DCR Virginia

Group Campsite Open At Holliday Lake State Park

Sarah Lankford — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:00:00 +0000

We're so happy to announce that the group campsite at Holliday Lake State Park is open! Lots of people have asked about this type of campsite for years. Here's a peak at the entrance and parking area.

It has a water spigot at the entrance to the site, but no electrical power. That should be just fine for those who want this type of site. Many are groups of scouts, church youth groups and friends who just want to enjoy the outdoors and camp together.

The area consists of a parking area (for up to 8 vehicles), a central large fire pit, 5 picnic tables, and five tent pads. The tent pads are about 16 x 20 feet. Plenty of room for a large family-size tent or several small pup tents. These tent pads are fairly level and two of them are level with the fire pit area. The other three tent pads have stairs leading to them from the fire pit area.

In the picture above, I'm standing on the edge of one tent pad looking at two others. The one I'm standing on is one that is level with the fire pit area. You can see the second in the middle with the stairs leading to it from the fire pit area; the third one is in the background. These are really works of art. Soon the grass will be taking off and that ugly silt fence will be removed too. There's really nothing between the tent pads and the many acres of forest beyond. How peaceful will this be on a warm summer night?

Here's a look at the large fire pit surrounded by the five picnic tables. It is arranged like a wheel, with the fire pit in the center and the tent pads like the spokes of the wheel. Being right in the middle this fire pit will be THE gathering place for our group campers. I can imagine boy scouts, youth groups, friends and families hanging out after supper, roasting marshmallows, singing campfire songs. I think I might even smell some coffee brewing and bacon frying in the morning.

In the picture above, I simply turned away from the fire pit. You can see the water spigot is very close. And the parking area is just beyond the water spigot. You won't have to carry your sleeping bag and cooking supplies too far.

And beyond the parking area are those new RV campsites that I blogged about last week. And if you look in the distance you can see the bathhouse. It's only a short walk away and it has hot showers. So you can camp in the quiet woods, with your pals, and still have all the comforts of home.

With everything Holliday Lake State Park has to offer, there would be no chance to get bored. We have hiking trails and a 155-acre lake for fishing. During our summer season (Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day) we have boat rentals, swimming, and a concession stand. We also have access to the Carter Taylor Trail where you can hike or ride your bike in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. We have many interpretive events already planned for this spring and summer, and we'll be adding more soon, so check back often.

If you have a group looking for a place to camp, you can make reservations now through our call center at 1-800-933-7275 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or you can book online anytime. Online reservations can be made up to midnight of the day before arrival. Same day camping reservations can be made up until 2:00 pm through the call center only. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.

Volunteer Service Project at Bear Creek Lake State Park

Zoe Rogers — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:30:00 +0000

By Cody Gilliam, Student, Bear Creek Academy

My name is Cody Gilliam. I am a student at Bear Creek Academy. Every Wednesday we go out and help the rangers keep the park in good condition. We always try our hardest to clean up any trash, fallen limbs, and any overgrown weeds. My friends and I love working for the park.

When my friends and I work in the park it makes us feel like we are making it a better place for others to visit. We are trying to keep the park clean because one day we might not have it. I think that some people sometimes take nature for granted. Conservation of the park is important to me because I love being outside and helping people realize that being outdoors is one of the best things you can do.

Bear Creek Academy is a therapeutic day school for students ages 11- 18. Their curriculum combines the general education courses required by the state for each grade level with a variety of engaging electives, community enrichment projects, and therapeutic activities designed to help our students achieve academic and emotional success. When learning is interactive and provides opportunities for personal growth, students become invested in their personal education and in turn begin to take ownership of their future. Bear Creek Academy has partnered with Bear Creek Lake State Park to get the students out into the park on a weekly basis to perform service projects as well as provide outdoor recreational opportunities for their students.

Record Turn Out for Westmoreland State Park!

Annette Bareford — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

People love their parks! According to the Virginia State Parks Director of Volunteerism, Gaston Rouse, a record number of people attended the Friends of Westmoreland State Park organizational meeting. People at the meeting expressed a great interest in becoming involved with the new “Friends Group."* Park Manager Ken Benson explained what is involved in the process and mentioned some of the projects he thought might interest the group. Ideas included restoring the Civilian Conservation Corps fountain located on the main park road and developing new events to help support educational programs.

The group will be meeting again in March (the date will be announced later) to elect the Board of Directors and make plans for the future. Community involvement is key to having one of the best state parks in the nation. We, the staff at Westmoreland are very excited about the new “Friends Group” and look forward to working together.

If you would like to join the Friends of Westmoreland State Park, please contact Ken.Benson@dcr.virginia.gov or Annette.Bareford@dcr.virginia.gov (804)493-8821.

*The purpose of a Friends Groups, also known as a Citizens Support Group (CSO) is to help create a strong connection between the park and the community. This relationship benefits the citizens that not only visit the park but those have businesses and homes in the area.

Family on a Quest Park 2 (Mason Neck) of 35

Virginia State Park Visitors — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:30:00 +0000

The second in a series contributed from a visitor, Nancy Hayes from Stafford, Virginia

Help I am stuck in the leaves and I can't get out. When you are two it sounds more like, "Mommy, me stuck." Even though if she took one step she would be free and could move it's a fun game to play and makes the mile trail nearly two miles for mommy. But my fashion diva daughter with her stuff duck and blue swimming goggles, (oh I wish I was kidding) trailed behind me and stopped every couple of minutes and announces "Mommy, me stuck."
The other two ran ahead and scared all the birds away and laughed and yelled and climbed tree stumps. The poor bird watchers on the trail rolled their eyes and gave the weak 'I wish you were somewhere else" smile as we hiked on past. But the kids noise did not disturb the eagle perched on a tree. Far enough so we could not bother him but close enough I could take the picture.

The birds were out and the trail was easy and we saw the geochache, not hidden well, sitting on the ground and took a few second to convince the kids to leave it alone and not take it with us. The hike across the bridge that looked like it had better days made me glad that if it feel down we only had a few feet to fall. But the sight of my son holding hand with his youngest sister to make sure she made it was worth it.

We ended the trail with hide and seek in a tree trunk and a run through the playground. I wish we were earlier so we could see the butter but maybe next time.

The park was nice with lots of hiking trails. They were labeled easy, moderate, or hard. Great for people with kids. The park was on the water and had a boat launch and playground with rubber shredded for the base of the playground. It only cost $4 to park, and the picnic area was large with grills and a nice bathroom facility.

Definitely see our family going back.

Editor's note: For more information on Mason Neck State Park click here. The butter comment in the post refers to one of the park's many weekly programs. You can check out the programs offered at any of our parks by clicking here. I am also including a picture from our files so you understand how you play hide and seek in a tree.

Bald Eagle vs. Osprey: The Rivalry Resumes

John Gresham — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:14:00 +0000

This is the time of year when many people sit in front of TV sets to watch basketball tournaments. However, there is a more interesting rivalry going on over the skies of our Commonwealth between two very well admired birds of prey.

The Bald Eagle, symbol of our nation, has a wingspan of 70 to 90 inches. It can soar to great heights and accurately dive down to snatch a small mammal from the ground or fish out of the water. Once rare due to the use of certain chemical pesticides, the eagle has made a tremendous comeback. In some places, it is possible to see one every day.

The migratory Osprey is smaller than its rival. But, it is no less formidable when it comes to catching prey. It has talons specifically designed to hold on to the most slippery fish. Nesting platforms can be found along the Chesapeake Bay and inland waterways as well.

The Bald Eagle does have a reputation of stealing the catch of an Osprey. It will fly towards a rival and as the Osprey puts up its talons in defense, the fish falls and the eagle swoops underneath and catches the prize before it lands in the water. But, there are moments where the Bald Eagle isn't as fierce as I have witnessed one surrendering a prime perch location to an inoffensive Great Blue Heron. I have seen the same long legged wader come too close to an Osprey nest and get angrily chased away.

There is no way of predicting what these noteworthy birds will do as they will occupy the same habitat and compete for much of the same food. To see the action, turn off the TV and visit a Virginia State Park!

New Friends Visit Hungry Mother State Park

Nancy Heltman — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:30:00 +0000

by Gwen Kirby

Visitors have often commented on the beautiful animal mounts on display in the Discovery Center at Hungry Mother State Park. But rangers felt that the display was incomplete. Something was missing. Or rather, someone.

That someone showed up on Tuesday, March 1. Park ranger Geoff Hall drove into the park with a black bear standing up in the back of his truck. The bizarre sight created quite a stir as it traveled down the local roadways!

The bear mount was loaned to Hungry Mother State Park by Lewis and Clark Outdoors, LLC, of Chilhowie, Virginia. The outfitters decided to share several animal mounts with the park. In addition to the black bear, Lewis and Clark Outfitters loaned the park a river otter, a coyote, and a groundhog. All of these animals have been added to the mountain forest diorama in the Discovery Center.

Rangers at Hungry Mother State Park are delighted about the additions. The lifelike diorama offers visitors a glimpse of native animals that are not often seen by human eyes. The park appreciates all who have shared their resources for the good of the public!

Construction on High Bridge Begins

Zoe Rogers — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The long anticipated rehabilitation project of High Bridge is scheduled to begin this week. The contract for the project has been awarded to Keith Barber Construction located in Farmville, Virginia. The project will provide improved approaches to the bridge, overlooks on the bridge, decking for the trailway and handrails. Sections of the park on each end of the bridge will be closed during construction. High Bridge Trail State Park will be closed at River Road on the Cumberland end and at Aspen Hill Road on the Prince Edward end. These closures will take place on Monday, March 7th. The contracted time frame for substantial completion is 9 months.

High Bridge Trail State Park’s Park Manager, Eric Hougland has anxiously anticipated the beginning of this project. “I am so excited that this part of the development of High Bridge Trail will be underway,” said Mr. Hougland. “Local supporters and park visitors have anxiously been waiting for the bridge project to begin. Although 9 months to substantial completion seems like a long time period to wait, the celebration of the opening of High Bridge will be here before we know it. I ask for continued patience while the work is being completed.”

To learn more about the High Bridge and High Bridge Trail State Park, click here.

Family on a Quest Park 1 (Leesylvania) of 35

Virginia State Park Visitors — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Editor's note: I am excited to introduce an ambitious series by a family planning to visit all of our Virginia State Parks in one year. I hope you will anxiously await each edition like I will!

A visitor contributed post by Nancy Hayes from Stafford, Virginia

Today we started our Great VA State Park Adventure. It seemed like a great idea when we discussed it a month or so back. We would load up our three young and hyper kids and visit all 35 Virginia State Parks in a year. So thinking we should have started weeks ago, we finally decided to go. After a short drive with three bored and tired children and a rousing chorus of are we there yet; we made it to the park. The eldest melted down the moment he got out of the car while the other two raced to the fence to look out at the water.

The air was cool and crisp and the girls demanded to have their "pretty picture" taken. Daddy convinced the eldest to race him to the trail head and the two girls chased after. The kids explored the winding trails and multiple time we had to convinced the baby to come away from the water. I do believe she would have been happy watching the water all day. They laughed and raced and jumped up and down on the wooden bridges to hear the noise. We stop to rest on a fallen tree that had washed up on a small beach area under a railroad track. The kids laughed and played in the sand and we wrote our names in the sand and many pictures taken to remember our adventure.

We hiked back to the car and drove on through the park to get to the playground. The kids made friends with another family, like only kids can do, and played on the playground. They compared notes on the snail shells they all had collected in between trying to convince the other family's poor dog that it would have fun climbing up the steps on the playground and going down the slide. Thank goodness the dog had some foresight at the kids thoughts and flatly refused to go up the steps.

After playing we walked back to the water and the kids and daddy started skipping rocks. Well daddy skipped rocks and the kids threw rock and watched them splash. On the way back to the car the swings called our names and three little ones kicked and squalled as we pushed them. Finally we ended our trip with a turn about the old fashion merry go round and laughed and giggled as we attempted to hang on as daddy pushed us faster and faster.

The park itself was actually really nice. There were many wilderness trails that actually winded through the woods and down to the water front. We were there during off season so parking was not an issue and there were small little beaches the kids had a blast on playing in the sand. It cost $5 to get in and it had boat launches and a pier, playground, and some interesting historical finds.

Editor's note - for more information on Leesylvania State Park click here. I have added one of our photos of the park.

The Timberdoodle Dance

Annette Bareford — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Photo by Lavandarfields used under creative commons licensing

The American woodcock, also called the timber-doodle, lives in young forest and shrubby areas often near streams, rivers, and wetlands. Woodcock eat worms, which they catch by probing in the soil with their long bills. They breed across eastern North America from Atlantic Canada to the Great Lakes, and spend the winter in lowlands mainly in the southern and Gulf Coast states.

The American Woodcock has a plump body, short legs, a large, rounded head, and a long, straight bill. Adults are 10 to 12 inches long and weigh 5 to 8 ounces. Females are considerably larger than males. The bill is 2.5 to 2.75 inches long.

The plumage is a cryptic mix of different shades of browns, grays, and black. The breast and sides vary from yellowish white to rich tans. The nape of the head is black, with three or four crossbars of deep buff or rufous.The feet and toes, which are small and weak, are brownish gray to reddish brown.

Woodcock have large eyes located high in the head, and their visual field is probably the largest of any bird, 360° horizontal and 180° vertical.

On March 18 & 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. visitors to Caledon Natural Area will get a chance to dance the Doodle!

What exactly is a Timber Doodle Dance? In late winter males begin their courtship dance by spreading their wings and walking like a chicken! Then, the male takes to the air and begins a complicated aerial display to attract the female. If she likes his dance then she will pick him as her timber-doodle!

If you would like to join the fun and learn something new too, please call the park to make a reservation (540)663-3861 or caledon@dcr.virginia.gov Cost: only $3 per person or $8 per family. Parking fees apply.

First Job and First Blog Post: Introducing Zane Reitman

Staci Martin — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

By Zane Reitman

Hi, my name is Zane Reitman. I'm a high school freshman and recently got a job with the Virginia State Parks as a Social Media Assistant. I heard about the job when I was at the Tidewater RV show. Even though the job only pays minimum wage and is a pilot project to help teens connect with the outdoors, it sounded like a good deal to me. I love the outdoors and go camping a lot with my family. So far it's been a great experience. I'm going to be taking pictures and making creative videos about state parks. My plan is to get people my age, high school students, to get outdoors more, and maybe get them to visit the state parks.

Get Educated and Get Fit on Wilderness Road Nature Hike

Michael Brindle — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 20:15:00 +0000

By Olivia Norton, Conservation Intern at Wilderness Road State Park

Come and join us at Wilderness Road State Park, on Saturday, March 19 at 1 PM for a fun time on the trail while getting fit and learning about tree buds along the way!

Walking in nature is a great way to get out and rejuvenate yourself after a long winter of being indoors. Experiencing nature allows you to get away from the same old routine of a treadmill, dumbbells or the gym which allows you to vary your exercising habits while providing a more relaxing setting.

The walk is planned to be enjoyable for both young and old. During the walk, we will explore a variety of trees common in Virginia, their buds and the unique characteristics of each tree. Buds vary with a wide variety of features. We will learn to easily identify trees when they are in hibernation before they bloom in the spring. We look forward to seeing you there and having a great time on the Indian Ridge trail!

For more information, or to register, please call the park office at 276-445-3065.

What is the value of a tree?

Kim Miller — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

How do you measure the worth of a tree? Is it the amount of money it cost to purchase the tree? The amount of money you could gain from harvesting it?

Trees have social value; cities don’t plant trees in the medians because they have extra trees lying around and housing developers don’t line neighbor streets with shady trees because they have extra money to spend, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension the value of a property can increase by as much as 20% if trees are present on the land. People gather in places with trees, they have picnic in the shade of a park tree; they go hiking in state park forests. Trees hold a special place in our culture, just this week an entire segment of the evening news was dedicated to the loss of the National Christmas Tree.

Trees have environmental value! Of course you say, that’s what forests are made of! Trees provide place for animals to live. Their decaying leaves and branched create rich soil. But there is more to a tree’s environmental value than that. Trees are climate controllers; areas without trees are 5 to 9 degrees warmer than those with trees. Trees are air scrubbers; trees can reduce the particulates in the air by 9 to 13% and convert carbon dioxide to oxygen during photosynthesis thus reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Trees reduce noise; they are a natural sound barrier and much more pleasant to look at than cement walls. Trees are crucial to soil and water quality, trees prevent erosion, prevent flooding, slow the rate of pollutants entering waterways, store carbon, and filter water.

According to Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service national averages show that a single tree reduces costs of air conditioning, erosion control, pollution control, and wildlife habitat.

Lowers Air Conditioning Costs Reduces Erosion Control Costs Reduces Pollution Control Costs Provides Wildlife Habitat Total Savings

$73.00 $75.00 $50.00 $75.00 $273.00

But what might be the hardest value to place on trees is their psychological benefit. It is hard for us to put a dollar value on how much better it makes us feel to have a window that looks out on a patch of grass with a tree than a parking lot. Can we place a dollar amount on how the falling of leaves in autumn reminds us that colder weather is approaching? What would a park be without the trees? I think it can be concluded that most people enjoy having trees around.

So come visit a state park and determine your own value of trees!

New Campground at Holliday Lake

Sarah Lankford — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:51:00 +0000

The Laurel Ridge Campground at Holliday Lake State Park opened March 1st.

These sites are big! Big enough to fit a 38 foot camper. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring, and a lantern post. Each site also has a water spigot and an electrical post with 20, 30, and 50 amp service. These sites are for campers between 22 feet and 38 feet.

And did I mention the new bathhouse? It is a site to behold. It has men's and women's bathrooms.

Four showers. One is very handicap accessible and also beautiful. Skylights let in lots of natural light.

There is a new two-lane dump station. I know our campers are going to love that! Now when it's time to head out, they won't have to wait in line all day to empty their tanks.

Here's one of the skylights in the bath house. They are lovely and you just have to love all that natural light!

There are benches outside the bathhouse. I know these will come in handy when our campers are waiting for the rest of the family to finish up with showers and all. It's a good place to sit down and plan out your day of fun at the park.

Included in the Laurel Ridge Campground is a primitive group camping area. Look for a blog about that soon. Many of our regular campers have been asking for this for a long time and we're really happy to be able to offer this type of camping. Our "old" 30-site campground will now be called Redbud Campground. You'll be able to camp there with your tent or pop-up camper. It's also for smaller campers (up to 21 feet).

Now that you've seen just a taste of the Laurel Ridge Campground, I know you'll want to make a reservation for your trip here. Reservations can be made through our call center at 1-800-933-7275 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or you can book online anytime. Online reservations can be made up to midnight of the day prior to arrival. Same day camping reservations can be made up until 2:00 pm by calling the call center only. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.

World Class Basic Survival Classes Come to Three Virginia State Parks

Nancy Heltman — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:14:15 +0000

"Always be prepared to help others at all times in the wilderness." - Byron Kerns

Last fall I had a call out of the blue from a man named Byron Kerns. He had operated a Wilderness Survival Training program in the mountains of Virginia for years and then sold out to move to Florida. He called me with an offer to come back to Virginia to offer his program at several of our state parks.

I was happy to get the offer and even happier when I poked around on the web and learned more about Byron.

Byron's business website offers a statement about his background that is incredibly modest: "a former US Air Force Survival (SERE) Instructor who is well-respected in national media and highly-regarded for his talent as a wilderness survival instructor. His unique methods of instructional delivery, developed over the decades, prepare his students with the skills and knowledge required when in a wilderness environment."

Byron must have had a mother like mine who always said to let others sing your praises. And they do. Laurence Gonzales, National Geographic Adventure editor and author of the book Deep Survival writes:

As I climbed out of the cockpit and onto the wing, I caught my first glimpse of our instructor, Byron Kerns. He swaggered across the fueling ramp toward us wearing an 18-inch Panamanian machete, a big, macho-looking guy. He had worked at the famous Air Force Survival School in Washington State. When I saw him, I thought: We're in for it now. Byron turned out to be soft-spoken, polite, cheerfully earnest, and gentle to a fault. He moved slowly, never hurried, and was always carefully assessing himself and his environment. He wasn't prone to high emotional states. He carried with him a contagious air of calm. Even after a lifetime in the wilderness, Kerns entered the woods with a deep sense of respect and humility, like a man approaching a magnificent, dangerous, and unpredictable creature.

Byron is offering survival course at three of our parks this year. His first program will be at the Wash Woods Environmental Education Center, False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach on April 16 and 17, 2011. False Cape's program will be "Intro to Wilderness Survival."

Co-ed adults, ages 18 and up; Cost: $50/person
Meeting time: 11 a.m., Saturday, April 16.
Meeting location: Little Island City Park.
End time: 11 a.m., Sunday, April 17. (Participants will be at their cars by noon).

Transportation to Wash Woods will be provided by school bus. Participants will overnight
at Wash Woods in bunk rooms; linens, etc. are provided. A kitchen is available for evening
and morning meal preparation. Participants will bring their own food and snacks.

The program is a classroom and outdoors learning experience. Class will run from noon until 5 p.m. on Saturday. Free time Saturday evening. Class from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on Sunday. There will be a written test with a prize to the top scorer.

The program covers the seven wilderness survival priorities: Positive mental attitude, wilderness first aid, shelter, fire craft, signaling, water, and food. Byron will also cover the personal survival kit contents and lost behavior. And, undoubtedly, a wilderness tale or three from Byron.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about wilderness survival, meet new friends, enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of False Cape State Park, and watch the sun set and rise. It may be hard to imagine a location in Virginia Beach appropriate for Wilderness Survival training but if you haven't been to False Cape State Park before, I can assure you that it is just such an environment.

The next two programs will be offered in the Fall and will be Byron's Survival 101 program. For this program, you will be sleeping in the wilderness so you will need to bring your own gear. Here is a list of required and optional items. These programs will be held at Sky Meadows State Park on September 24 and 25, 2011 and Grayson Highlands State Park on October 1 and 2, 2011. They will begin at 10 a.m. on the Saturday and end noon on Sunday.

In Survival 101 you'll learn the skills of the seven survival priorities, how to handle backcountry medical problems, how to build a great fire every time without matches or a lighter, how to cook over a camp fire, how to use a signal mirror correctly, how to purify and locate water, and other important-to-know survival knowledge.

Byron usually charges $150 for these programs so we are excited to be able to offer them at such a low cost.

Registration is limited to twenty participants for each event. Contact our reservation center at 800-933-7275 to make your reservations now. The Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you have any questions about the programs, please contact me at nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

If you think the skills that Byron teaches are just for the outdoors or wilderness, you'd be wrong. A recent testimony from an Assistant High School Principal sheds light on this statement: "You sharing your love and knowlege about "Positive Mental Attitude" has uplifted me in ways that I cannot describe to you." This BKSS graduate is speaking about what Byron calls PMA - Priority #1 in a wilderness survival situation. Will you give up or panic? How well will you handle an adverse situation in everyday life? What kind of attitude do you exhibit most often around co-workers, friends, and family? The PMA training and a better understanding of the "peaks and valleys of life," coupled with new-found confidence are only the small pieces of the graduate take-away pie.

Another graduate of Byron's program wrote on his own blog, Exercised Independence:

Sitting at dinner after I got home later that Sunday night, with my most precious wife and 18 month old daughter near me, I looked over at them and asked myself what would happen to them if we were ever stranded and alone. I looked back on what I had learned and the answers I found left me feeling highly confident, gut confident, that if put in that situation, I could take care of them, they would be okay, they would come home. I could return with honor, with my family at my side. That friends, to me, is the only thing that matters.

Newbie Hikers: Gear Up But Don't Go Overboard

John Gresham — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Spring is not far away. Daffodils are out of the ground, osprey have returned to their nesting sites, and many people are ready to make good on their resolutions to go out and hike in the great outdoors. Manufacturers, and retailers have a variety of clothing and equipment for the adventuring souls.

Don't rush off to buy the most expensive gear you may see in magazines and websites. Most trails at our Virginia State Parks are made for beginner and intermediate hikers. Except for a few trails in the mountains, almost all of them are rated easy to moderate. Therefore, no one needs to break the bank to spend a few hours outdoors. Be sure to check out our Virginia Outdoors website for specific trail details before you set out.

Check local weather reports and carry rain gear if needed. Your pants should be comfortable and shoes should give you proper support.

Those who wish to take more challenging, overnight, and multi day trips should consider joining backpacking organizations and referring to on-line sources for more information on what gear is essential and which brands are best. For the newbie hiker just starting out, the clothes you have, water, and a snack is all you need begin an outdoor lifestyle.