Top 10 National Parks in Virginia, United States

September 28, 2021 Dorsey Hagwood

Virginia can make American history come alive. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, tour Civil War battlefields, explore the living history museum at Williamsburg… the possibilities are endless (if the kids object, break up the historical sightseeing with a visit to Busch Gardens). Arlington, site of Arlington National Cemetery, is just across the Potomac River from all the major sites in D.C. In addition to beaches and historical attractions, Virginia has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Active families will love the Blue Ridge Highlands, where hiking, canoeing and tubing are just a few of the activities offered. Couples might enjoy a romantic mountain cabin in Virginia after a day of hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
Restaurants in Virginia

1. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Chincoteague Island, VA 23336 +1 757-336-6122 [email protected] http://www.piping-plover.org/chincoteague-national-wildlife-refuge
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,050 reviews

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Uncrowded wildlife refuge managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Reviewed By LouPerti81662

Rode our bikes through the park enjoy the loop through the wildlife area once the lighthouse got some nice pictures of the lighthouse Road bikes back towards the beach and really enjoyed the cleanliness of the beach area. Highly recommend

2. George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Edinburgh Gap Rd, Millboro, VA 24460 +1 540-265-5100 http://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj/
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 35 reviews

George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Founded in 1917, this forest is the site of many recreational activities, including hiking, biking and fishing.

Reviewed By only1kirk - Salisbury, United States

We came here to go off roading and enjoy nature and we were not dissapointed. We did however have a rough time trying to find the trail head and the pass to be on the trail as we could not find a visitors center. We bought our pass at a gas station nearby and some old timers told us where to go. It was 11 miles of gravel light rocks hills and valleys. Only some spots were technical for a near stock jeep. It was alot of fun and took about 3 hours.

3. Colonial National Historic Park

1368 Colonial Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23081-0001 +1 757-898-2410 http://www.nps.gov/colo
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 251 reviews

Colonial National Historic Park

Reviewed By cfuller603 - Washington DC, United States

The Colonial Parkway is a 23 mile scenic roadway stretching from the York River at Yorktown to the James River at Jamestown, with a turnoff at Colonial Williamsburg. It's a lovely drive with interpretive signs along the way. Best way to do it would be to go from Jamestown to Yorktown, after driving the 3 mile interpretive circuit at Historic Jamestowne. Lovely drive with different scenery between the rivers and through the land where the colonists farmed.

4. Blue Ridge Parkway

301 W Main St Exit at Milepost 0, Waynesboro, VA 22980-4508 +1 540-943-5187 [email protected] https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/members/city-of-waynesboro/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Blue Ridge Parkway

Reviewed By Xeuropn - Virginia Beach, United States

Started at milepost 0 and drove out to MP 30. Was amazed at how the road is maintained. Plenty of pull offs and parking for hiking. Suggest a map or download where the stop offs are. Wasn’t going the whole route, but just the short time we were driving on it, was rewarding.

5. Colonial National Historical Park

1000 Colonial Pkwy, Yorktown, VA 23690 +1 757-898-2410 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/colo/index.htm
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Colonial National Historical Park

An area of southeast Virginia where the following major historical sites/towns are linked by a 23-mile road: Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.

Reviewed By JohnLesko - Manassas, United States

We had a marvelous weekend getaway visiting Williamsburg during this pandemic season. We kept our distance, wore masks, washed our hands often, and walked up and down DOG street while walking out dog.

6. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182-1643 +1 703-255-1900 [email protected] http://www.wolftrap.org/
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 684 reviews

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

The only national park dedicated to the performing arts, with spaces for indoor and outdoor performances.

Reviewed By MaryW71

I’ve attended concerts here for 20 years. It’s always a wonderful setting with top talent. Rent the cushions and pack a picnic for lawn seats!

7. Great Falls Park

9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102-1019 +1 703-757-3101 http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,335 reviews

Great Falls Park

An 800 acre park located just off the Potomac river.

Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States

A visit to this wonderful park is the perfect respite from the cityscapes of Washington D.C. Just a short drive from D.C., this park features many great hiking trails, abundant wildlife, historical sites, and of course the waterfalls. The Potomac River narrows and squeezes through the Mather Gorge to create gorgeous falls. There are entrances on both the Virginia and Maryland sides. The Billy Goat Trail is known to be challenging, but provides fantastic river views. It was closed during my visit due to flooding.

8. Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

5003 Hallett Cir, Cape Charles, VA 23310-1128 +1 757-331-2760 [email protected] http://easternshore.fws.gov/
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 107 reviews

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

Reviewed By HarveyB481

Great exhibits and trails at the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula! If you are in the area for an extended stay there are guided tours of Fishermans Island! There is also a 6 mile bike that connects with the Kiptopeake State Park!

9. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

111 National Park Dr, Appomattox, VA 24522 +1 434-352-8987 http://www.nps.gov/apco/index.htm
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 978 reviews

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Reviewed By Kbecjeans - Salt Lake City, United States

This was a great place to learn about the end of the civil war. We learned about the last campaign, how Lee wanted to head south, but the union armies were able to block his path leading to the surrender. It is an important, pivotal point in US history and you could feel it here. The town was left much like it was in 1865 due to the railroad being built down the hill. Much of the town moved down to be nearer to it, leaving this to feel much like it must have at the time, small, rural and unhindered with more modern features. The film is essential, be sure to watch it. We were also able to hear a living history interpreter (Martha Hix, the innkeeper's daughter) who was excellent, giving us a what was almost like an eye witness glimpse of this important event. The small museum is also good. We didn't wander around the town much other than the Mclean home where the surrender took place. But many of the homes are open and show what it would have been like to live there and then. The park also consists of the last battle that took place prior to the surrender and we drove through stopping at the waysides, reading the informational plaques and taking the short walks. The apple orchard where Lee rested while waiting to hear from Grant about the surrender was long gone, but the mood of that day could still be imagined. Visiting this park in its entirety is highly recommended and could take most of a day. But hitting the highlights at the Mclean house, and the visitors center would still be worthwhile and would only take an hour or so.

10. Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park

7712 Main St, Middletown, VA 22645-9500 +1 540-869-3051 http://www.nps.gov
Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park

Reviewed By J9300DBsuel

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park spans over miles of rolling hills in northwest Virginia. From the contact/visitor center on Main Street, you can ride in the comfort of your vehicle through multiple stops pointing out interesting facts and the impact this region made in history. There are several places where you can pull off and have a picnic, stretch your legs or follow some trails. It is a good place to learn something you didn't know.

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