Virginia’s National Parks Make for the Perfect Family Road Trip

In Virginia, uncover some of the most idyllic scenery in America. From the pristine beaches of the Eastern Shore to the stunning views on Skyline Drive, you’ll find a park that preserves Virginia’s beauty in every corner of the Commonwealth.

Shenandoah National Park(link is external) is known as one of the most iconic National Parks in the United States, so it’s perfect for a Virginia family road trip. Bordered by the Shenandoah Valley on the west, the park offers practically unlimited outdoor excursions(link is external), from 500 miles of pristine hiking and biking trails to dozens of scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway(link is external). Venture out onto one of the popular hiking trails within the park, such as Stony Man(link is external), White Oak Canyon(link is external), or Dark Hollow Falls(link is external), a 1.5-mile hike that features a 70-foot cascading waterfall. Camping is available in the Park in addition to rooms at Skyland, Big Meadows Lodge and Lewis Mountain Cabins.

Prince William Forest Park(link is external) encompasses over 15,000 acres of pristine woods, ponds, and streams. The park holds significant cultural and historical sites, including the previous training grounds for covert operations during World War II. Nowadays, you’ll find scenic hiking trails and roads available for hiking and biking.

Assateague Island National Seashore(link is external) spans 37 miles of beachfront from Virginia up the Eastern Shore to Maryland. Visitors love the pristine sandy beaches and the maritime forests, but the big draw of the park is the unique wildlife. Wild ponies roam the beaches freely, and several rare species of migratory birds can be seen during certain times of the year. As one of the only fully functional barrier island ecosystems left in the U.S., Assateague Island National Seashore showcases a rare aquatic ecosystem.

For more on Virginia’s National Parks, visit virginia.org.

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Andrew Cothern, Communications Manager, [email protected](link sends e-mail)
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