Douthat is my 35th Virginia State park visit. Saturday I hiked 13 miles, just under 30,000 steps! I…read moreended up on trails that still had fog coverage! I started at Stony run and linked some trails together so I would circle back to the car. The trail started with ground rock, and after 7 creek crossings and some elevation, it turned into rocks and roots. Once I got up higher to the switchbacks, I'd been hiking two hours. It just kept going! At some places (Tuscarora point and Blue Suck) the path is on the edge of the mountain. If you trip, you're gone! I was happy to see each Route Marker Helped me to know my plan was working. Im going the right way. At one junction I asked Gemini the elevation I've claimed from Stony run trail head to the sign Im at right now. The answer was 1,740 feet. They had 2 waterfalls. I saw one on my way up and another on my way down. It was a tricke of water but it helped notate where I was on the map. From there, it was only were big large rocks to navigate for a good mile. Takes your energy away. I was so happy to see my car at the end! What an adventure. I did drive through the park before hiking and stopped at the camp store for a t-shirt for my grandson. I walked in shouted good morning. No response. Maybe she didn't hear me. I looked around and her younger, co worker came in. This woman started massive gossip about the girl who finally just quit. She dogged this girl the whole time I was there. Checked me out when buying my shirt and never said a word. I asked the younger girl if there was still a restaurant here and she was answering to say yes but its take out but that other woman snapped, "Its closed!" She needs to find happiness. Clearly she's not a happy person, at least, at work. I thanked the young girl and left. Super awesome park! I loved it!

Well-maintained and updated campgrounds! The friendliest and most helpful rangers! Simple…read moreamenities, yet so many options to relax and use the park Do not leave without watching Ranger Shelly perform her tricks!

Lake Robertson is a hidden gem in a magical mountain landscape. Makes a great little hike. Pool and…read morecamping area is also nice.

So pretty and so quiet. My boyfriend and I came here to the Natural Bridge area and decided to go…read moreon and see this lake that was nearby. The drive was very windy and pretty, and also surrounded by gorgeous mountains and streams. Once we got to the lake it was just amazingly pretty, it was kind of crazy how clear it was. It really drowned everything else out. Definitely would go again honestly for that lake. Coming from NOVA definitely a nice change of scenery.

Great trail to hike while visiting Roanoke! A little strenuous because of its length but mostly…read moreshaded and a great overall trail. Well kept and part of the AT so you'll see a variety of people. Amenity wise, there are port a potties at the main lotbut no trash bins. The main lot is pretty small but there's a shuttle that will carry you for a different parking lot since the main lot only has about 20 spots and can fill up pretty quick. I came on a Saturday in mid July at 8AM and it only had about 5 spots left. As I was leaving, a group was celebrating someone finishing their leg of the AT, so seems also like a good meet point. Trail was great but a little strenuous because length, but the incline actually wasn't horrible. The heat is real in July, so pack your water and some snacks for energy so you can make it back to the parking lot.

Yes its beautiful definitely highly recommend beautiful weather yes people there's bugs bring bug…read morespray worth it though

I enjoyed learning the history of the bridge. The cave arches were breathtaking. I did not enjoy…read moreclimbing the stairs to return to the main building, but the experience was definitely a hike! I was excited to watch otters fish for food in the streams. The waterfall was not as grand as I expected it to be, but the natural scenery was worth viewing for $9. As a bonus, there is a trail to a cave.

This is a perfect place to take a road trip break! We did exactly that on a recent drive from…read moreAsheville to Richmond. The visitor center was easy to find and the building reminded me of those found at the University of Virginia, which was founded by Thomas Jefferson. Coincidentally, Thomas Jefferson also owned the land on which the Natural Bridge is located. After paying your admittance fee at the center, you head down several stairs and will pass a small waterfall. Very soon thereafter, you will see the Natural Arch. There is a flat path that leads you through the arch where you can continue your stroll along a steam for about 15 minutes to see a larger waterfall. "Saltpeter Cave" can also be found along the path. It was interesting to read that Mr. Jefferson leased out this shelter for the excavation of potassium nitrate which was eventually used to make gun powder. While I would not make the Natural Bridge a destination trip, it is definite worthwhile to explore if passing through the area.

Its a peaceful stroll along the Maury. A lovely, flat trail that winds along the river with scenic…read moreviews, wildflowers, and the occasional curious cow. It's well-maintained and perfect for a relaxed walk (dog friendly), jog, or bike ride. Easy to access, quiet, and full of charm. Definitely a local gem worth revisiting.

The chessie trail is, in my opinion, one of the best trails on the east coast. It is a gravel trail…read morethat is perfect for running/jogging/biking/walking as it remains flat for the entirety of the trail. I've run on the trail close to a hundred times, and it never disappoints. The views you see here are unmatched, and I recommended it to anyone visiting Lexington, VA.

This strange park includes some modern facilities, some abandoned ruins, and some trails. Anyone…read morereading the name and expecting to end up on the river is going to find that the bluffs here are prohibitively steep, and if you fell down off the largely unfenced rim trail and somehow survived, you'd be on train tracks. The trains are periodically audible through the greenery but are hard to see. Nonetheless, the park has some nice vistas and handy facilities, and it is free.

Came here not expecting much, but was surprised with the beautiful views, large parking space, and…read moregreat hiking trails. During our hike, we spotted quite a few deer walking past us (in close proximity), so that was exciting. The trails weren't difficult, but be prepared to walk up some sketchy spots if it's wet out. Probably the coolest view was seeing the old train tracks and river from afar! I highly encourage anyone to visit this park if you're in the area.

Mother Nature at its finest. It's a great place to go back…read morein time and to experience the past that man has not ruined. My kids love going there and so do I

I was so glad to have carved out some time to visit this Historic site. Its two shakes of a lambs…read moretail from the highway. They created a rather large parking area with porta Jon's and about 4-5 grills and picnic tables. Nice little place. Why 4 stars? Not sure who's responsible for maintenance but trash on the ground from disrespectful people but also the grills are so old, they've rusted apart. One is hanging off its post. Otherwise, I enjoyed my visit!

Very cool playground, especially after reading the backstory. Built in 4 days by local volunteers,…read moreit is a massive playstructure. My kids both loved it and found plenty to keep them busy for an hour outdoors, not always the easiest thing to do. I wish we had something like this in my neighborhood, we'd go on a weekly basis.

Built in 5 days with the help of 1,000 local people and college students, owned and maintained by…read morethe City of Lexington. Still in great shape after more than 30 years of service. Plenty of seating for adults and a covered picnic table. Designed by local school kids with the help of Leathers and Co. Lots of imagination and running space for people of all ages to play.

Tony and I went to Roaring Run Furnace In the Jefferson National Forest. This is a stone Built Pig…read moreIron Furnace built in 1830. This 192 yr old construction is still standing and looks like they could just start using it again today The park was easy to find with GPS. It is free to enjoy. Plenty of parking and restrooms. Well marked trails. The Furnace is located about 500 feet from the parking lot and bathrooms. There is plenty of picnic tables and a creek for fishing and cooling off in warmer weather. There is also a waterfall to hike to!! Nice park and highly recommend especially for the historic value! Great day trip or field trip for home schooling!!

The waterfall was gorgeous and listening to the water flow was so tranquil. I could've spent all…read moreday there just relaxing by the water. The hike was short and easy.

Beautiful outdoor natural waterfall and swimming hole. My only regret is that I didn't bring my…read moreswimming suit! I can't wait to go back. The hike is easy compared to others in the area. It's about a mile to the swimming hole. Be sure to bring, all the outdoors stuff: bug stray, sun block, etc. Also, you are in nature so, be on the look out for snacks - we came into contact with a black snack, it was harmless but definitely pay attention. Wear shoes unless rocks don't bother you. It's honestly a beautiful place! Here's an article that provides more info: https://gohikevirginia.com/sugar-hollow-reservoir/. I almost forgot. There's no cell phone service. No bars baby.

Directions are past the third goat ridge on the right (open maps) and it's a 40 min walk but you…read morecan get there quicker if you speed walk/run.