With 42 Virginia State Parks, the water journey alternatives are infinite. Whether or not you like to take a straightforward float and reel in some fish, dive into coastal waters, or have a serene tenting expertise by the shores, these parks beckon you to return repeatedly for extra aquatic pleasure.
Trip down a River
Boasting 8 miles of climbing trails, riverfront entry, and historic remnants of an 18th-century French settlement, Clinch River State Park is an out of doors haven. As soon as accomplished, the park will likely be Virginia’s first blueway state park, that includes a number of canoe/kayak entry factors throughout a 100-mile stretch of the Clinch River. These properties, dubbed a “string of pearls,” will rejoice the river’s pure magnificence and cultural significance, inviting guests to discover and be taught. There’s a public boat launch out there for boat entry to the Clinch River at Artrip in Russell County.
James River State Park is a chief vacation spot for kayak fishing fans, providing alternatives to catch smallmouth bass, catfish, panfish, and the occasional river gar. Boaters can make the most of the car-top launch on the canoe touchdown space or the boat launch at Dixon Touchdown for straightforward entry to the water.
In case you are new to kayak fishing, or are searching for a leisurely float, New River Path State Park is the place to be. With boat and tube leases on the Foster Falls Boat and Bike Livery, and boat ramps at Allisonia, Foster Falls, and Austinville, even the novice angler or boater will really feel snug right here.
A Seaside Swim
Head to the Virginia coast to proceed your water adventures. At Kiptopeke State Park, there are two unguarded seashores on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the place swimmers enterprise at their very own discretion. Kiptopeke’s expansive northern swim seashore spans almost half a mile, welcoming guests from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Pets, fishing, jet skis, canoes, and kayaks are prohibited. In the meantime, the south seashore permits swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating, and leashed pets, providing a various array of coastal actions for guests to take pleasure in.
Taskinas Creek, in York River State Park presents rentable Canoes and kayaks to catch catfish and white perch. Guided canoe and kayak excursions, commencing on the customer middle, supply insights into estuarine marsh ecology alongside Taskinas Creek or the pure and cultural historical past of the York River.
Get a glimpse of historical past at First Touchdown State Park, the place vessels could be launched from the Narrows within the southern space. This website marks the touchdown spot of English colonists in 1607, and over the centuries, Native American canoes, Colonial settlers, Twentieth-century schooners, and fashionable cargo ships have traversed its waterways. Amenities embody launching ramps, parking, and restrooms, however swimming on the Narrows is discouraged as a consequence of sturdy currents.
Paddle-In Websites
Out there year-round, Virginia State Parks paddle-in websites supply paddlers of all ranges the expertise of primitive tenting on the water. Belle Isle State Park is a wonderful choice for learners due to its full-service campground, the power to lease a canoe and put in close to the customer middle earlier than paddling 2.5 miles to primitive websites at Brewer’s Level.
At Caledon State Park, the paddle-in campground is a part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake Nationwide Historic Path on the Potomac River, and presents a calming escape. Returning to the New River Path State Park, Double Shoals Campground is residence to 2 primitive websites close to the City of Fries, and are first come, first served. As a part of New River Canoe Path, the park additionally has two different primitive campgrounds.
You should definitely monitor your paddle excursions via Wandering Waters Paddle Quest. With 31 out of 42 State Parks taking part, it’s straightforward to win commemorative gadgets equivalent to stickers, patches, and luggage!
