Virginia Parks

Once the site of the Lorton Prison, Fairfax County has been transformed this piece of property into a recreational use area. There are several planned projects including an Equestrian Center and sports complex. A golf club and a disk golf course already exist on the property.

The western slope of Massanutten Mountain has over 20 miles of mountain bike trails that range from wide double track to technical steep, rocky single track and everything in between. Be prepared for some lung-busting climbs to the top, but keep in mind that the switchback descents with nicely banked turns will make the effort worthwhile.

McIntire Park, located in Charlottesville Virginia, has a network of beginner to intermediate level single track. The Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club has also added a small black diamond course with several technical obstacles.

Listed in the National Register of Historic places, Meadow Farm Museum is a living history museum consisting of a 19th century farmhouse, several outbuildings, and a blacksmith forge. It is a great place to spend the day with the family, learning about farm life in the 19th century. Costumed interpreters are on the grounds several weekends throughout the year explaining various aspects of the day to day operations of the farm and the museum hosts year-round activities and workshops.

Located in Albemarle County Virginia, just west of Charlottesville, the 500 acre Mint Springs Valley Park makes for a challenging mountain bike and hiking destination. It has about 5 miles of rocky, hilly single track. The single track at Mint Springs is not for the faint of heart. Be prepared for some steep climbs that will get your heart pumping. The numerous rocky sections will keep even the advanced mountain biker on their toes. It's a picturesque park, just be prepared for some very technical sections and some hike-a-bike areas.

Located close to historic Williamsburg, this 545-acre park offers a wide variety of recreational activities which include miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, numerous picnic shelters, disc golf, and playgrounds.  Fishing can be enjoyed from a floating pier and easy access for kayaking and canoeing is available from a scenic launch site.

New River Trail State Park follows an abandoned rail bed, winding its way along the New River from Pulaski at the northern end to Galax at the southern end. Along this 57 mile, gently sloping multi-use trail, you will find beautiful views of the New River. Pack a lunch and enjoy the scenery from one of the numerous picnic tables along the way.

One of the largest municipal parks in the country, Newport News Park features a wide variety of activities including camping, fishing, and boating. In addition, there are plenty of picnic tables with views of the reservoir, a disc golf course, a nature center and a 36 hole golf course.

A stone's throw from the UVA campus, (and filled with all of the stones used to test this theory) this network of rocky, hilly single track offers a great workout for C'ville locals.

Located along the shore of Virginia's largest lake, just east of Clarksville, Virginia, Occoneechee State Park is a great place to enjoy aquatic activities. The park has three boat ramps which access the 48,000 acre Buggs Island Lake. Pontoons, canoes, and fishing boats can be rented at the park.