We needed some time in the mountains. I had visited here before but mostly for shorter trails. This…read moretime we needed some Appalachian Trail in our lives. We did a couple of short trails but the monster was the Appalachian Trail to Mount Rogers Loop. It's logged at 14.3 miles but we ended up logging around 15.2 miles with various trips off trail to check out. The first part of this trail is fine. You walk through areas where some of the wild ponies hangout. Sometimes you can catch wild cattle too(which we did, but not until we were on our way out). The off trail to Mount Rogers is also fairly easy. If you're coming down from Mount Rogers and taking the loop around the mountain, make sure you have plenty of water and maybe some kind of snack for energy. There is a little section from mile 8-12 that almost put me down. It reminded me of a dehydration episode I had in Montana a few years ago. This time I had all the water I needed, but I'm so glad I had food for energy. There's a little section where you gain so much elevation in such a short amount of time... those types of sections always make my legs want to give up. I powered through with some breaks, but it'd help if that section were at the beginning instead of near the end. If I ever do that loop again, I'll take it counter-clockwise. Grayson Highlands is an amazing place that stands on its own in the area. The AT runs through it, but the ponies and cattle and any other animal you might run into make the place magical. Being at the top is also nice. You can see mountains and landscape for miles. It's also a decent place to camp in my opinion since it's so wide open. It can be a bit windy at the top, though. On our trail, there was a fair bit of downed trees, so be aware that you might have to climb, walk around, or whack your way through portions if any storms have rolled through. Watch the weather because it can change fast, but honestly, just prepare for it. You're going to have a unique experience, whether you have to battle fog early in the morning or once the sun comes out. We also hit a patch of drizzly rain, but it didn't last long. We were able to see it coming and adjust our speed to let it pass. Grayson is a state park, so it doesn't have all the amenities that a national park has, but it does connect to some national forests/parks, and it's a beautiful/well-maintained place. Good job Virginia for keeping this place pristine. I realize that not everyone seeks out the long trails. The good thing about Grayson is that there are various trails. You can find 2-5 mile trails, 5-9 mile trails, 10-15 mile trails, and I think there are 1 or 2 that are even longer! There's something for everyone here.

What an incredible experience! I won't even comment on the pics because they speak for themselves!…read moreThis park has several hiking trails, some more challenging than others, mainly due to all the loose rock and gravel, but it made for a great workout on a gorgeous day! They also host overnight camping and are part of the Appalachian Trail as well. $10 to park isn't bad, but there wasn't an attendant when we first got there. I doubled back after we did the first trail so I wouldn't get fined or anything. We heard parking fills up fast so we got there early, but there were actually still plenty of spots by the time we were ready to leave in the early afternoon (we arrived at like 8am).

This is a beautiful trail that leads to a 250 ft waterfall, with some easy hiking, some steep…read morefootsteps. Was easy to moderate for little kids and adults alike. The total hike is 30 mins (to and fro) and has nice marked trees for identification, streams, creeks and bridges. There is some beautiful foliage and trees along the way. There are two sites (start of waterfall and midway) each making for a beautiful photo opportunity.

Paved, with packed gravel surface part of the way, then many steps to get to lower viewing area of…read morecascade falls. Some incline and decline (out and back trail).

This park is located behind the area where there is a McDonalds and Hampton Inn. It was nice to…read moretake a break here. There is a walking trail that I did not go on. I parked by a stream and watched some bluebirds. There are sports areas. I like the Halloween decorations.

Best park in the area, it's clean well-maintained and has bathrooms. It's got a creek to play in…read morethat shallow and safe. It's got outside exercise equipment. Plenty of parking and very nice covered picnic area. The Play ground it's self is very large and has something for kids of all ages. If you're in this area and looking for a playground this is the one you want to go to.

The New River is apparently quite long, because this is nowhere near the more reputed New River…read moreGorge National Park. However, even in Virginia it is quite majestic. The main park office lies in a historic hamlet surrounded by farms. A parking charge applied, and if you parked somewhere else along the extensive trail perhaps you could get by without it, but the sights were certainly well worth seeing. I made it maybe a mile down the trail to a riverbend overlooked by a bluff ideally suited for sunsets, but there was a lot more to explore. Some boating was available, and a horse seemed interested to meet me as I departed.

See my Review for Shot Tower. It's the same. I wish I was a cyclist. But I am a hiker and I can't…read morehike a gravel road for miles. All good. Beautiful area!! River is so nice.

Found this park on a recent trip to the area. Provided a great place for the grandchildren.read more

Spacious and beautiful playground. This park has a large…read morelayout, with play equipment spaced out, we had fun exploring and walking to the different sites. There is plenty of sun and shade and you can't beat the mountainous backdrop. There is not a dedicated "toddler" area, but plenty of bucket swings and grass to play/roam. Highlight of the park is the 40 ft metal slide. It's a great time for all! I regret, I did not get a photo, but we were having too much fun!

This large park has a number of different activities and I'm sure the surrounding neighborhood…read moreappreciates it. There is ample parking and I spotted no litter anywhere. The grass is well maintained. Baseball and softball, a basketball court, swing sets and a playground with a cimbing frame and slides, a large picnic shelter and even a row of horseshoe pits. There are walking trails and it is connected to a series of biking trails, too. [Review 13811 overall, 1132 of 2020, number 1245 in Virginia.]

Fred Clifton park is right next to Lovers Leap and actually has a superior view. It has a good…read moreparking lot, picnic tables (with grills, I think), paths through the woods and wooden overlooks. There are signs to beware of bear. There are black bear in this area. Hikers should be aware that there is also a trailhead for a hiking path over by the Lovers Leap parking. Look for a big boulder covered with grafitti.

Beautiful park in the heart of Blowing Rock's downtown area. The space is well maintained with…read moregardens, tennis and basketball courts and even a large playground to let your kids run around and burn off some energy. I was very impressed by the playground, rather than dirt or mulch, the entire space is finished with a rubberized ground cover, with a good bit of spring and cushion to it, offering a soft landing spot for any kids that fall. There is also a large public restroom, which was clean and well maintained. Bravo on the well maintained public space!

This is a lovely little park along Main Street in Blowing Rock - well maintained, and includes a…read morecouple nice sitting areas, a playground, and a covered gazebo-type space with multiple benches. The building along the side (which contains The Gifting Tree on the outer wall) includes restrooms as well. While the park isn't especially large, it's feels proportional to the area... and it's a great place for people watching, passing through, or taking a moment to relax. Lovely and highly recommended.

A short drive and quick walk on the paved path to the top. Beautiful overlook of Boone. I wish I…read morehad gotten there at sunrise! We around 9am on Sunday and it wasn't as crowded as people say it can get. Quiet and chirpy birds, so relaxing!

Beautiful small park with excellent view below and above. Picnic area with two different camping…read morestoves. One was covered. Porta potties that appear to be temporary as the area is under construction.

Reasons to love the Triad? 75 degrees on December 3rd?! Yes please! And another lovely park we came…read moreto for the first time to enjoy the afternoon! Amazing to think we've been here for almost 3 years now and still haven't been to all the parks even in the very near vicinity! This park is located about a quarter mile down and across the street from Joanie Moser, and it's got a rather large, clean playground area, paved walking path, and a steep slope perfect for sledding! There were kids sledding down even with no sign of snow to come! Impressive, and I can't wait for the next nice day to come back!

This is a great park in Lewisville. They have a very nice playground and walking trail. There are…read morealso bathrooms.