for the weekend is “frontier frolic” illustrating how settlers eased the tension of living along a frontier that could be both grim and dangerous.

Tours of the Karlan Mansion will be conducted at 11:00 am and 4:15 pm by Frances Robertson Inwood. Francis is a descendant of Robert and Susan Ely who built the home in 1877-78. “Frances has so many pictures and information that help tell the history of this building,” explained Brindle. “Now she wants to share this wealth of information with the public.” Those wishing to join the tour are asked to meet at the front porch of the mansion at least five minutes prior to the start of the tour.

Other programs and activities slated for the day include: A nature hike (10:00 am), an 18th century artillery demonstration (12:30 pm) and children’s entertainment by Wilderness Wilma the Clown (1:30 pm). Live music by Tazewell Pike and Ken Wilson will entertain guests from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm near the Cumberland Outpost. The very popular “Critters in the Creek” program takes place at 3:00 pm. At 4:00 pm, a historical first-person program will be conducted at Martin’s Station.

The annual horseshoe tournament begins at 2:00pm at Shelter #3. The popular event from a year ago returns with prizes to be awarded to the winning two-man team. Teams wishing to enter the tournament are asked to meet at Shelter #3 at 1:30 pm.

Based on the popular reality television show, The Amazing Race, the park will conduct its own Amazing Race scavenger hunt at 5:30 pm using GPS units. Each 4-6 person team will hike, walk, dig and climb to locate clues which will lead them to the final puzzle. The team solving their puzzle first will win a cache of prizes. Pre-registration is required for the Amazing Race game. To register a team, please call the park office at 276-445-3065.

“The staff at Wilderness Road State Park is enthusiastically looking forward to welcoming the community to enjoy and explore the wonderful resources and activities here at the park,” concluded Tustin

The event is being sponsored by Powell Valley Bank and the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park. For more information, please contact the park by phone: 276-445-3065.

The Shenandoah River

Sunday, August 29, 2010 by Shellie Anne

This is the last big weekend of the summer. Still time for you to visit and enjoy spending some time at a Virginia State Park! Like this young lady from Rocky Mount Virginia and her guide "The Shenandoah Rover" did at Shenandoah River State Park.

Shenandoah Rover at Shenandoah River State Park Virginia

Shenandoah State Park Virginia State Parks

The park is 1,604 acres with 5.6 miles of river frontage along the south fork of the Shenandoah River. The rolling, mountainous land features steep slopes and is mostly wooded. In addition to meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic vistas overlooking Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east.

Park Size: 1,604 acres, 5.6 miles of river frontage along the south fork of the Shenandoah River. About 140 acres are pastoral. There is no boat launch, but there is a canoe put in spot with ample parking.

Shenandoah River State Park has 11 brand new cabins, a primitive campground right beside the river, an incredible new RV campground with full hook ups and even camping cabins for you to enjoy! You can reserve your spot on line today or call 1-800-933-PARK for your Virginia State Parks experience.

Other features at this amazing Virginia State Park is a brand new state-of-the-art visitor center with LEED certification, picnic shelters, hiking, biking and horseback trails and plenty of parking. Don't miss the view from the lookout near the Visitor Center, especially at sunset or sunrise, it is spectacular!

There is so much to love at Virginia State Parks - I dare you to prove me wrong!

Virginia State Parks Partner with The North Face Company

Friday, August 27, 2010 by Kristen Uerz

Tired of the usual hustle and bustle of your busy city life? Well, here's the solution. Get back in touch with nature while releasing some of your stress during a peaceful hike in one of Virginia's great state parks.

Thanks to a partnership between Virginia State Parks and The North Face Company, five of Virginia's state parks near northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. (Leesylvania, Caledon, Lake Anna, Shenandoah River and Mason Neck) will be featured in a trail guide distributed to customers at participating North Face independent retailers. The exciting new program encourages people living in the greater DC area to get outdoors and enjoy the State Parks.

You can also pick up your trail guide at any of the participating parks. Each of the five parks will have an interpretive sign that will contain a code unique to that park. Visitors will record the code in their trail guide, return it to any participating retail store and receive a free North Face stainless steel water bottle. In addition to the trail guide, customers who make a $50 North Face purchase will also receive an entrance pass good at any Virginia State Park. Trail guides and passes will be distributed from September 1 - October31, 2010 at participating retail stores and featured State Parks. The entrance pass will be good until December 31, 2010. There are a limited number of passes and water bottles so be sure to get yours before they are all gone!

In addition to their support, The North Face Company will also donate $1 toward trail preservation in Virginia State Parks for every person who signs up for the North Face Planet Explore or The North Face Trailhead Application during September and October 2010, up to $2,000 per state. To learn more about this program and to get a list of participating retailers click here.

The North Face, named for the coldest, most unforgiving side of a moutain, has helped explorers reach the most unfathomable heights of the Himalayas. Working to inspire the next generation of explorers and conservationists by helping them discover nature's playground, the company is partnering with Maryland and Virginia State Parks for the inaugural Explore Your Parks (EYP) program.

Want to find other events in your community? Visit Planet Explore, the online community with a host of hiking, biking, running and other events in your area.

"Tell Us How We're Doing" Contest Winners

Friday, August 27, 2010 by Kristen Uerz

FOCUS Week for Virginia State Parks is a week in July when we focus on getting customers to complete a Your Comments Count Survey to let us know what we are doing right, where we need to improve and what our customers expect from a visit to a Virginia State Park. As a way of encouraging visitors to fill out the survey we held a contest so visitors could win a 7 night cabin stay, 6 nights of camping, a picnic shelter rental, 3 Annual park or boat launch/equestrian passes and 12 Virginia State Park tee shirts.

To enter the contest, visitors simply had to visit a Virginia State Park during the week of July 5-11 and then complete a Your Comments Count Survey. Customer comments are important to us as they help us to provide the best possible experience for all of our park visitors. We've been surveying our customers since 1997 with our Your Comments Count Survey and just last year we received over 7,000 completed surveys.

We are happy to announce the following winners for 2010:

Grand Prize: 7 night cabin stay - Junior Easter, Fairy Stone

Second Prize: 6 nights of camping - Kenneth Tingen, Occoneechee

Third Prize: Picnic Shelter Rental - Roy Evans, Smith Mountain Lake

Fourth Prize: Choice of Annual parking or boat launch/equestrian pass - Mary Joyce, New River Trail; Debbie Kinder, Hungry Mother; Missy Martin, Smith Mountain Lake

Virginia State Park tee shirts: Jennifer English, Yvonne Rodgers, Cody Harvey, Wanda Adkins, Sherri Bishop, W.A. Bridenstine Jr., Jesse Ratcliffe Jr., Sandra Avancini, Lori Key, Dorothy Archer, Katherine Lenzi, and Hilary West

Congratulations to all of our winners. It's not too early to start thinking about next summer. Call our reservation center at 1-800-933-7275 Monday-Friday or visit our website anytime.

Wish You Were Here!

Friday, August 27, 2010 by Shellie Anne

A Change of Scenery Will Do You Good

Take a look at Virginia State Parks where the air is fresher, cleaner and there is more of it!

Open your eyes and look around you, what do you see? Can you feel it, smell it and hear it? Let Virginia State Parks magnify your senses...listen carefully to hear the sound of a bat on a ball and children laughing, or look closely to the see harbingers of Spring.

Hiking and views at Virginia State Parks

Virginia State Parks has a fantastic trails system, you better get out here and experience it yourself!

Virginia State Parks have more than 450 miles of trails in 34 state parks, historic sites and natural areas. With more than seven million park visitors a year, our trails see a lot of use. In fact, more than 97 percent of those responding to the 2000 Virginia Outdoors Survey rated trails the most important offering state parks provide.

These trails provide a range of outdoor experiences in different settings - coastal forests, dunes, hardwood forests, tranquil lakes, hemlock forests and spectacular views in the mountains. Trails give visitors the chance for bird watching and wildlife viewing, exercise, family outings, mountain biking or just a quiet escape from urban life. Whatever your interest, our trails fill the bill.

Parks with handicapped accessible trails include Belle Isle, Chippokes, Claytor Lake, Fairy Stone, First Landing, Hungry Mother, James River, Kiptopeke, Leesylvania, Mason Neck, Southwest Virginia Museum, Natural Tunnel, New River Trail, Pocahontas, Staunton River Battlefield and York River.

See the entire list of Virginia State Parks Trails Here. Currently there are Hiking, Biking, Mountain Biking, Hiking/Biking, Hiking/Equestrian, Hiking/Biking/Equestrian, Rail Trail, Connector, Interpretive, and Water Accessible Trails available for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget Fido, he will know where you have been without him, so bring him along!

Learn more about park offerings by calling 1-800-933-PARK. Click here to reserve a campsite or picnic shelter or to check cabin availability.

There's so much to love at Virginia State Parks!

Wake Up Some Place Special!

Monday, August 23, 2010 by Shellie Anne

You will always wake up some place special at a Virginia State Park!

Have you ever stayed at a cabin or lodge at a Virginia State Park? Rates are very reasonable and even includes in-state discounts to Virginia residents. Consider a cabin or lodge for your next family getaway or girls weekend out. Let me show thee the ways...

Modern Amenities and Comfort at a Cabin at a Virginia State Park

Virginia State Parks provide comfortable and economical overnight accommodations, with 260 climate-controlled cabins. Many cabins are available year round, they range from rustic to elegant.

Climate-controlled cabins are available at Bear Creek Lake, Chippokes Plantation, Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, First Landing, Hungry Mother, James River, Lake Anna, Occoneechee, Staunton River, Smith Mountain Lake, Twin Lakes and Westmoreland state parks. Cabin sizes and sleeping arrangments vary by park. One bedroom cabins, two or three bedroom cabins, many with bunkbeds so bring the whole family and some friends too!

All cabins have kitchens and bathrooms. Furnishings and equipment include rustic furniture, microwave, refrigerator, oven, dishes, cooking utensils, silverware, kitchen towels and glassware. Bath towels and bedroom linens, including mattress covers, pillows, blankets, sheets and pillow cases, also are included.

All cabins except those at Chippokes Plantation State Park and Twin Lakes State Park's Hill Lodge and Martin Cottage have fireplaces. Cabins at Smith Mountain Lake have wood stoves.

The parks also have Handicap Accessable cabins with ramps and large open bathrooms.

Reserve your cabin online - pick the park, pick the dates, pick the actual cabin you would like! You can view locations with in each Virginia State Park. Search here for amenities.

Don't forget Fido. Fido is welcome to stay with you in your cabin at nearly all Virginia State Parks. (Following all park leash regulations of course.) There is an additional nominal rate of $10 per pet per day (hey this is less than boarding Fido) and look at all the fun Fido will have with the family!

You can reserve your cabin or lodge up to 10 months in advance. So now is your chance to book your cabin for next Spring, Summer or Fall!

Relax at a cabin at a Virginia State Park

In addition to cabins and family lodges, special facilities include:

Bel Air Mansion and Guest House - These two upscale, overnight facilities in Belle Isle State Park are perfect for family reunions or picturesque weddings. Furnished with antique reproductions, the mansion comfortably sleeps six, and the simply furnished guest house sleeps eight.

Cove Ridge Center at Natural Tunnel State Park - Available for reunions, conferences or business meetings, the two attached dormitories can accommodate up to 30 each. Overnight guests have free use of adjacent swimming pool during normal operating hours. Reservations are handled by the park at (276) 940-2696.

Poplar Hill Cottage at the Southwest Virginia Museum - This quaint, garden-themed cottage is the perfect getaway in the mountains. Furnished with reproduction furniture, the charming cottage is in the historic Poplar Hill neighborhood, adjacent to other fine homes. The cottage comfortably sleeps six and two full baths. Pets are not allowed. Reservations are handled by the park at (276) 523-1322.

There is so much to love at Virginia State Parks! Well, what are you waiting for?

Picnic Area Relocated to Sailor’s Creek Visitor Center

Thursday, August 19, 2010 by Zoe Rogers

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park has recently moved one of its two picnic areas to the new visitor center. Two tables are available under the shelter of the side and back porches, while four others are on the lawn. Two of these tables are handicap accessible. The picnic area that was relocated was originally at the Confederate Overlook parking/trail area.

This project was made possible by the Youth Conservation Corps who moved the tables from the old picnic area to the new visitor center. They also repaired the picnic tables to their current condition. Ten female crewmembers and three female supervisors made up this crew who also spent time at Twin Lakes State Park and High Bridge Trail State Park doing various park projects.

Park Manager Chris Calkins is pleased with the new picnic area and the work of the YCC group. “The picnic area was moved not only for the convenience of the visitor center amenities,” stated Calkins, “but because it sat right in the middle of the heaviest combat area of the battle.” He added, “Its location, ‘blood soaked ground,’ was like placing a picnic area at the stone wall at Gettysburg where [General George E.] Pickett’s Charge took place.”

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park and the Hillsman Farm House Museum are on the National Register of Historical Places and listed as a National Historic Landmark.

Dive Right In The Water's Fine!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 by Shellie Anne

Virginia State Parks have it all, from the mountains to the seashore you will fall in love with Virginia State Parks.

From sandy beaches to rocky shores, be assured Virginia State Parks lakes, rivers, bays and ocean will fufill your urge to get wet!

Some features found at your favorite swimming holes at Virginia State Parks:

Water! Lots of Water!
Sandy Beaches
Lifeguards
Low Dives/High Dives
Concession Stands for Great Snacks and Cold Drinks
Plenty of Parking
Boat Ramps/Launches
Canoe/Kayak Put ins
Bathrooms
Bath Houses to Shower off After Your Swim
Picnic Areas with Grills
Benches for Taking in the Scenery
Shade Trees
Handicap Accessable Pathways
Drinking Fountains

BYO Smiles and Laughter, we will provide the rest! There is so much to love at Virginia State Parks.

New Hours for the Beach at Holliday Lake State Park

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 by Zoe Rogers

The beach at Holliday Lake State Park will be closed to swimming Monday through Friday during the weeks of August 23rd through August 27th and August 30th through September 3rd. The beach will open during its normal hours, 10 am to 7 pm, on Saturday, August 28th, Sunday, August 29th, Saturday, September 4th, Sunday, September 5th and Monday, September 6th (Labor Day). The beach will be closed for the season starting Tuesday, September 7th. If you have any questions, please call the park office at (434)248-6308.

Our First Outing at Douthat State Park in Virginia

Monday, August 16, 2010 by Virginia State Park Visitors

A visitor contributed blog by Vel Allard from Wakefield, Virginia

We were so happy. A whole two weeks of vacation coming up in our brand new, never been used pop-up Coleman camper. It was thrilling and exciting to be heading off for our very first trip with the new camper. We were gathering up everything we thought we'd need and heading from our home in Illinois to visit our kids who lived in Virginia. My husband, Chuck, was meticulous about getting everything done with getting the camper ready while I loaded up our clothes, sleeping bags, and everything I thought we may use. Then we started to load our food. "Well, I said, "we aren't going to be camping every night.. just one night on the road to get there for now, so I will just put one night's food in the camper." Ominous words! Chuck came in and pronounced, " ah no, we need to take more than that and began throwing cans of beans and beef stew and who knows what all in the camper." Under my breath I was thinking, why is he doing all that for one night on the road camping.

We finally had it all together and took off happily down the road toward Virginia. It was a long but happy trip as we hit the beautiful mountains of Virginia. We were so delighted to be in the state even though it was raining slightly and the radio was issuing heavy rain warnings. Well if you are going to camp in a camper, we thought , we'd be safe and dry and happy. Sleeping under the tent top would be nice sleeping weather. We entered the beautiful state park at Douthat and were instructed to turn left onto a little drive that went over this lovely little stream. Then to drive up the hill to our site. We had picked out the perfect site for us...on the topmost part of the hill and near the restrooms... :)

The bridge in the story has since been replaced by the bridge shown here.

We set up the camper and fixed our evening meal and happily listened to the little pitter patter of the rain on the top of the camper. The smell of wet woods and new camper filled the air. Finally the exhaustion of the drive hit us and we decided to call it a night. Sometime late during the night I was awakened to loud popping, crashing noises. It was a little unnerving because I didn't have a clue what it was. It was still raining... heavily... and I was starting to wonder if anything would leak. The noises kept on.. loud popping noises and roaring water sounds. I woke my husband who probably could sleep through most any kind of storm and he said, "Aww it's nothing... go back to sleep." However when we awoke and he went to the bathhouse, he ran into a fellow camper who said, "Looks like we aren't going anywhere today!" Chuck took a deep breath wondering what he was talking about. "The stream flooded" our fellow camper said, "and the bridge is underwater!"... Chuck came back to the camper with this little tidbit of information and we just looked at each other. A bit of panic made its way to my voice as I said, "that little stream we crossed last night??" "Yes, let's go look at it."

We made our way down and were totally aghast at what we saw... that tiny little stream which so quietly had crept under the little bridge last night was an angry, muddy, swirling mass of floodwater. Trees had broken off in the night and were floating along with the water and there was no way in the world we were going to be leaving that day! Immediately we thought of getting word to our daughters that we were stranded at Douthat. We tried the cell phone... of course, no service! Then we walked back up to the camper. Just as we did, a ranger came walking by the bathhouse notifying campers of our dilemma. I was so glad to see him altho the campground was pretty full of campers so we were not alone. It was reassurance that there was some way to get out. Chuck asked him how he got here if all the roads were flooded. He told us that he had climbed the mountain and showed us the direction to climb out and get to a phone at the ranger's station. The campground was fine up on higher ground.. the lower levels where we met some fellow campers from Illinois were somewhat flooded. Getting in and out of their campers was a watery experience. It wasn't long though before the rangers had a backhoe down by the now raging river. They were going to put in a culvert to divert some of the water away from the bridge and then when the water receded, we would be able to leave.. But that wasn't going to happen today. It was going to take some time.

Normally the runoff from Douthat Lake has this peaceful flow.

So we started thinking food... yes, thank you husband, you packed all that other stuff that I didn't think we were going to need. So I had to eat my words but thankfully, we had beans and beef stew.. So many of the campers were sharing food and willing to help out anyway possible. It was a great group of people and a great group trying to "rescue" us. Indeed we still had to notify daughters or the state police would have been on our trail. So we decided to climb that mountain to get out to make a phone call. It didn't look all that bad, I thought. :) So we started and it was a whole lot steeper than it looked. We started to hold on to little trees and pull our way up...It was some good exercise! At last we made it... called our daughter and told her the story. Her only request... call me back in a few hours and tell me how it's going. Sure, right...climb that mountain again.. I think not! So we assured her that as soon as we got out, we would call her. Then we climbed that mountain again to get back to the camper and took a nap. Diligently, that crew kept on working hard as they could. By the next day at lunchtime, a ranger had appeared again to tell us that they would have a window of time for us to get out that day and to be ready. It could be anytime. So we hooked up, packed up and decided to eat more beef stew. As soon as I got the pot hot and we were ready, they came around again and said, "Now, you need to come on down, now." We threw that hot pot of beef stew in the trunk..and started on down the road. You could still see a little layer of water coming across the bridge but it was down enough to cross. Crossing that bridge was a little scary as you could see the water still swirling but their culvert worked.

We still sing the praises of those workers who worked so diligently to get us out. We loved the adventure and the wonder of mother nature at her best and worst as we visited Douthat State Park. We plan to go back there again soon as we are now Virginians and guess what... this time, we will pack a lot of food! Happy Camping!

Editor's note: While it is still possible to get "stranded" in White Oak Campground, we have replaced the bridge since this story in 2000. Rest assured that in an emergency situation we would have been able to rescue stranded campers. This is most likely to happen in March or April with combination spring rains and runoff from snow at higher elevations.

Holliday Lake State Park Hosts 3rd Annual Bluegrass Festival

Monday, August 16, 2010 by Zoe Rogers

Holliday Lake State Park presents the 3rd Annual Bluegrass Music Festival on Saturday, August 28th from 1 – 9 pm. Five local bluegrass bands will perform at the campground amphitheater. Enjoy the sounds of Reed Creek, Sourwood Mountain Band, Neighborhood Strays, Home grown Bluegrass and Allen’s Mill.

Tickets are $10 each and children 6 years and under are free. Refreshments are available for purchase. Bring the whole family and listen to great music while enjoying the outdoors. Seating is limited so bring a lawn chair or blanket. For more information call the park office at 434-248-6308 or click here.

So Blue, Who Knew? Do You?

Sunday, August 15, 2010 by Shellie Anne

It is commonly noted that in nature blue is a very rare naturally occurring color, so what do we have here?

We need your help, would you care to assist and tell us what tree this blue leaf comes from? Or what kind of mushroom this is? Sure we could ask a Ranger, they know everything, yada yada yada...but we want to hear from you!

Here is a little background help: These photos were taken as is, not photoshopped, on August 7, 2010 on a hiking trail in the middle Appalachians at about 3250 feet. These were part of a family photo journey at a Virginia State Park.

Share your responses with us in the comments section below, we want to hear from you. No, we aren't giving away any prizes, but we will tell you in our most enthused and impressed tone "Wow you are a genius! How did you know that? Are you an Appalachian Naturalist or something? Well done, excellent!"

Learn more about Virginia's Natural Heritage Program from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Don't forget Virginia State Parks are open year round, so mark your calendars to forge your own photo expedition and see what lies in the undergrowth! You might just find a blue debut of these lovely bijoux yourself.

UPDATE WITH ANSWER: This is indeed a maple leaf and it is blue due to a fungus. :)

Just horsing around at Virginia State Parks

Thursday, August 12, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

I had one of those dream childhood experiences - I had my own horse. In my memories my horse, named King (yes, after the horse in the National Velvet TV series) looked like the TV King or Black Beauty or Flicka of some other beautiful stallon. In truth he was a little sway back and deathly afraid of tractors (I have the scars to prove that).

Back then, there was still lots of farmland in Williamsburg and even Hampton and we could find a farm (not a boarding stable) to keep my horse. My dad had lots of friends.

Today, people who own horses either have some land of their own or board their horses somewhere. And regardless, it is not easy to find places to go riding. The places in Williamsburg and Hampton where I used to ride on farms have long ago been turned into housing developments.

What many people may not know is that many Virginia State Parks offer multi-use trails that are suitable for horses. We also have several parks where you can bring your horse and camp overnight. We have one park where we operate a horse livery where you can take a horseback ride even if you don't own a horse.

Horseback riding at Lake Anna State Park

If you use our cool amenity search tool on our website and click "Equestrian" under trails, you will get a list of all the parks by region in the state that offer horse trails or access to horse trails directly from the park. The Virginia Outdoors website lists the parks with equestrian trails and also lists other public lands that feature equestrian or multi-use trails through their partnership with the Virginia Horse Council. Before traveling a distance to visit a park for equestrian use, I recommend you call the park and verify that the trails are open. After significant rain, the trails may be too dangerous for equestrian use.

We have campsites that allow visitors to camp with their horses at Grayson Highlands, New River Trail (Cliffview), Occoneechee and James River state parks. New equestrian campgrounds are in the construction phase at Douthat, Fairy Stone, Staunton River, and James River state parks.

The horse livery at New River Trail State Park

New River Trail State Park offers a horse livery so you can take a trail ride on one of the park's horses. The livery is open from the first weekend in April through the end of October. Call (276) 699-2460 for details.

So, if you have horse and will travel, be sure and check out riding and camping opportunities at Virginia's state parks. For camping reservations, call 800-933-7275.

Reflections of YCC from Holliday Lake

Thursday, August 12, 2010 by Sarah Lankford

The YCC girls have gone back to their homes, their friends, their families. They left in their wake cleared trails,

split rails,

picnic tables,

dumpster blinds,

a tidy park,

a quiet park.

They left here with a better understanding of what it's like to live and work in a park or any natural setting,

and with knowledge of what life is like in a rural area today,

and long ago.

They built much more than muscles and fences. They built memories.

Each year, the crews work harder, get more projects done, and renew my faith in the younger generation. They are so full of energy, enthusiasm, and bright futures.

Douthat State Park and Big Country 101 Back to School Beach Bash

Thursday, August 12, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

Come join us at Douthat State Park for a day of fun in the sun at the Beach Complex for the Douthat State Park and Big Country 101 Annual Back to School Beach Bash on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010, beginning at 11 a.m.

Activities will include a toilet paper toss, hula hoop contest, limbo contest, sand sculpting contest, diving contest, and a water balloon toss. The inflatable castle bounce will be available all day for even more fun, and FREE hot dogs will be provided by U.S. Food Services at noon. Hot dogs will be available until they’re gone.

The day will come to an end with the Cardboard Boat Regatta. Build a boat from cardboard and duct tape only and then race it through the course on the lake for CASH prizes! First place will receive a $101 cash prize, second place will receive a $50 cash prize, and third place will get a $25 cash prize. Best in Show wins a $50 cash prize as well so make sure to get creative with your boats.

The boats will be judged on appearance at 3 p.m. and the race will begin immediately after the judging is complete.

The beach fees for the day are $1.01 per person. All activities are free once the beach fee is paid.

For general park information click here, contact the park office at 540-862-8100 or e-mail Douthat State Park at Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov. Douthat is located at 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, VA 24460.

Overnight reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking on line.

How Do YOU Spell Fun?

Monday, August 9, 2010 by Shellie Anne

There is so much to love at Virginia State Parks!

Virginia State Parks are all abuzz with recreational activities, from history, culture, outdoor competitions, to arts, crafts, fishing, natural history, geocaching, workshops and festivals!

There are 35 State Parks in the VA Department of Conservation & Recreation System. There is something for everyone at a Virginia State Park, from the mountains to the seashore. Here is an abbreviated list of activities currently happening at your Virginia State Parks:

Can you Canoe?
Camp Chat
Prim-Tech to Hi-Tech
Music from the day
Geocaching
Tracks and Scats - Signs of the Times
Astronomy with a NASA Space Embassador
Invert Alert
Birding by Boat
Marsh Madness Canoe Trip
Walk in the Woods
Fish Printing
Family Play Day
Make a Hiking Stick
Full Moon Canoe Trip
Tall Tales Campfire
Full Moon Kayak Trip
Hayrides
Wild about Wetlands Canoe Trip
Sunset Kayak Trip
Eagle Tours
Kayak with the Eagles
Owl Prowls Hayrides
Wagon Ride
Ask a Ranger
Let's Go Fishing
Jones-Stewart Mansion Tours
Fossil Walk
Evening Paddle
Junior Rangers
Drowned in the Past
Crayfish Crawl
Campground Scavenger Hunt
Going Batty
Night Hike
Skin and Bones
Tree Cookies
Snake, Rattle and Whoa
Quest for Cache
Animal Bites
Leave it to Beavers
Mystery Box
Frog Hop
Bat Kapers
Bear Kapers
Roost in Peace
Appalachian Antic
Flyfishing 101
The Scoop on Poop
Owle Pellet Adventure
Campfire Cookery
Toad Abodes
Basic Twionometry
Frog Slog
Butterfly Kapers
Railroad Tales
Pine Cone Bird Feeder
Sandy Shorts
Fairy Stone Hunt
Rock n Rockets
Canoeing with Ghosts
Salamander Meander
Quicksand!
Gnome Homes
Luma Plena: Full Moon
Swamp Stomp
Seaside Creatures
Staying Found
Night Hike
Crabbing
Young Naturalist
What's in the Nets?
Geoquest
Scales to Tales
Wonder Bugs
Moonlight Movies
Talons of Terror
Relay on the Beach
Touch of Nature
Predators and Prey
Owl Call Canoe Tour
Civil War Campfire
Nature's Nocturne Hike
Critter Crawl
Made in the Shade
Owl Wisdom
History Flows Through it
Feeding Frenzy
Panning for Gold
Storytime in the Woods
A Stitch in Time
Creepy Crawlies
Pond Play
Lovely Ladybugs
Make Tracks for Home
Majestic Eagles
Cherokee Run
1175 Frontier Life
Fishing at the Falls
The Bear Facts
Aquatic Insects
Roving Reptiles
River Float
Gone Batty
Owl Prowl
Snakes Alive
Toad Abodes
Gyotaku (Fish Printing)
You too Can Canoe
Stump the Ranger
Civil War Kids
Mystery in the Mountains
Ugly Bug Contests
Natures Paint Brush
Corn Husk Dolls
Tree ID
Catch 'em in the Creel
Pirates, Privateers and Patriots Trip
Going N Seine
Roaming Ranger
Pick your Paddle

Do I have your attention yet? How do YOU spell Fun? There is so much to love at Virginia State Parks.

Rent a cabin, rent a lodge, rent a tent site for a night or a week, or full hook-up site or a shelter for a family reunion or church picnic (you know how we all love Sunday chicken!) Some Virginia State Parks even have conference centers available for your use. Book the conference center and a "canoogle" of canoes, guaranteed you will have a blast!

You can reserve online TODAY or see what is available here. Search for specific amenities for the park that is just right for you or view a PDF amenities grid comparing all Virginia State Parks at once.

Virginia State Parks Rock!
I am tellin’ ya they roolly do!

Good Golly Miss Molly!

Monday, August 9, 2010 by Shellie Anne

Molly's Knob at Hungry Mother State Park was a 1.9 mile strenuous hike up, then add on the Vista Trail 0.4 mile and this was the reward!

Other scenic hikes at Hungry Mother State Park:

CCC Trail 1.9 miles
Ridge Trail 0.2 miles
Lake Loop Trail 5.7 miles
Vista Trail 0.4 miles
Old Shawnee Trail 1.0 miles
Stone Lick Trail 0.8 miles
Raider's Run Trail 0.9 miles

There is a hike at Hungry Mother State Park for all levels of hiker/biker. Hikes from easy to moderate to difficult, the Lake Loop Trail is partially handicapped accessible. Mountain Bikes allowed and encouraged to ride these trails, they will have access to all above trails, except the very steep Vista Trail.

Nuff said...get on out here to Hungry Mother State Park in SW Virginia - the summer is still upon us, rent a cabin, pitch a tent, drive in your home-away-from-home on wheels...whatever you do, get out here and get yourself SOME OF THIS!

Meet Mother Nature, she's a real looker!

Editor's note: Please welcome our newest blogger Shellie Anne. Shellie Anne and her husband are the proprietors of Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast in Rocky Mount, Virginia. She has posted so many blogs to our visitor post system I have invited her to be a permanent blogger. What do you think?