Uncrowded wildlife refuge managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.See more..
4.5Virginia Safari Park(1.815 reviews) - Everyone needs this experience! Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Virginia Safari Park, Virginia’s only drive-thru safari park, is located on 180-acres in the foothills of the Blueridge Mountains. Home to over 1000 animals, there is no shortage in animal diversity, including Giraffes, White Rhinos, Cheetahs, African Penguins, Zebras, Bengal Tigers, and more. The Safari drive-thru portion offers visitors the opportunity to see and feed animals up-close from their vehicles. Guest can also interact with animals in the Village Walkthru or up close during a memorable encounter with sloths, rhinos, or penguins. Guest can also view Africa’s rarest cat, the King Cheetah, only at the Virginia Safari Park. We're located in the Shenandoah Valley, a short day trip from Roanoke, Lynchburg, Staunton, Charlottesville, Richmond, Maryland, and DC.See more..
4.5First Landing State Park(1.103 reviews) - Nice safe place to view nature and get some fresh air State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
Nature enthusiasts will love this park with 2,700-acres of hiking trails, cypress swamps and nesting grounds for a variety of birds.See more..
4.5Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge(366 reviews) - A must for Nature Lovers Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
This Virginia Beach wildlife refuge offers visitors hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and nature photography in a completely natural environment. The Refuge grounds are open sunrise to sunset daily. The Visitor Center hours of operation are the following: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Tuesday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm Labor Day - Memorial Day: Tuesday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday 9am-4pmSee more..
4.5Agecroft Hall & Gardens(270 reviews) - Fascinating manor and grounds! Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens • History Museums
Agecroft Hall & Gardens is a 16th century English manor house. It was was taken apart, shipped across the Atlantic, and reassembled in Virginia in the 1920s. Today Agecroft Hall is open year round for guided tours, special events, educational programs, concerts, and is home of The Richmond Shakespeare Festival.See more..
4.5Huntley Meadows Park(241 reviews) - A treasure for birding in Fairfax County Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
I have been birding here weekly for 5 years and it is a treasure. Has trails and a boardwalk that reaches over the wetlands. No jogging or bikes allowed on the boardwalk and all dogs must be on leash. The wildlife is clinging here to one of the last undisturbed parcels of wetland and woods--you can see deer, beaver, turtles and frogs but it is mostly bird habitat.See more..
4.0Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge(120 reviews) - Great for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and hikers Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is the largest intact remnant of a vast habitat that once covered more than one million acres of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The refuge currently encompasses over 112,000 acres of this environmentally and biologically important area. Special designations for the refuge include both the Virginia and Globally Important Bird Area designations, and the National Parks Services National Natural Landmark and Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site designations. The visitor center is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, for hiking and biking. All vehicles must pay a $5.00 daily fee for entry to the Wildlife Drive. The required self-serve permit and fee envelope can be found at the Permit Station on Railroad Ditch Road, 1/2 mile from the entry gate.See more..
This is a scenic, historic place to visit. There are two short trails from the tiny parking lot. One leads you to the WWII era gun, an old graveyard, and two overlooks of the marsh. One overlook is up a long flight of wooden stairs, so you get an elevated view of the marsh. We saw folks bird watching while we were there. The other trail, called the "Butterfly Trail," is a half mile walk to the visitor center through pollinator-friendly wild plants. You could probably do both trails in an hour. We did not go into the visitor center, so I cannot comment on the amenities or activities offered there. There was an area of the park labeled as an "active hunting area," which we did not venture into. We had our dogs with us and didn't want any accidents.See more..
4.0Nova Wild(106 reviews) - A great outing for families!!! Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
Don't expect sidewalk viewing of lions, tigers or great apes, rather friendly interactions with the feathered and furry. Visitors can purchase animal feed items, such as parakeet sticks, and watch as the colorful birds land at their fingertips; feed cups to hand feed giant watusi and gentle llamas on the safari wagon ride, or bottle feed little lambs and goats. Roer's Zoofari also holds a "Creature Feature" at 10, noon and 2pm where guests enjoy an informal animal meet and greet with a parrot, ferret, alligator, snake or other small animal.See more..
Great quite place of relaxation. Great lake view, clean, nice hiking trails, there are options to rent kayak or boat, first come first serve. There are people fishing, kayaking, and the staff is friendly. Small fee per car per day, but worth it. See more..
I love Scott’s run because it’s a short hike to the Potomac River. Children and dogs on leash are welcome and the leaves are fantastic in the Fall. Just remember that you are going downhill to the river do you will be coming back uphill. You can also climb up to a small waterfall. The 11year old granddaughter and the dogs loved it.See more..
My husband, dog, and I walked the Chesapeake Arboretum trails for the first time today. We wanted fresh air and, due to COVID-19, not many people. We got it and loved it. The camellias were blooming, the trees had changed to their fall colors, and when we did cross paths with some other walkers, we had plenty of room to stay a safe distance. Lake Hughes was a pleasant surprise. With the Fall colors and ducks on the lake, our pictures were gorgeous. We're in our late 60s. We did have to watch the tree roots, but the day on the trails was so enjoyable. Kudos to the city of Chesapeake for well marked and nicely maintained trails. We'll definitely return. See more..
4.5Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium(84 reviews) - Even If the Nature Center/Aquarium is Closed, There's Lots to Do Here Nature & Wildlife Areas • Aquariums
The Nature Center has been closed for a while now (pandemic-related, of course). Often, after getting there, folks make a bee-line for the large deck/platform that adjoins the Nature Center. There is a huge population of turtles, and people often bring bread from home to feed them. There is a large playground. And, lots of picnicking possibilities, including two picnic shelters. There's a small fishing dock on one of the lakes (you can fish in two of them). For us, with the closed Nature Center, the big draw is the walk around the three lakes. One trail (approximately 1.4 miles) will take you around the three lakes. This is a very nice county park, with lots to do there.See more..
I see where someone else mentioned the culverts on the Occoquan Bay and sitting on a rock on the Bay. The only way that this person would have known about the culverts is by having walked along the Bay between Fox Road and Easy Road. That path is closed to the public, and there are signs to that effect. Please don't try to take walks there. Law enforcement could issue a ticket to you for doing so. I know this because my husband and I are volunteers, and during this period of time even we aren't allowed to walk over the path I mentioned!See more..
4.5Hidden Pond Nature Center(58 reviews) - Good Things Come in Small Packages Nature & Wildlife Areas
Hidden Pond is a small neighborhood park, but don't let that fool you-- we saw more wildlife than at bigger local parks like Huntley Meadows and had a ton of fun in just two hours in the park! Even with the wonderful nature center closed and even visiting without children, a stroll around the pond and walk in the woods are full of wonderful surprises. We visited on a slightly drizzly day and found the park nearly empty, perfect for social distancing. On our visit, we got shockingly close to great blue herons, a skink, a chipmunk, many kinds of butterflies, and several massive snapping turtles! We had the wooded trail all to ourselves. Don't pass up small parks and nature centers when looking to get your nature fix during the pandemic. They may just pleasantly surprise you! Plus, it's FREE!See more..
We hiked the Black Ridge Trail, a 3-mile, 90-minute, moderate loop, in the Rocky Knob Recreational Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We went on an overcast morning, which limited some of the faraway views. However, the hike itself was eerie and beautiful in the clouds. Lots of places to take beautiful photos of wildflowers, trees, ruins, cattle grazing, streams, and, on a clear day, the distant mountains.See more..
Flag Rock is worth a quick trip to see the flag above Norton. You can also visit High Knob Observation Tower on the same trip. Good motorcycle ride.See more..
If you enjoy the woods and appreciate well marked trails, Ivy Creek is a great destination. The trails, overall, are well maintained and are color coded, so there's always a sense that you're in the right spot. There are a number of bridges that add to the sense of peaceful interaction between nature and humankind. I do wish that trail maps were available, but that really doesn't detract from just enjoying the woods.See more..
5.0Blackwater Creek Trail(40 reviews) - Excellent Bike/Walking trails - Rails to Trails Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Excellent Bike/Walking trails - Rails to Trails. Most of the trails are blacktopped for smooth biking/walking and are shaded from the hot sunny days. We biked over 9 miles in beautiful surroundings, including a low water crossing area that was concrete with water going under/through pipes with view of waterfall, an amazing tunnel that was a cool refreshing spot on a hot day, and multiple trails for you to choose from.See more..
we visited High Knob on October 8th and were surprised to find beautiful fall colors. The road to the top is very narrow and winding but well worth the drive. There also multiple fall flowers in bloom.See more..
4.5Hughlett Point Natural Area(36 reviews) - Experience a Wild, Undeveloped Beach ... Alone Thursday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
Natural reserve that consists of 213 acres of pine forests and a beach on Chesapeake Bay.See more..
We hiked up to Buzzard's Rock, 2 miles in and 2 miles out. The trail is good with a few places to step up on rocks. It is well marked and even had signs warning you not to take wrong paths. It was a shady hike, and the trip to the top was a little over 1000 feet in elevation. There was port-a-potty at the parking lot. Nice hike, good view and said to be the best western-facing, vantage point of the area. Great at sunset.See more..
4.5Goshen Pass(30 reviews) - Amazing Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
This is an amazingly beautiful pass along the Maury River. The mix of texture from the trees to the water to the boulders to the stacked stone, it is a combination of delight at every turn.See more..
This is a hidden gem! The parking lot maximum 8 cars. I do suggest you use bug spray. During my trip on a Saturday afternoon there was 1 other car in the lot. Enter the trail at the end of the parking lot and your met with an overall information sign and trail marker to the right. The trail gives you options to go on a solid dirt type terrain into the woods or head straight on the trail to go to the hidden jewel the beach. Once you pass the fresh water Custis Pond head straight and towards the right and your headed from the woods towards the beach. The terrain soon turns to a very soft sugar sand. There’s a dune lookout point pass the large hill on the left of the trail. Just past the hill there’s a wooden boardwalk you can take to the lookout in case you don’t want to walk up the sandy hill. If you keep right you will come to the beach. The driftwood coming up from the beach is amazing. Had a great little hike and will do this again.See more..
4.0Dutch Gap Conservation Area(26 reviews) - Spectacular Family Fun! Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
Best outdoor enjoyment Ever! 4 generations of our family from age 9 took the 3 hour kayaking tour around a scenic lake filled with history, beauty, and wildlife. The relaxing adventure was the perfect mix of excercise, fun, and excitement. Chesterfield parks & recs staff make it safe & informative for every age. Three beautiful and awesome guides led us around these wetlands with expertise and charm. No parking worries, easy instructions, great value, can't wait to return. This fun is a must do again & again. Thank you Chesterfield and Ladies of the Park!!!See more..
Parking was a bear and so is the walk with young children in all honesty. However, getting past that you quickly realize it's worth the effort, lack of facilities, and biting flies. Once you cross the hill to the Beach, we immediately noticed the difference between this beach and all others in the region. The protected dunes, organic matter washed ashore, the low depth and small waves and tidal nature of the inlet.... It was a dream to spend a fine May Day on the shore here. We saw dolphins, beautiful shells, and a weird looking dead fish that my two sons really enjoyed discovering. All in all, I highly recommend. See more..
Hoffler Creek is a lovely hiking area right in the middle of Portsmouth. Plenty of wild life and beautiful vistas. See more..
4.5Bottom Creek Gorge(23 reviews) - A peaceful place to spend the day Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
The nature conservancy manages this place. The trails are nicely marked and provide for most levels of experience. the trail along the creek is spectacular and the view of the falls at the end id well worth the hike. There are never too many people there either. One note, they don't allow dogs- wish they did.See more..
***Please note that the High Point Trail to the White Rock Cliffs is private property and is closed for an indefinite period of time for restoration. Trails that lead up to the cliffs on VOF property are also closed and are clearly marked*** The Bull Run Mountain Natural Area Preserve (BRMNAP) consists of 2,486 acres and is owned and managed by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF). The trails consist of /- 8 miles of trail and have a variety of different loops for different skill levels. Trails have historical sites that you can view while hiking. Please stay on marked trails and do not remove any natural resource of any kind. Prohibited in Preserve: Pets Horses Bikes Camping Fires Alcohol Hunting/shooting Motorized VehiclesSee more..
4.5Wildlife Center of Virginia(21 reviews) - Excellent wildlife hospital Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
A hospital for native wildlife, teaching the world to care about and to care for wildlife and the environment. We are not open to the public. We do have open houses throughout the year (free of charge) when visitors may tour the Waynesboro facility at a designated tour time.See more..
We rented bikes and rode the trail through the nature area all the way to the end. The trails are in great shape and are very flat for beginning bikers. We saw lots of deer and found several geocaches along the way. There is a well done display of Rocks of Virginia along the path as well.See more..
4.0Elkwallow Picnic Area(20 reviews) - Great Rest Stop for Hikers and Drivers Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Elkwallow Picnic area is a great place to stop if you're hiking along the Appalachian Trail or any of the other trails in the area, or if you're looking for a good place to picnic while driving the Skyline Drive. It's got quite a few open picnic areas, as well as a large covered area. It's also got pretty good restroom facilities, which can be handy while you hike.See more..
4.5Falls Ridge Preserve(18 reviews) - Great hike for the 3 and up crowd. Nature & Wildlife Areas
5.0Burg E-bike Tours(18 reviews) - Four hours of joy! National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Take a tour along Skyline Drive or a leisurely wine tasting tour in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley! It's a breeze to get up the hills on a bike with an electric motor. Enjoy the ride as you take in the views and natural beauty all around you.See more..
Before entering the 'reserve,' you will be checked by security, which means getting out of your vehicle, getting your ID copied/checked, vehicle inspected for bombs, weapons or powder residue by security guards with branishing heavy weaponary. This is because of driving through nuclear grounds to get to your destination. It's basically a slow drive to view wildlife of which we saw wild turkeys, a doe and her fawn, buzzards, bobwhites, hawks, ospreys, etc. There were a ca-zillion Mayflies bombarding the vehicle, so we didn't get out at the end to visit the little museum, or utilize the overlooks. There were a few people fishing from the shore; however much of it is marshland. If you intend to venture from your vehicle, be sure to have bug spray or you'll end up in the ER to get a transfusion of replenished of blood.See more..
Have visited this wetlands walk on every visit to Winchester. The surface is smooth pavement with one wooden bridge. Path runs thru wetlands, then beside old railroad track, and then behind some homes in nice neighborhood. Not very long but a nice place for a walk if you are in town and need to stretch your legs. Depending on when you walk, you can also grab a cup of coffee at The Daily Grind if you park in the shopping center on Jubal Early drive.See more..
Elizabeth Furnace is located in the George Washington National Forest. We visited Elizabeth Furnace so my husband could recapture some of his memories of camping here as a child. The furnace is located near Front Royal, VA and is worth the detour or trip. There is a self-guided tour with signs explaining the production of pig iron along the trail. The trail is an easy walk. You can view Passage Creek that supplied the water for the furnace with water as well as the remains of the furnace. The trail informs you of what it was like for the production of pig iron. My husband enjoyed visiting something of his youth. Elizabeth Furnace offers several family campgrounds and recreation areas. For the more adventurous people, you might want to take the 11.5 mile round trip hike to Signal Knob, the northern peak of the Massanutten Mountain. Good Luck!See more..
We took our dog here for a great hike in spring. There is about 2 miles of trail making a loop that leads up to the summit. Oak Trail leads along the flank of the mountain and there were a tremendous amount of trillium and other wildflowers. Barrens Loop Trail leads to the summit with fantastic views from the highest point in Floyd County. The top part of the trail is roped off to keep hikers on the trail and prevent trampling sensitive wildlife. Please stay within the roped off trail. The 1-mile gravel road to the parking area is very narrow with a few pull-offs for oncoming traffic. Drive slowly and cautiously. Overall, a great spot for a hike with wildflowers and scenic views.See more..
5.0Neabsco Creek Boardwalk(12 reviews) - Enjoy above view of a wonderful marsh habitat Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
It is not often that you get to visit a watershed area. There are not many opportunities to view a marsh from within the habitat. It is surprisingly comfortable walk with so many opportunities for seeing fish, turtles, birds of all types, and variety of plants. You can even see American Lotus. This is not to be missed. Enjoy.See more..
Super fun for the whole family! Dave and Teri are amazing hosts and Alpaca lovers! Our family of 5- one teen, one preteen and 6 year old had so much fun! Our adventure was supposed to be 1 hour- we stayed of about 2 and loved every minute. The Alpacas are SO WELL CARED FOR! We loved little Sgt. Pepper, Sunny and Penny lane! Mac was a little weary of us but he was still a good boy! We can not wait to come back! My kids have not stopped asking about “their” Alpaca- they felt co connected to them.See more..
When first approaching the trail through the overgrown grass, you think it isn't going to be much. But if you like the woods and the beach, this is a cool trail. The boardwalk leads through the woods to a dead end with a view of the beach down below. We followed an obvious path that led us down to a practically deserted beach. During our walk along the shore, we found some beautiful shells and some amazing sea glass. Worth the trek!See more..
June 6. It was so nice to get out and actually do something! We went to Quarry Gardens in Schuyler (pronounced SKY LA by locals), Virginia, south of Charlottesville. This is the private property of Bernice and Armand Thiebolt that consists of several abandoned soapstone quarries with the surrounding landscape that is being restored with native plants and woodlands. There is a mile long trail that winds around two of the water filled quarries. Reservations are required to keep tours small but there is no cost. Donations are greatly appreciated! I hope to visit several times a season to see the changes. Our group of nine was led by Bernice and she was knowledgeable about the plants and environment and she was excited about new discoveries.See more..
4.5Fortune's Cove Preserve(10 reviews) - Beautiful trail - rugged, fun and gorgeous views. Nature & Wildlife Areas
This is what hiking trails are meant to be. It is a 5.5 mile loop which in my opinion is ideal. The terrain is moderately rugged with good elevation and gorgeous views. I have hiked it twice; once in the winter with snow and ice on the ground. It was truly a winter wonderland that day but caution is advised as it can be quite slippery in those conditions. Mountain Cove Vineyards, the village of Lovingston and the Blue Ridge Railway trail (7 miles along the Piney River) are all close by.See more..
4.5Wilderness Adventure At Eagle Landing(8 reviews) - BEST. WEEKEND. EVER. Thursday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Hiking Trails
So, we went to this AWESOME place on a weekend trip....just a random couple adventure that turned into a truly memorable experience. The staff is the best we have ever encountered. Delicious food, fire pit conversations, a guitar player and plenty of firewood to stoke the fire. We were BLOWN AWAY! The lodging is comfy, great beds too! To the staff: Thank you for hanging out with us by the fire and making us feel like family. If you ever want a unique get away... GO TO Wilderness Adventure!See more..
4.0Cumberland Marsh Natural Area Preserve(8 reviews) - A Nice Little "Park," That's Off the Beaten Path Thursday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
It's not really a park, but as the name says a "natural area preserve." It was great that the Nature Conservancy bought and preserved this site in 1993. The parking lot can probably accommodate 7-8 cars. There is a "bulletin board"/kiosk at the end of the parking lot, with a large map of the property. However, there were no handouts/maps to take. At the kiosk, if you go left, you'll be heading out on a 2.8 mile trail that loops around the preserve. To the right, there is a boardwalk that leads to an observation deck of the Holt Creek marsh. At the time we were there (late October), the only waterfowl we saw were Canada Geese.See more..
This trail in Hillsville is absolutely beautiful. Some of it is shaded and there is a shelter about mid-way through if you'd like to rest or get out of rain. Lots of wildlife, and numerous photo-ops for photographers.See more..
4.5Claytor Nature Study Center(7 reviews) - A Hidden Gem...! For To See Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
Too much to describe. Words can't describe this hidden gem of history, this is a must see nature tour of a families life and kindness that has been left for to experience. On the grounds, you'll find a working observatory, which open on Friday to star gaze. The facilities are opened Monday through Friday for tours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.(schuleing would be needed).......for tours of the grounds & home. Great views of The Peaks of Otter, many walking trails and tremendous English gardens to enjoy. This facility is gift left by the Claytor Family for all to remember the beauty to be found in the Bedford County. Take time to arrange a tour,....it will be time we'll invested in our culture. You'll leave the grounds, with great appreciation of the Claytor Family. See more..
this is a good beach to take your smaller kids to enjoy a swim. Weekdays are the best, it can get very crowded on the weekends. Nice pier to sit on at dusk. Enjoy a good evening with friends. Picnic area, play area for kids, swim or hang out on the very nice pier. Good way to spend a couple of hours with out busting the budget.See more..
4.0Paint Bank Trout Hatchery(6 reviews) - Could be so much better Thursday: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas My wife and I stopped by here on a recent trip to Paint Bank. It was neat to see all the trout being "groomed" for release the streams of Western VA. We were very disappointed in that there were no signs explaining the details of the process or even that the fish were trout. It would be so much more interesting if you could learn the steps in the growth process and release. Different cement troughs held the different stages in the development process. It appeared that there was one that could be almost ready for release. We were there on a Sunday and there was no one around to answer questions. This may not be true on weekdays however.See more..
Fieldale is a very cute little community and this trail is just around the corner from the city park, which has a very neat old iron bridge, and just down the hill from the downtown area. There is good parking at the trail head and there is another trail just across the road that winds along Smith River. The Textile Heritage Trail is mostly crushed granite trail but there's a little boardwalk too. There are six panels along the trail that tell the history of the textile industry in the area. Since most of the big companies that came into the area in the beginning have been lost, the story is a little depressing but there is no rule saying that you have to read the placards. The trail itself if very pretty and winds back and forth through the woods.I think that people who like outdoor trails will really like this one.See more..
