Bear Creek Lake State Park   Located at 22 Bear Creek Lake Road Cumberland VA 23040
10/15/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture      Programs on this day will look at some of the qualities that put the park on the National Register of Historic Places. Cedar and Stone, at 10 a.m., will address early park rustic architecture and we'll go on a short walk to look at the park's past. Free. The walk will be followed by a performance of some rural string music of the 1930's from 11 to 11:30 a.m.  Free. Programs are fair-weather dependent.     Location - Legacy Wayside    Phone - (804) 492-4410

Belle Isle State Park   Located at 1632 Belle Isle Road Lancaster VA 22503
10/15/2016    Friends of Belle Isle 5K Trail Run/ Walk and Pancake Breakfast   7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.   Grab your water bottle, lace up your shoes, and bring the whole family for a jog or walk around the beautiful trails of Belle Isle State Park.    This USTAF-certified 5k run/walk will take you along gentle trails through fields, woods, and wetlands, and is home to osprey, eagles, herons, and more.    A pancake breakfast will be served immediately following the race. All participants receive a 10% discount at The Shoe Clinic in Kilmarnock and Tappahannock. Participants who register by the end of September 30, 2016 also receive a free, heavy-weight cotton T-shirt marking the occasion.    For more information, and to register, visit http://www.friendsofbelleislestateparkva.org  Pre-registration through Sept 30: $30 - 18 years and up at time of race and $15 - under 18 at time of race.  Registration after September: Same as above, plus optional $15 if you would like a race t-shirt (to be mailed approximately 4 weeks after the race)     This event is sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle State Park.     Location - Picnic Area    Phone - (804) 462-5030

Caledon State Park   Located at 11617 Caledon Road King George VA 22485
10/15/2016    One-Eyed Zombie Terror Trail 5k   4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.   Grab your running gear, and prepare to run for your life. Chose to either be a survivor or a zombie as you navigate 5 kilometers of forest trails and roads, while negotiating obstacles.   Zombies and survivors run on separate clocks, as the survivors get a 30 second head start and try to out run the living dead. Each runner will have a life belt, and the zombies will try to take flags from it.  Each flag taken adds 5 seconds to the survivors time, and takes 5 seconds from the zombies time.   Registration is $25 for both survivors and zombies.  All proceeds benefiting Special Olympics.  Awards will be given for the top male and female for each age division.  Packet pick-up and late registration will be held on the visitor center lawn from 1-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 15.  For more information contact Caledon State Park, or Justyn Cox the race director at 540-205-5300 or howlincoyote10k@hotmail.com   No Children Please!    Location - Starts and Ends on the Visitor Center Lawn    Phone - (540) 663-3861

Chippokes Plantation State Park   Located at 695 Chippokes Park Road Surry VA 23883
10/15/2016    Chippokes Harvest Celebration   11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.   Celebrate the fall harvest at one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the United States. Along with craft and food vendors and live bluegrass music, there will be activities and exhibits which will include hearth cooking, basket weaving, spinning, sack races, corn hole, and antique farming equipment demonstrations. If you want some souvenirs to bring home, channel your creativity with some pumpkin painting or make a scarecrow. Every member of the family will find something to do including riding on an Antique tractor-drawn hayride, climbing on a straw fort, or participating in crafts and colonial games, plus much more. There is no fee for the event, but park entrance fees apply at $5 per vehicle and donations will be accepted for all activities. Go to http://www.chippokes.com for more information or call the park office at 757-294-3625.    Location - Jones-Stewart Mansion Grounds / Historic Area of the Park    Phone - (757) 294-3439

Claytor Lake State Park   Located at 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive Dublin VA 24084
09/01/2016 - 10/31/2016    Stewardship Virginia Fall   8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Fall is here! After another successful and busy season there is much work at hand. There are projects to complete, things to clean, and services to be done as we get ready for winter. Contact us to volunteer to lend a helpful hand. Participants will receive a certificate from the Governor in recognition of volunteer service. Contact the Park Office at 540-643-2500 or email the park at ClaytorLake@dcr.virginia.gov to schedule a time to volunteer.     Location - Park Office: Howe House    Phone - (540) 643-2500

10/15 & 22/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture - Claytor Lake History Tour   11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.   Join a park interpreter to learn how our beautiful lake came to be, the story behind the Howe House and the Christian Chimney, and the fascinating history of the lake's past inhabitants.    Location - Park Office: Howe House    Phone - (540) 643-2500

First Landing State Park   Located at 2500 Shore Drive Virginia Beach VA 23451
10/22/2016    First Landing Fall Festival - A Virginia State Parks History and Culture Event   2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.   Enjoy natural surroundings, hay rides, pumpkin decorating, kids' crafts, roasting s'mores and special exhibits.    Location - Picnic Shelter    Phone - (757) 412-2300

High Bridge Trail State Park   For access points along the trail, please click Park Link on the left
10/15/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture - Under High Bridge Construction Story   1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.   Join us as we present a guided tour of the Prince Edward County shore of the Appomattox River below the soaring spectacle of High Bridge above. Start your journey at our Camp Paradise Access, and meet our guide on High Bridge Trail near the cleared Confederate fort.  As you descend into the river valley, you will hear how local people participated in constructing one of the greatest bridges of all history up to that time in the 1850s, and then repeated the feat in 1914. Prepare to be astounded by the scale and scope of High Bridge from the bottom up. The total round trip distance of your journey will be around 1.5 miles. Plenty of water and closed toe shoes are a must. Long pants are recommended. Treat your clothes and hat with bug spray. Part of the trail will be steep.    Location - On High Bridge Trail near the Cleared Confederate Fort.    Phone - (434) 315-0457

Holliday Lake State Park   Located at 2759 State Park Road Appomattox VA 24522
09/01/2016 - 10/31/2016    Stewardship Virginia - Fall      This statewide volunteer opportunity, held twice a year in the spring and fall, gives you the chance to leave a positive mark on our public lands. All participants will receive a certificate signed by the Governor of Virginia as a token of our appreciation.    National Public Lands Day: Lake Cleanup (Saturday, September 24, 2:00 p.m.) - Clean water is a vital part of Virginia's complex ecosystem. Come help us pick up litter around the lake in canoes while learning about the importance of a healthy habitat. See other listing for more information about this program.    Please contact the Park Office by phone or email if you have a group that would like to perform a Stewardship Virginia project sometime in September or October.      Location - Beach Area    Phone - (434) 248-6308

10/22/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture Day   12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  New Time   Holliday Lake and the surrounding area have changed a lot over the years. Experience that amazing history through artifacts that have been found here in the park. Bring a lunch and eat with the Park Naturalist to discuss how the park got its interesting name. In the afternoon we'll pan for gold and learn about the rise and fall of the Jones Family who lived here 150 years ago.    Please contact the Park Office by phone of email with any questions regarding park programs or to set up private programs for a group.      Location - Beach Area    Phone - (434) 248-6308

James River State Park   Located at 104 Green Hill Drive Gladstone VA 24553
10/15/2016    History in and around James River State Park   1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.   This event will be in conjunction with the park's Fall Harvest Festival. There will be presenters and possibly some reenactors  that will tell the history of the area around James River State Park.      Location - Visitor's Center    Phone - (434) 933-4395

10/15/2016    Fall Harvest Festival and Night 5K Trail Run   1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.   Don't miss the park's biggest event. Enjoy pumpkin carving and painting (pumpkins will be for sale), candle dipping, apple pressing, face painting, 19th century children's games, an apple slingshot, a candy maze and more. Wagon rides for $3/person or $8/family run every hour from 1 to 6 p.m. Enjoy the sunset and sip hot cider by the bonfire at 6:30 p.m. When darkness falls, take a spooky trail to the amphitheater, then head back to the bonfire for family fun activities. Goblins will hand out candy. Dress for the weather and bring a blanket, chairs and a flashlight. At 7:30 is the start of the last race of the "Adventures on the James Games" series with a 5K run through some trails at the park. Race registration can be found at http://jrsp.cycleva.com/index.php. Proceeds benefit the Friends of James River State Park.    Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (434) 933-4395

Lake Anna State Park   Located at 6800 Lawyers Road Spotsylvania VA 22551
10/10/2016 - 10/15/2016    USA Ultra Virginia Double - Triple - Quadruple ANVIL Triathlons   9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.   North America's Longest Triathlons! Racers in the Double and Triple IRON face some very experienced international competition. Well-known ultra triathletes, many defending world championships, come from many countries, as well as from around the US. Competitors swim in beautiful Lake Anna, bike along scenic, low-traffic State Park roads, and run on a shaded course that winds through the beautiful, wooded trails.   Athletes have 36 hours to complete the Double ANVIL, 60 hours for the Triple ANVIL and 132 hours for the Quintuple ANVIL.   Formatted as other triathlons - 4.8 (7.2 or 12) mile swim first, then complete the 224 (336 or 560) mile bike course and finish with the 52.4 (78.6 or 131) mile run course.   The race starts 7:00 a.m. Monday for the Quintuple ANVIL; 7:00 a.m. Thursday for the Triple ANVIL and 7:00 a.m. Friday for the Double ANVIL and you have until 7:00 p.m. Saturday to officially finish the Double, Triple, or Quintuple ANVIL race.   Awards Lunch/Ceremony starts late Sunday morning.   For more information contact: Steve Kirby at steve@USAUltraTri.com or http://www.usaultratri.com/races_va.htm for registration and fee info.      Location - Throughout Park    Phone - (540) 854-5503

10/15/2016    Survival Savvy   11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.   We never plan to get lost or find we have no cell service when you need it most. But these things can happen when we least expect it. Join the ranger and learn skills that will help you face life's surprises with the confidence of a survival expert.   You'll become "bear aware", start a fire using our flint & steel, discover when and how to effect self rescue as well as basic shelter building techniques. Each session features a different survival topic. Free    Space is limited. Call (540) 854-6245 and leave a message of how many in your group and a contact number to preregister for one or all three programs in the series.     Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (540) 854-5503

10/19/2016    Home School Classes - Stampmill Sam's Gold Adventure      Become a prospector as we follow in the footsteps of "Stampmill Sam". We'll visit the Goodwin Gold Mine and discover how gold was mined in Virginia in the late 1800's.Then we'll pan for gold in Pigeon Run.     Due to its popularity, this activity is offered twice with a strict limit of 15 people each.  10 a.m. to noon  1 p.m. to 3 p.m.    We offer VA SOL based activities each month (except the month of Dec.) to our area home school families. Each two hour session addresses several different learning styles and incorporates an outdoor exploratory component whenever possible.   Please contact Ranger Lauri at lauri.schular@dcr.virginia.gov for a schedule of each activity or further details.  Pre-registration is required. Some sessions have limited space, $2 each    To register for any of our programming in advance, please call the Visitor Center at (540) 854-6245 and leave a message if no answer. Please tell us your name, number in your group, and a contact phone number.    Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (540) 854-5503

10/21/2016    Survival Savvy   2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   We never plan to get lost or find we have no cell service when you need it most. But these things can happen when we least expect it. Join the ranger and learn skills that will help you face life's surprises with the confidence of a survival expert.   You'll become "bear aware", start a fire using our flint & steel, discover when and how to effect self rescue as well as basic shelter building techniques. Each session features a different survival topic. Free    Space is limited. Call (540) 854-6245 and leave a message of how many in your group and a contact number to preregister for one or all three programs in the series.     Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (540) 854-5503

10/22/2016    Nature Journaling Workshop   10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.   Looking for a special way to preserve your memories of your visits in Nature? Join our ranger and discover this adventure tool that you'll enjoy for generations to come. You'll unleash your inner artist and gain confidence while learning various techniques and page layout ideas.   This workshop will teach you how to make your own journal to keep.  $10 fee per journal made.  Space is limited to the first 12 confirmed registrations. Registration ends the Monday before each workshop.    To register for any of our programming in advance, please leave a message on the Visitor Center answering machine at (540) 854-6245 with your name, number in your group, and a contact phone number.    Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (540) 854-5503

Leesylvania State Park   Located at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive Woodbridge VA 22191
10/18/2016    Friends of Leesylvania Monthly Meeting   7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.   The Friends of Leesylvania State Park help the park serve visitors and protect the park's natural resources. The group raises money and supports park programs such as the Junior Rangers, Free Kids Fishing Tournaments, and Haunted History Hikes. Friends also help guests and promote the park's unique nature and history, as well as fishing, boating and more. Members have many interests and various backgrounds. There are several membership options. Feel free to email Friends of Leesylvania (friendsofleesylvania@gmail.com) to learn more or come to one of their meetings. They meet the third Tuesday of each month.       Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (703) 730-8205

10/22/2016    Fall Festival and Haunted History Hike    5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.   Where else can you find hayrides, apple tossing, pumpkin painting, and a haunted hike all in one place in Northern Virginia?  Enjoy the fun at Leesylvania State Park's Fall Festival.  Games for all ages will be available starting at 5 p.m. and followed by our annual Haunted History Hike from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., where we will take you back in time as local spirits relive some extraordinary moments from their lives.  Don't forget to wear your costume - and show it off in our costume contest.  Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.  Please make sure that they are family friendly.  Call (703)583-6904 for more information.    Fee for each Hike and Hayride $2 per person and $6 per family.    For the games $1 per 1 ticket or $10 per 20 tickets.      Location - By shelter #2    Phone - (703) 730-8205

Mason Neck State Park   Located at 7301 High Point Road Lorton VA 22079
10/15/2016    Park After Dark   6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.   This rare "park after dark" experience will provide visitors of all ages the opportunity to join a guided night hike exploring the wonders aglow in the forest, relax around a warm campfire, and experience the wonders of our Enchanted Forest for little explorers.    Event schedule:  6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Campfire/story telling - Bring a cozy blanket or chair and listen to stories around a campfire    7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Enchanted Forest Hikes - For kids to meet some larger-than-life animals of the forest.    7 p.m. & 8 p.m. Park After Dark Hikes - For teens/adults to experience new nighttime sights and sounds.    All activities will begin at fires in front of the visitor center. Don't forget to bring your supplies for s'mores! Who knows what wonders of nighttime awaits?    Event fee is included in the $5.00 parking fee. For further questions, please call the office or email the park at MasonNeck@dcr.virginia.gov      Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (703) 339-2385

Natural Tunnel State Park   Located at 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway Duffield VA 24244
10/15 & 16/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Spend a weekend day at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse. Listen to stories about adventurers who traveled through what was the frontier over 200 years ago. On October 22, step back in time, to 1775, to see how adventurers prepared for winter. Experience how clothing was made, how they cooked, along with other tasks. The Frontier Harvest Festival is a free program starting at 1 p.m.       Location - The Wilderness Road Blockhouse    Phone - (276) 940-2674

10/22/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.   Spend a weekend day at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse. Listen to stories about adventurers who traveled through what was the frontier over 200 years ago. On October 22, step back in time, to 1775, to see how adventurers prepared for winter. Experience how clothing was made, how they cooked, along with other tasks. The Frontier Harvest Festival is a free program starting at 1 p.m.       Location - The Wilderness Road Blockhouse    Phone - (276) 940-2674

10/22/2016    Frontier Harvest Festival    1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.   Take a step back in time, over 200 years ago, with the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail. Come see, touch, taste, and smell what fall offers settlers. Members of the Association will be dressed in period attire providing on-going demonstrations that guests can take part in. The demonstrations include leaning how clothing was made from breaking flax to spinning wool. See how candles were made from bees wax. Watch and smell what Three Sister Stew is and how the bread oven is used.  Stand by the fire of the salt pot and maybe you will have an opportunity to stir the pot. Do not forget to hang out with the Blacksmith to see his new creation.  Find out what the settlers used for blankets as the longhunter shows you how to tan a hide. This is a great program for families. The program is free and come by any time. http://tinyurl.com/hrvyrvf       Location - The Wilderness Road Blockhouse    Phone - (276) 940-2674

10/23/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Spend a weekend day at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse. Listen to stories about adventurers who traveled through what was the frontier over 200 years ago. On October 22, step back in time, to 1775, to see how adventurers prepared for winter. Experience how clothing was made, how they cooked, along with other tasks. The Frontier Harvest Festival is a free program starting at 1 p.m.       Location - The Wilderness Road Blockhouse    Phone - (276) 940-2674

New River Trail State Park   Located at 176 Orphanage DR Max Meadows VA 24360
10/13/2016    Virginia State Parks History & Culture - Train Exploration Foster Falls to Cliffview   8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.   All aboard Foster Falls Express!   All aboard was a common phrase that echoed here, prior to 1955, as trains traveled along what is now New River Trail State Park. Once again this opportunity will be made possible for you to experience the beauty, serenity and wonderment that New River Trail has to offer. We will be offering a guided train ride from Foster Falls to Cliffview ranger station, this is an all day event so please be prepared for all weather conditions, please bring sun screen, bug repellent, and plenty of water.  A box lunch and brochures will be provided; space is limited so preregistration is required for this event. Fee: $25.00 per person or $20.00 per person for groups of 4 or more must be paid upon reservation. No pets are allowed, service animals are permitted. For registration or more information on this event please call the park office at (276)699-6778.    Location - Foster Falls Depot    Phone - (276) 699-6778

10/13/2016    Train Tour Foster Falls to Cliffview   8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.   All aboard Foster Falls Express!   All aboard was a common phrase that echoed here, prior to 1955, as trains traveled along what's now New River Trail State Park. Once again this opportunity will be made possible, experience the beauty, serenity and wonderment that New River Trail has to offer. We will be offering guided train rides from Foster Falls to Cliffview ranger station, this is an all day event so please be prepared for all weather conditions, please bring sun screen, bug repellent, and plenty of water.  A box lunch and brochures will be provided; space is limited so preregistration is required for this event. Fee: $25.00 per person or $20.00 per person for groups of 4 or more must be paid upon reservation. No pets are allowed, service animals are permitted. For registration or more information on this event please call the park office at (276)699-6778.    Location - Foster Falls Depot    Phone - (276) 699-6778

10/15 & 16/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinsville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. So step back in time with a tour of the Shot Tower and enjoy its beautiful view over the New River.        Location - Shot Tower    Phone - (276) 699-6778
10/19/2016    Fall Van Tours   8:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Discover the natural and cultural history of the New River Region as the leaves of autumn will amaze you. You and your friends will travel the old Norfolk and Western Railroad path on a 40 mile guided van tour.  We will board the van and drive to Draper where we will get on the New River Trail. A Subway lunch will be served at Foster Falls in our beautiful Discovery Center. After lunch, we'll continue our tour to Cliffview. Don't forget your camera as there will be numerous attractions you'll want to take photos of. We encourage folks to bring snacks, drinks and weather appropriate attire.    There is a $25 fee which includes your lunch and drink. You must preregister and prepay for this special program. Sign up early as this event will surely fill up quickly.       Location - Foster Falls Train Depot at the New River Trail State Park    Phone - (276) 699-6778

10/20/2016    Train Tour Cliffview to Foster Falls   8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.   All aboard Foster Falls Express!   All aboard was a common phrase that echoed here, prior to 1955, as trains traveled along what is now New River Trail State Park. Once again this opportunity will be made possible for you to experience the beauty, serenity and wonderment that New River Trail has to offer. We will be offering a guided train ride from Foster Falls to Cliffview ranger station, this is an all day event so please be prepared for all weather conditions, please bring sun screen, bug repellent, and plenty of water.  A box lunch and brochures will be provided; space is limited so preregistration is required for this event. Fee: $25.00 per person or $20.00 per person for groups of 4 or more must be paid upon reservation. No pets are allowed, service animals are permitted. For registration or more information on this event please call the park office at (276)699-6778.    Location - Cliffview Depot    Phone - (276) 699-6778

10/20/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture - Train Exploration Cliffview to Foster Fall   8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.   All aboard Foster Falls Express!   All aboard was a common phrase that echoed here, prior to 1955, as trains traveled along what is now New River Trail State Park. Once again this opportunity will be made possible for you to experience the beauty, serenity and wonderment that New River Trail has to offer. We will be offering a guided train ride from Foster Falls to Cliffview ranger station, this is an all day event so please be prepared for all weather conditions, please bring sun screen, bug repellent, and plenty of water.  A box lunch and brochures will be provided; space is limited so preregistration is required for this event. Fee: $25.00 per person or $20.00 per person for groups of 4 or more must be paid upon reservation. No pets are allowed, service animals are permitted. For registration or more information on this event please call the park office at (276)699-6778.    Location - Cliffview Ranger Station    Phone - (276) 699-6778

10/22 & 23/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinsville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. So step back in time with a tour of the Shot Tower and enjoy its beautiful view over the New River.        Location - Shot Tower    Phone - (276) 699-6778

10/23/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinsville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. So step back in time with a tour of the Shot Tower and enjoy its beautiful view over the New River.        Location - Shot Tower    Phone - (276) 699-6778

Pocahontas State Park   Located at 10301 State Park Road Chesterfield VA 23832
10/18/2016    Friends of Pocahontas State Park Meeting   6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  New Time   The Friends of Pocahontas State Park is a 501c3 volunteer organization of interested citizens that actively support the park.  The group works on behalf of the park by assisting in daily programs, special events, fund raising, and public education.  The partnership provides a mechanism to use the skills, contacts, and resources of private citizens and businesses to improve services that may not otherwise be available.  Activities include trail maintenance, interpretive programs, and construction projects, just to name a few.     Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month and the parking fee is waived    Attend a meeting and discover Pocahontas State Park through the Friends Group.     Location - Heritage Center    Phone - (804) 796-4255

10/22/2016    Park After Dark   6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.   Park after Dark is an annual family-oriented fun event held at night. This year's activities will include hay rides, raptor and reptile presentations, campfire with s'mores, a night hike, and much more.     Parking for the event is free and entry into the event is $5 per person, cash or check only and children under 3 are free.  Registration is not required, but recommended.      Location - Heritage Center Parking Area    Phone - (804) 796-4255

Powhatan State Park   Located at 4616 Powhatan State Park Road Powhatan VA 23239
10/15/2016    Dutch Oven Cooking with the Old Dominion Iron Chefs   11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   If you are looking to expand your outdoor cooking skills, this is the class for you. Join park staff and Old Dominion Iron Chefs to explore a variety of cast-iron cooking techniques which will shed new light on outdoor cuisine. Come cook something tasty with us! $17.50/person fee covers all food materials, recipes, and supplies. Children ages 10 and up are welcome. Space is limited, please call 804-598-7148 or email powhatan@dcr.virginia.gov to register.       Location - Picnic Shelter #1 by Playground Parking Area    Phone - (804) 598-7148

Sailors Creek Battlefield State Park   Located at 6541 Saylers Creek Road Rice VA 23966
10/23/2016    Rocking Chair Reflections: ''The Immortal 600''    2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.   This is the final "October Rocking Chair Reflections" Lecture Series.  Chief Ranger Lee Wilcox will deliver a talk on the "Immortal 600", Confederate Prisoners of War used as "human shields" aboard US Navy vessels approaching the heavily defended coastal defenses of South Carolina.  Amongst the 600 POW survivors affected by the experience was Captain James Moses Hillsman, the patriarch of the family farmhouse located on the grounds of Sailor's Creek Battlefield and preserved today as a National Historic Landmark for its part as a Federal Field Hospital during the fighting that occurred on April 6, 1865.    This event is free to the public, although donations to our "Friends of Sailor's Creek Battlefield" educational programming fund are always welcome.  For questions, contact the park's main office at (804) 561-7510.       Location - Battlefield Visitor Center    Phone - (804) 561-7510

Sky Meadows State Park   Located at 11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane VA 20144
10/15/2016 - 10/16/2016    Fall Farm Days: The Nature of Sky Meadows   10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   During Fall Farm Days' Nature Weekend, discover how animals and plants are getting ready for winter at Sky Meadows State Park. Meet our fall mascot, the Woolly Bear caterpillar, and see if you can tell if it will be a short or long winter. Try to pick a winning worm for a woolly bear race! Find out why leaves are falling with the Department of Forestry. Check out which birds are flying south and which stay right here in Virginia all winter long with Virginia Master Naturalists. Be amazed by animal adaptations for surviving the rigors of winter.  Meet teams of people and organizations who work to help the nature of Sky Meadows State Park and Northern Virginia.       In addition to nature-themed programs, we also offer Mount Bleak House tours, live music, a children's play area and corn maze, the pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and delicious BBQ, cider donuts, and more from Fork'd, a food truck from the Applehouse in Linden, VA.    Come back the following weekends for more Fall fun:     October 22 & 23: Rest and Rejuvenation  October 29 & 30: History of Sky Meadows    Location - Historic Area    Phone - (540) 592-3556

10/22/2016 - 10/23/2016    Fall Farm Days: Rest and Rejuventation Weekend   10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   We offer a variety of guided and self-guided programs to help you get a taste of all the ways to get outdoors to enjoy the park. One visit to our serene park and you'll feel refreshed and revitalized!  Bring your furry friends for the annual Bark in the Park benefit and pet adoption event made possible by the Middleburg Humane Foundation. On Saturday October 22, rejuvenate with a Friends of Sky Meadows 5K trail run to benefit the new Children's Discovery Area of the park. Check out the thrills of mountain biking in a skills course with Element Sports of Winchester. Bring your own bike to test your abilities.  Enjoy pony rides for the kids, a scavenger hunt, and more!      In addition to the relaxation-themed programs, we also offer Mount Bleak House Tours, a children's play area and corn maze, live music, the pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and delicious Mac and Cheese creations from Mac Shack Express from Winchester, VA.    Also, be sure to come back the last weekend of October for Fall Farm Days' History weekend.     Location - Historic Area    Phone - (540) 592-3556

Smith Mountain Lake State Park   Located at 1235 State Park Road Huddleston VA 24104
10/15/2016    Liberty University Triathlon   9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.   This race is a must do event for the regions Collegiate and High School athletes. With a crisp, clean 1500 meter swim, 24 mile bike, and 6.2 run in the park, this is an outstanding event for all athletes and one that focuses on the collegiate athlete. This race is now scored for VTS-MTS Series points. For details or to register, go to: http://tinyurl.com/jz9n37s    Regular parking fees apply.    Location - Parkwide; Event begins at beach    Phone - (540) 297-6066

10/19/2016    Wildlife Wednesday Cruise   11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.   All aboard the Virginia Dare for a fun-filled & informative lunch cruise. Join us on the third Wednesday of each month from June thru October to enjoy a delicious lunch while hearing from our park interpreter about the wildlife that call Smith Mountain Lake home. We'll even cruise close to several Osprey platforms on the lake. (There is a fee for this event.)    Cruises run from Noon to 2 p.m. - Boat boards @ 11:30 a.m. at the Virginia Dare Marina    Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina   3619 Airport Road   Huddleston, VA. 24104     Call (540) 297-7100 for price, reservations, or further info.   http://vadarecruises.com      Location - Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina    Phone - (540) 297-6066

Southwest Virginia Museum State Park   Located at 10 West 1st Street North Big Stone Gap VA 24219
10/15/2016    Adventures In History: Geology Bus Tour   8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   Join geologist Tony Scales on a guided tour of area geology. Trip will begin at Natural Tunnel State Park and end at Breaks Interstate Park with stops in between. The tour fee is $25 per person, and seating is limited. Participants may bring their own lunch or pre-purchase a boxed lunch from the park for an additional $6.    Location - Front Gate    Phone - (276) 523-1322

Staunton River State Park   Located at 1170 Staunton Trail Scottsburg VA 24589
10/15/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.   View Staunton River State Park through the eyes of history as you learn about Native Americans who called this park home hundreds of years ago, settlers who came here to farm and build plantations, and how the rivers on either side of the park played an important role in trade with local counties and towns. You will learn about the cash crop that put Halifax county on the map, the annexation of new land that expanded the park, and other significant events that made Staunton River State Park the treasured jewel that it is today.    Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (434) 572-4623

Twin Lakes State Park   Located at 788 Twin Lakes Road Green Bay VA 23942
10/21 & 22/2016    Haunting on the Lake   6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.   October is coming, and that can only mean one thing... Twin Lakes State Park's 6th Annual Haunting on the Lake.    The sun has gone down and the creatures and bests of the mysterious Goodwin Lake Trail have awoken for a night of fright. Join a trail guide as their dim lanterns give you passage and help you to face your fears. Stare down several different phobias as you make your way through this heart pounding trail. This is sure to be a scream.       After the trail enjoy a snack at the Concession Stand, special ranger programs, and enjoy ghost stories by the fire.    $5.00 per person to walk our Haunted Trail.     The trail is not recommended for those under the age of 13. Parental guidance is required.    Interested in becoming an actor on the trial, or helping out with the event? Follow this link for more information on how to get involved: http://bit.ly/2bvB0P7        Location - the ''Spot'' Concession Stand    Phone - (434) 392-3435

10/22/2016    Fall for Twin Lakes Festival    12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   As leaves begin to change and the weather cools, the park comes alive with this family centered celebration. Activities include hay rides, trick or treating in the campground, ranger-led games and craft making, a raptor show by Thunder Eagle Wildlife, a pumpkin patch and more. Pumpkins are $3 each. Those wanting something spooky may join park staff for Haunting on the Lake, Oct. 21 and 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. Visit http://bit.ly/2blPXmj to volunteer. For more information, call 434-392-3435    Location - The ''Spot'' Concession Stand    Phone - (434) 392-3435

York River State Park   Located at 9801 York River Park Road Williamsburg VA 23188
10/15/2016    Virginia State Parks History & Culture - Three Rivers Three Peoples Hike   10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  New Time   This hike honors the shared history of African, European, and Native Americans who made their homes along the Mattaponi, Pamunkey, and York Rivers. The hike will be along the Woodstock Pond and Mattaponi Trails which are rated as easy. However, there is a section of the Mattaponi Trail that is not handicap accessible and will be a challenge for children in strollers. We will stop at certain points along the trails, in particular those that highlight the of the history of Taskinas Plantation (the colonial name for where our park is located).  Of course, if something unique in the natural world captures our attention, we will share about that as well.        Location - Visitor's Center    Phone - (757) 566-3036

10/22/2016    Ghost Trails Hayrides   6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.   Join us for this spooky hayride thru the woods of the park to discover some of its haunted past through storytelling.  Don't worry, you can pretend that you are not scared but who are you really fooling? Reservations are required.  Cost: $3/person, $25/group      Location - Contact Station    Phone - (757) 566-3036

Due to the large number of events in this edition we are not able to list them all.
You can link to a list of events from 10/13/2016 To 10/23/2016 by clicking on your favorite park.