Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.

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Starr Anderson

Starr Anderson

PR & Marketing Specialist for the Western region Virginia State Parks.


Blogger "Starr Anderson"Clear, category "Explore"Clear results in following blogs.

Protecting Virginia's Dark Sky Parks from light pollution

By Starr AndersonPosted April 13, 2026
Virginia is home to five International Dark Sky Parks, four of which are state parks. They earned their designations from DarkSky International for their exceptional quality of starry nights. However, light pollution is a growing concern.
James River State Park

Grayson Highlands State Park: A unique mountain ecosystem

By Starr AndersonPosted October 09, 2025
Grayson Highlands is the highest state park in Virginia, with elevations topping 5,089 feet. This altitude creates an environment more like what you’d find hundreds of miles north in New England than what’s typical of the southern Appalachians.
The view from Little Pinnacle, the highest peak in Grayson Highlands State Park

Hungry Mother State Park builds new mountain bike trail system

By Starr AndersonPosted September 07, 2023
Mountain bikers have a new riding opportunity in Southwest Virginia. Hungry Mother State Park has opened 3 miles of its new Raider's Run Mountain Bike Trail System. The remaining 2 miles are under construction and will open in the spring of 2025.
Hungry Mother State Park

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park celebrates 75 years

By Starr AndersonPosted August 14, 2023
Since 1948, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park has been telling the story of Southwest Virginia, from its geologic genesis to its rich and storied culture.
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

Natural Tunnel becomes first in state to install special viewfinder for colorblind visitors

By Starr AndersonPosted July 07, 2023
We are proud to be the first location in Virginia to offer the EnChroma colorblind viewfinder. It's equipped with special lenses from EnChroma designed to help those with red-green Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) experience colors.
Ethan Howes

Where to play disc golf at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted June 23, 2023
If you're looking for a fun way to explore a park, check out our disc golf courses at Natural Bridge and Staunton River State Parks. They both offer a unique terrain and a different set of challenges for players of all skill levels.
Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail

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