If your New Year's resolution is to spend more time outside this year, look no further than Virginia State Parks. With 44 unique parks from the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless.

When you think of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, you probably think of summer boating and swimming. But the fun doesn’t stop at this 1,248-acre park just because it’s winter.

Claytor Lake State Park is a go-to destination for water enthusiasts. Its 4,500-acre lake offers roughly 4 miles of lake frontage, including a sandy beach. While the water draws many people in, it's not all this park offers.

In addition to its own opportunities for connecting with nature, Roanoke provides you with easy access to five Virginia State Parks: Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, Smith Mountain Lake and Natural Bridge.

Whether you enjoy hiking, boating, biking, fishing or simply relaxing, Bear Creek Lake, James River, Lake Anna and Powhatan state parks are all within an hour's drive of Charlottesville, making them perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.