Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later as an adviser, author and orator, his past would influence his philosophies as the most influential ........more >

The park, located on the Virginia/Kentucky border, is one of only two Interstate Parks in the nation. The park encompasses 4,500 acres of greenwood lands and mountain scenery, including the Grand Canyon of the South. History The name Breaks is derived from the break in Pine Mountain created by the Russell ........more >

Located on the 4,500 acre, 21-mile long Claytor Lake from which the park was named in the New River Valley of southwestern Virginia, Claytor Lake State Park offers a wide variety of activities for water and land enthusiasts. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, the park features the only full service ........more >

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The park is currently under development, with the Sugar Hill Unit in St. Paul Wise County open for hiking, biking and fishing. The Sugar Hill Unit currently has8miles of hiking trails, a picnic shelter, over 2 miles of river frontage, and significant cultural and historical attributes. The property ........more >

Carved by wind and water, Cumberland Gap forms a major break in the Appalachian Mountain chain. For thousands of years large game animals moved through the Gap in their migratory journeys. Native Americans followed their trail, creating the Warrior's Path. In the late 17th century this route into the ........more >

Fairy Stone State Park is home of the mysterious quotfairy stones.quot It is one of the six original Virginia state parks to open on June 15, 1936. The treasured stone so prevalent in the region, beautiful scenery, rich history and ample recreational opportunities make Fairy Stone one of the favorites ........more >

The park is adjacent to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, a part of Jefferson National Forest. Grayson Highlands State Park was originally named Mount Rogers State Park and was established in 1965. While pets are allowed in the park, they are not allowed inside public facilities including the ........more >

Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its woodlands and lake. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, this park has folklore and history, swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking and the park systems first conference center, Hemlock Haven. Much of the land for ........more >

Our two forests stretch from one end of Virginia to the other, as well as extending into West Virginia, along the ruggedly beautiful Appalachians. Virtually every type of outdoor recreation activity you can imagine is available. Of course hiking, fishing, mountain bicycling and camping lead the way, ........more >

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The NRA consists of three distinct regions WEST END The West End of the Mount Rogers NRA includes the famous Virginia Creeper Trail, outstanding trout fishing in Whitetop Laurel, and picturesque Beartree Lake. The NRAs largest campground, Beartree, is a great family campground and close to all ........more >

The Commonwealth of Virginia acquired the tunnel and 100 surrounding acres in 1967 from the Natural Tunnel Chasm and Caverns Corp. to establish Natural Tunnel State Park. Approximately 750 additional acres were later acquired and the park opened in 1971. Natural Tunnel, called the Eighth Wonder of ........more >

New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride ........more >

Overlooking the New River, Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft ........more >

A National Historic Landmark, the Southwest Virginia Museum is in an 1890s Victorian stone mansion with an original oak interior. The museum's collection includes more than 60,000 pieces and state of the art exhibits telling the story of the exploration and development of Southwest Virginia from the ........more >

Wilderness Road offers picnicking, hiking, and nature and living history programs. Visitors can enjoy the visitor center, home to a theater showing an award-winning docudrama, Wilderness Road, Spirit of a Nation. The center also has a frontier museum and a gift shop with unique regional gifts. The park ........more >