Virginia

Lake Thompson is a great spot for fishing, walking, or just exploring the area with your dog. I've never had a problem with parking, but you're unlikely to find yourself alone at the lake on a nice weekend day.  Its a 10-acre lake, however, so you shouldn't have a problem carving out a little bit...

Switzer Lake is a great spot outside of Harrisonburg, Virginia for fly fishing during the spring, summer, and fall. The lake is pretty decently sized, so you shouldn't have any problems finding a place along the shores to wade out and cast. Small boats are also allowed on the lake as well. Make s...

This Japanese Garden is very small, but a nice escape from the traditional VA Beach landscape. If you're in the area, it would make a perfect spot for some portrait photos or if you just want a short escape to nature.

Parking along 36th Road in Arlington, VA, head down the path on the Gulf Branch Trail. Walk northeast for roughly a quarter mile, where you will intersect with the Potomac River. Find a spot along the sand, cast out, and watch the catfish bite! Chicken liver seems to work well.  Don't forget to h...

When arriving at the park drive to Parking Lot 4 to park, this will give you the closest access to the trail head. Start heading Southeast along the Molly Mitchell Trail and continue on it until you reach the Shuttle Trail and take a left. You will only remain on this trail for a very short segme...

Great for cyclists, this tour is full of beautiful scenery with rolling hills, redoubts, and history.  A six-stop tour of the Yorktown Battlefield has been designed to take visitors to the most important spots on the battlefield. Signs direct you from one stop to the next. Signs with red arrows a...

Reservoir Park opened in 2024. You can easily hike around the entire Beaverdam Reservoir. There are boat rentals, fishing, bird watching, picnic areas, hiking, biking, and trail running. The 7-mile loop trail is marked with blue blazes. The trail was renovated in 2024 and now has boardwalks and b...

Great hike right in the city of Newport News.  It is a loop trail that is 4.8 miles and has a moderate level of traffic.   Easy, good for all skill levels Pet friendly Water and wooded views with lots of shade throughoutClearly marked trail No bikesParking at Mariners Museum and at Lions Bridge; ...

When you're short on time and you need your daily dose of nature, Indian River Park is a quick little 'getaway'. It is best to park at Rokeby Center.  When you arrive to the park you'd be surprised that this little patch of nature exists in the middle of the town. The trail can be hard to follow ...

Strolling through the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, Virginia, you’ll experience birds, native plants, and local biodiversity. Here you can learn about the birds nesting at the site, plants on location, and our stream restoration project. For special events at the garden, v...