Shenandoah National Park's Rockfish Gap entrance is a 30-minute drive from Charlottesville. The park first opened in 1935 and boasts a rich history. It contains 300 square miles of land nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has an abundance of wildlife that can be observed or learned about through one of the park's many educational programs and seminars. The park also features several waterfalls, including Overall Run Falls in the northern area of the park, Rose River Falls, South River Falls, Jones Run Falls, Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Lewis Falls, Doyles River Falls, Dark Hollow Falls and Cedar Run Falls. Additional activities include horseback riding, fishing, camping and bicycling along miles of Skyline Drive, the scenic road that runs through the entire park.
Shenandoah National Park
Park Superintendent
3655 U.S. 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
540-999-3500
nps.gov
James River State Park is 55 miles southwest of Charlottesville in Gladstone, Va., just more than an hour's drive away. The park is situated on 1,500 acres of farmland and features several fishing areas, hiking trails and 3 miles of parkland along the James River. Park activities include wildlife observation, fishing, camping, horseback riding, boating, biking and educational programs. James River State Park has a 2,000-seat hillside amphitheater and an overlook on the Tye River.
James River State Park
751 Park Road
Gladstone, VA 24553
434-933-4355
dcr.virginia.gov
Lake Anna State Park is 63 miles northeast of Charlottesville in Spotsylvania, Va. The park sits on 2,810 acres of land in a spot formerly known as Gold Hill because it was a rich gold mining area until it reached its peak in the 1880s. The park's star attraction, Lake Anna, is a 13,000-acre lake that's ideal for fishing, boating and picnicking. Additional attractions include a total of 11 hiking trails spanning more than 15 miles, educational programs about area nature, swimming and camping.
Lake Anna State Park
6800 Lawyers Road
Spotsylvania, VA 22551
540-854-5503
dcr.virginia.gov
