Article Summary: Virginia National Parks
Virginia National Parks! We’ve got thirty incredible national park sites for you to see on your next visit to the Old Dominion.
It’s the home of four of America’s first five presidents and so much more. In this article we’ll cover:
- Virginia’s National Parks
- History of each of the Virginia National Parks
- Things to Do in Virginia’s National Parks
- Locations of Virginia’s National Parks
- Comprehensive Guide of the Virginia National Parks
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
So, What Is A National Park?
We get asked that question a lot because there’s a difference between a “national park” and a “national park site.” To help you understand that difference you might want to check out our article titled: What Is A National Park Really?
If you’re planning a trip to the Old Dominion then one book that I highly recommend is: Historic Virginia: A Tour of More Than 75 of the State’s Top National Landmarks by Laura Macaluso.
We’re going to give you 30 wonderful reasons why you’ll want to make the great state of Virginia your next vacation destination.
Table Of Contents: Virginia National Parks
Virginia National Parks
- Virginia National Parks
- More Virginia National Parks
- More Virginia National Parks
- More Virginia National Parks
- Check Out Our Harpers Ferry Film
- More Virginia National Parks
- More Virginia National Parks
- Still More Virginia National Parks
- Virginia National Parks FAQ
- Why Trust Us About Virginia National Parks?
- Meet The Parks Brothers
- Map Of Virginia National Parks
- We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey
Virginia National Parks
1. Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Need a good stretch of the legs? Among the amazing Virginia National Parks you’ll find included the longest hiking trail in the world.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, also known as the A.T., is a hiking trail that runs for about 2,190 miles through 14 states in the northeastern United States.
It runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing through the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
The trail is primarily used for hiking and is managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and various state agencies. It is also a National Scenic Trail, one of only 11 such trails in the United States.
2. Appomattox Court House
When it comes to American history, the Virginia National Parks offer plenty of it. A case in point is Appomattox Court House.
Appomattox Court House is a historic village in Virginia, best known as the site of the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865. This event marked the end of the American Civil War.
The village of Appomattox Court House was established in the late 18th century and was named for the nearby Appomattox River. The village served as the county seat for Appomattox County and was home to a courthouse, jail, and several other government buildings.
During the Civil War, Appomattox Court House was occupied by Confederate forces and was the site of several minor engagements. In the spring of 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia were in retreat after a series of defeats by the Union Army.
On April 8, 1865, Lee’s army was surrounded by Union forces near Appomattox Court House.
Grant & Lee Met At The McLean House
The following day, April 9, Lee and Grant met in the parlor of the home of Wilmer McLean, a local resident, and negotiated the terms of the Confederate surrender. The terms of the surrender were relatively lenient and allowed Confederate soldiers to keep their horses and mules and to return home without fear of prosecution. This surrender effectively ended the Civil War.
After the war, Appomattox Court House became a popular destination for veterans and other visitors. In 1892, the village was designated as a national historic landmark, and in 1954, it was established as the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
The park is operated by the National Park Service and includes the reconstructed McLean House, where the surrender took place, as well as several other historic buildings, monuments, and exhibits.
CHECK OUT: 10 BEST Civil War Sites In America
3. Arlington House – The Robert E. Lee Memorial
Among the Virginia National Parks is one which commemorates the leader of the most successful of the Southern armies.
Robert E. Lee was a military officer and Confederate general during the American Civil War. He was born in 1807 in Virginia and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1829. He served in the United States Army for 32 years, primarily in engineering roles, and was considered one of the most capable officers of his generation.
In 1861, with the outbreak of the Civil War, Lee resigned his commission in the U.S. Army and joined the Confederate States Army. He was appointed as the commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, which was responsible for defending the Confederate capital of Richmond.
Lee quickly established himself as a brilliant commander and led the Confederate army to several significant victories, including the Battle of Fredericksburg and Battle of Chancellorsville.
Despite His Military Success, Lee Was Eventually Defeated
Despite his military successes, Lee and his army were eventually defeated by the superior resources and manpower of the Union Army.
In April 1865, with the Confederate capital of Richmond under threat of capture, Lee and his army were surrounded by Union forces near Appomattox Court House. On April 9, 1865, Lee surrendered his army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War.
After the war, Lee was widely respected for his military skill and leadership, and he became a prominent figure in the post-war reconciliation between the North and the South.
He served as the president of Washington College, which is now Washington and Lee University, in Lexington, Virginia.
Lee died on October 12, 1870. He continues to be celebrated by many Southerners as a symbol of the “Lost Cause of the Confederacy” and a heroic figure who fought for states rights and regional autonomy.
The Story Of Arlington House
Visitors to the Robert E. Lee Memorial (Arlington House) will learn the story of one of America’s most historic homes. In 1778, John Parke Custis, the son of Martha Washington and her first husband Daniel Parke Custis, purchased 1,100 acres of land in northern Virginia, on rolling hills overlooking Washington, D.C.
In 1802, their son George Washington Parke Custis (the first president’s step-grandson) inherited the property, brought the first enslaved people to Arlington House.
While George Washington specified in his will that the people he enslaved would be freed after Martha Washington’s death, he did not have the authority to emancipate those who belonged to the Custis estate.
Today this historic home exists as a place of study and contemplation of the meaning of some of the most difficult aspects of American history. Visitors will learn the story of Lee’s legacy as well as the story of those who were enslaved until the Confederacy was vanquished.
If you want to take a deeper dive into the life and times of this extraordinary man then I recommend R.E. Lee, A Biography (Pulitzer Prize Edition 4 volume set) by Douglas Southall Freeman.
4. Assateague Island National Seashore
Virginia National Parks offer more than just history. If you’re looking for wonderful recreational opportunities then you will not be disappointed. Assateague Island National Seashore is a case in point.
There are so many wonderful things for you to do at Assateague Island National Seashore. As a first-time visitor, you should stop at the visitor center to see exhibits and obtain information about the many recreational activities and natural features in the seashore.
Things to do At Assateague Island National Seashore
A list of the outdoor activities include:
- Biking: Cyclists may travel to Assateague over a bicycle-pedestrian bridge and follow a paved bike path along Bayberry Drive through 4 miles of island habitat.
- Camping: Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15. There are five campsites to choose from including one which accommodates horses.
- Crabbing: Be sure to bring a hand line or string with a weight and/or a crabpot or trap bait (chicken necks, bait fish), net with long handle, ruler to measure the crabs and a cooler with lid and ice.
- Hiking: Trails include Life of the Dunes, Life of the Forest and Life of the Marsh complete with trail guides.
- Horseback Riding: The national seashore does not offer horses for rent or horseback riding tours. Day use horseback riding is permitted in Maryland from October 9 through May 14. Riding is permitted on the beach only, east (ocean side) of the black and white posts.
- Fishing: Surf fishing has been a popular recreational activity on Assateague Island for generations. A license is required.
- Swimming: NPS Lifeguards supervise designated beach areas in Maryland and Virginia sections of Assateague. (Source: NPS)
5. Blue Ridge Parkway
Believe it or not among the many fabulous Virginia National Parks is the single most visited unit in the U.S. National Parks System. I’m referring to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
While you can drive through it in only 10-12 hours, if you want to see and do all of the wonderful things available along the way then be prepared to set aside five to seven days.
The parkway spans 469 miles. There are more than 450 mileposts along the way. So, what is one to do? I’m someone who likes to do a “reconnaissance mission” before I go out into the field. This means that I like to gather as much ‘intel’ as I can. And that means a short history lesson.
A History of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway began September 11, 1935. It was part of the massive public works programs of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal which was the original program to build back better. Construction on the parkway was not completed until 1987.
Now, how’s that for a short history!
If you’re looking for a longer one then I recommend: Super-Scenic Motorway: A Blue Ridge Parkway History by Anne Mitchell Wisnant.
More Virginia National Parks
6. Booker T. Washington National Monument
As I mentioned earlier, the Virginia National Parks celebrate the history of the United States and that includes more than just the American Civil War.
Booker T. Washington was an African American educator, author, and leader of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was the dominant figure in the African American community in the United States from 1890 to 1915.
He founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama, and was a major advocate for African American education and economic advancement.
Washington believed that African Americans should focus on economic and industrial progress, rather than political rights, and that such progress would ultimately lead to greater social equality. His ideas were controversial at the time, but had a significant impact on the development of African American communities in the United States.
If you’re interested in learning more then I highly recommend: UP FROM SLAVERY (Annotated): AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY by Booker T. Washington – an American Slave, his Life from slavery to freedom, Slavery in the South and the American Abolishment of Slavery by Booker T. Washington.
CHECK OUT: 20 BEST Black History Sites In America For You To Visit
Things To Do
While you’re there, I recommend the following activities:
- The Plantation Trail: It’s a ¼ mile loop through the historic area. It passes by reconstructions of the nineteenth century farm buildings similar to those that stood on the Burroughs Plantation when Booker T. Washington lived here as a boy.
- Farm Area: Explore the farm area where sheep, pigs, horses and chickens provide the atmosphere for this recreated 1850’s tobacco farm.
- Garden Area: There you will learn about the gardening techniques used by owners and slaves on the farm. The garden is an example of a typical subsistence garden of piedmont Virginia of the 1850s.
7. Cape Henry Memorial
There are Virginia National Parks which celebrate the history that happened before America became a nation. A case in point is the Cape Henry Memorial.
The Cape Henry Memorial commemorates the first landfall at Cape Henry, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, of colonists bound for the Jamestown settlement. After landing on April 26, 1607, they explored the area, named the cape, and set up a cross before proceeding up the James River.
Visitors to this historic site can see the statue of Admiral Comte DeGrasse. On September 5, 1781, the Battle of the Capes took place just off these sand dunes. Local residents might have lined these shores to watch as French and English naval forces engaged in an epic sea battle.
It is because of Admiral deGrasse, commander of the French fleet sent to support the American cause, that the British were unable to relieve Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. This sea battle was critical in securing America’s independence from England by assuring Cornwallis was trapped at Yorktown.
Visitors can also see the Granite Cross erected in 1935 by the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists, in memory of the original wooden cross.
I also recommend checking out the Cape Henry Lighthouse. It has long served to protect and guide vessels entering and leaving the Chesapeake Bay.
8. Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
Captain John Smith was an English explorer who played an pivotal role in America’s founding. Smith served on the governing council of Jamestown, Virginia He led two voyages on the Chesapeake Bay.
Smith’s contact with native tribes and his Chesapeake Bay voyages, documented in maps and journals, helped early English colonists learn about the region that became their new home.
Things To Do On The John Smith Chesapeake National Historical Trail
The trail commemorates Captain Smith’s exploration of the Bay in 1607 through 1609, and is the nation’s first all-water national historic trail. It stretches over 3,000 miles and traverses most of the Chesapeake’s great rivers.
The trail is administered by the National Park Service. It connects with 16 National Wildlife Refuges, 12 National-Parks, and three other National Trails.
9. Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
When it comes to historical parks, one of the lesser known yet fascinating Virginia National Parks is Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park.
At Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park visitors can learn about the Civil War first hand by touring the Cedar Creek Battlefield.
It’s a self-guided driving tour, from where the Confederate soldiers surprised the sleeping Federal camps in the foggy dawn of October 19, 1864 to the final counterattack late that afternoon. This 17.5-mile tour has 9 stops.
While you’re there you can put boots on the ground, so to speak, by walking the three park trails that are 1.7 miles long combined. These trails will take you through Civil War earthworks to show the historical and natural environment of the battlefield.
CHECK OUT: 10 BEST Civil War Sites In America
10. Chesapeake Bay Watershed
The Chesapeake Bay Watershed spans more than 64,000 square miles, encompassing parts of six states—Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia—and the entire District of Columbia. More than 18 million people live in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The Chesapeake Bay is home to numerous fauna that either migrate to the Bay at some point during the year or live there year-round. There are over 300 species of fish and numerous shellfish and crab species. It’s a great place to explore.
Beaches along the tidal rivers and the Chesapeake Bay are often safe for swimming, fishing and boating.
More Virginia National Parks
11. Civil War Defenses Of Washington
During the American Civil War, Washington D.C. was protected by a series of forts and fortifications that were built to defend the city from Confederate attacks.
The most important of these defenses was the “Ring of Fortifications” which surrounded the city.
This ring was made up of 68 forts, 93 batteries, and 30 miles of trenches, and was designed to protect the city from Confederate artillery fire.
Fort Stevens
The most important of these forts was Fort Stevens, which was located on the northern edge of the city, and was the site of the only major battle to take place within the city limits during the war. Other key forts in the ring of defenses included Fort DeRussy, Fort Slocum, and Fort Totten.
In addition to these fortifications, the city was also protected by a network of entrenchments, or trenches, that were built around the city to slow down any Confederate advance. These entrenchments were manned by Union soldiers and were reinforced with sandbags and other materials to provide additional protection.
Overall, these defenses were successful in protecting the city from Confederate attack during the Civil War, and played a crucial role in ensuring that the Union government was able to remain in operation throughout the conflict.
Nineteen of these original sites are now managed by the National Park Service. Among these are included:
- 122nd New York Infantry at Battleground National Cemetery
- 150th Ohio National Guard Infantry Monument
- 98th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Monument
- Battery (Fort) Ricketts which was constructed as part of the Eastern Branch Line Defenses (Anacostia River).
- Battery Kemble which held two 100-pounder Parrott rifles, placed in such a way as to sweep Chain Bridge along the Potomac River and the Virginia shoreline.
- Battleground National Cemetery established shortly after the Battle of Fort Stevens, in the summer of 1864. This battle marked the defeat of General Jubal A. Early’s Confederate campaign to launch an offensive action against the nation’s capital.
CHECK OUT: 10 BEST Civil War Sites In America
12. Colonial National Historical Park
Speaking of Virginia National Parks which enable you to see more than one fascinating historical site, one of my favorites is Colonial National Historical Park.
Colonial National Historical Park commemorates the history of the first permanent English settlement in America, established in 1607 at Jamestown.
The park includes the historic sites of Jamestown, Yorktown, and the Colonial Parkway, as well as the Cape Henry Memorial, which marks the site of the first landing of the English colonists in 1607.
Visitors can explore living history reenactments, museums, and archaeological sites, as well as hike and bike on the many trails within the park.
13. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park lies along the borders of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Pinnacle Overlook has views of Cumberland Gap, a pass in the Cumberland Mountains once used by pioneers headed west.
From May through October, visitors can tour the historic Hensley Settlement which includes numerous historic buildings and structures.
The settlement is an Appalachian living history museum on Brush Mountain, Bell County, Kentucky in the United States. It’s part of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and is located approximately 10 miles north of the park visitor center on Ridge Trail.
If you prefer the indoors to the outdoors then you can explore a hidden world found underground. In Gap Cave are stalagmites and bats. Park trails include the Ridge Trail, running the park’s full length. The restored structures of the early 20th-century Hensley Settlement perch on Brush Mountain.
There are also spectacular overlooks, cascading waterfalls and an extensive system of trails which you will find to be simply breathtaking.
14. Fort Monroe National Monument
Virginia National Parks include no shortage of famous forts. Fort Monroe National Monument is a case in point.
The fort was built in the early 1800s and served as a strategic coastal defense during the Civil War. It was also the site of the first Confederate prisoner of war camp and the location where the first enslaved Africans were brought to the British colonies in 1619.
During the Civil War, Fort Monroe was used as a Union stronghold and a base for Union General Benjamin Butler. He declared the enslaved people who fled to Union lines as “contraband of war” and refused to return them to their Confederate owners, helping to set a precedent for the eventual abolition of slavery.
After the war, Fort Monroe continued to be an active military installation, serving as a training center and headquarters for various branches of the military.
It was officially decommissioned in 2011 and designated a National Monument in 2011 by President Barack Obama, preserving it as a national historical site.
Visitors to Fort Monroe can tour the fort’s historic buildings and learn about its role in American history through exhibits, guided tours, and living history programs.
Things To See & Do At Fort Monroe
It’s a beautiful 565-acre national monument which offers biking, boating, swimming and walking. Of course, it also offers history too. Inside the fort visitors will find the Casemate Museum.
This amazing museum tells the story of Fort Monroe from the construction of Fort Algernourne, the first defensive fortification at the site in 1609, through the last major command to be headquartered at Fort Monroe, the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command.
The museum features the room where Jefferson Davis was held briefly as prisoner following the American Civil War, highlights the 1861 “Contraband of War” decision that granted three enslaved men, and thousands who followed, sanctuary at Fort Monroe, earning it the nickname “Freedom’s Fortress.”
More Virginia National Parks
15. Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Among the Virginia National Parks there’s one site which offers its visitors the opportunity to explore more memorable Civil War battles than any other. It’s Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park.
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park commemorates four major battles of the American Civil War: the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Chancellorsville, the Battle of the Wilderness, and the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse.
The park encompasses the sites of these four major battles, all of which took place between 1862 and 1864, and were fought between the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army of the Potomac.
Confederate Victories
When it comes to Civil War battles, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville would prove to be Confederate victories.
Fredericksburg was fought in December 1862 and resulted in a Confederate victory as did Chancellorsville which was fought in May 1863 and resulted in another Confederate victory.
The Battle of the Wilderness was fought in May 1864 and was a draw, and finally the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse was fought in May 1864 and resulted in a Confederate victory. Now three out of four is not bad, but it would not prove to be enough for the South.
Explore The Battlefields & Learn About The History There
The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the battlefields and learn about the history of these important Civil War battles through guided tours, ranger-led programs, and self-guided tours. Visitors can also see the preserved remains of earthworks, trenches, and other fortifications, as well as several monuments and historical markers.
Additionally, the park also includes the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, which is the final resting place for thousands of Union soldiers who died during these battles.
RELATED: 10 BEST Civil War Sites In America
Particular Points Of Interest
The park combines natural beauty with historical significance. At each of the aforementioned battlefields, there are excellent hiking trails.
There’s also an audio tour which is available through the National Park Service app. It features historical points of interest including:
- The Sunken Road: This is where wave after wave of Union soldiers marched towards the Confederate lines, but none made it closer than 50 yards. Confederate troops behind the stone wall and atop Marye’s Heights held the high ground with their well-defended line thereby inflicting high casualties on the attacking force.
- Chatham Manor: Originally established as a slave plantation, Chatham embodies the main cause of the Civil War: the desire of white Southerners to maintain and protect the institution of slavery and the resulting material wealth that slavery produced for them.
- Lee’s Hill: Also known as Telegraph Hill, this is where Confederate General Robert E. Lee made his headquarters in anticipation of battle.
- Howison Hill: It was named for the Howison family that lived nearby. It was an artillery position during the battle of Fredericksburg.
- Union Breakthrough: This is where Union General George Gordon Meade’s 4,500-man division broke through the Confederate line they surprised unprepared South Carolinians. Soon the Confederates rallied, and without reinforcements nearby, Meade’s men could not hold their position against Confederate General Stonewall Jackson’s 38,000-man corps.
16. George Washington Memorial Parkway
Among the Virginia National Parks is a scenic parkway which has been dedicated to America’s first president.
The George Washington Memorial Parkway, also known as the GW Parkway, is a scenic parkway that runs along the Potomac River in Virginia and Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. It starts at Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington, and continues north to the United States Capital.
It was authorized by Congress in 1930 with the purpose of creating a scenic road to connect the nation’s capital with Mount Vernon. The parkway was built in the late 1930s and was officially opened to the public in 1940.
The parkway is known for its scenic views of the Potomac River, as well as its proximity to a number of historic sites and monuments, including the Arlington National Cemetery, the Theodore Roosevelt Island, and the Great Falls of the Potomac River. It also provides access to several other National Park Service sites including the Clara Barton National Historic Site and the Jones Point Lighthouse.
The parkway also has recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and fishing. The GW Parkway is maintained by the National Park Service and is open year-round.
17. George Washington Birthplace National Monument
As the Old Dominion is the home state of America’s first president, Virginia National Parks offer more than just one national park unit dedicated to the man who defeated the British Empire in the American Revolution.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument commemorates the birthplace of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The monument is located on the site of the original Washington family farm, where George Washington was born in 1732.
The monument features a restored colonial farmhouse, which is a replica of the house where George Washington was born, as well as a visitor center, where visitors can learn about the life and legacy of George Washington. The site also includes the remains of the original tobacco plantation, as well as a Memorial House which built by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1931 to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth.
The site offers guided tours of the farmhouse and its grounds, as well as ranger-led programs and walking trails. Visitors can also see the Memorial House with its exhibits and artifacts related to George Washington and colonial life.
Additionally, the park offers recreational activities such as picnicking, fishing, and hiking trails through the surrounding forests, and the park is open year-round.
CHECK OUT: 10 BEST Revolutionary War Sites In America
Outdoor Activities
Visitors can enjoy a hike along the Nature Trail or the Dancing Marsh Loop Trail at George Washington Birthplace National Monument. You will see different habitats that are home to a variety of plants and animals.
If you prefer biking to hiking then you’re in luck. Visitors can bicycle through George Washington Birthplace National Monument and enjoy nature’s tranquility in a historic setting while they’re doing it.
There’s even fishing too. The park allows fishing as a means of providing for public enjoyment and regulates it to ensure that it is managed in a manner that avoids unacceptable impacts to park resources.
18. Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation’s Capital. What you ought to know is that the river drops 76 feet in less than a mile.
At the same time, the banks narrow from 1000 feet wide to only 60 to 100 feet as the river passes through Mather Gorge. The combination of dropping and narrowing as the river passes over jagged rocks creates a dramatic series of waterfalls and rapids.
A network of trails provides easy and more challenging hikes. And the park is a wonderful and popular place for family and friends to get together and enjoy nature close to our nation’s capitol.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the three waterfall overlooks on the Virginia side of Great Falls Park.
Or, if you’re looking for a good hike, Great Falls Park hiking trails cover 15 miles of the park on a mix of dirt and rock surfaces. These breathtaking trails navigate the river-side cliffs and historic areas of the park.
19. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Just as the name of Francis Scott Key is inexorably connected to Fort McHenry so is the name of John Brown likewise linked with Harpers Ferry. Among the Virginia National Parks, it’s one of my favorites.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The park is known for its historical significance and its natural beauty, including the Appalachian Trail which runs through the park.
Harpers Ferry has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it was established as a transportation hub and an important industrial center. In the mid-19th century, the town played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and the American Civil War.
John Brown’s Raid
One of the most notable events in Harpers Ferry’s history was John Brown’s raid in 1859.
Brown, an abolitionist, led a group of 21 men to capture the federal armory and arsenal in Harpers Ferry in an attempt to start a slave rebellion. The raid failed, and Brown and his men were quickly captured. Brown was subsequently tried and hanged for treason, but his raid is considered to be one of the events that helped to escalate the tensions leading up to the Civil War.
The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historic town of Harpers Ferry, including the restored buildings and exhibits, as well as hiking, biking and fishing along the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Visitors can also take guided tours of the town and learn about its history.
Additionally, the park includes the John Brown’s Fort, which is the reconstructed engine house where John Brown and his men held off federal troops during the raid, and the historic Storer College, which was one of the first integrated schools in the United States.
Things To Do At Harpers Ferry
History truly comes to life at Harpers Ferry. There visitors can explore museums and exhibits, hike to overlooks or along Civil War skirmish lines, join a ranger-guided tour or sign-up for a living history workshop.
I recommend beginning your visit at the visitors center where you can pick up helpful information. Rangers are available to answer your questions.
Before heading out to explore the town and its surrounding natural beauty, as a history buff I recommend a stop at the Harpers Ferry Park Association’s Bookshop. It has a wonderful collection of books on the Civil War.
If you’re looking to combine history and nature then check out the 22 miles of hiking trails at Harpers Ferry. It happens to be the mid-point of the 2,178-mile Appalachian Trail.
Picnicking is also available at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park at a designated picnic area adjacent to the Visitor Center parking lot. Picnic tables are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Check Out Our Harpers Ferry Film
Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a must visit destination for anyone looking to explore America’s past in a picturesque natural setting.
From hiking the Appalachian Trail to exploring the historic town, Harpers Ferry offers an array of exciting opportunities for adventure seekers and history buffs alike.
Journey with More Than Just Parks as we explore an area rich with history, natural beauty, and opportunities to explore. This is Harpers Ferry. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
More Virginia National Parks
20. Historic Jamestown
Jamestown is an important historical site located in the state of Virginia, and it was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.
The colony was established by the Virginia Company of London in 1607, led by Captain John Smith, and it was named after King James I of England.
The settlers arrived at the island on May 14, 1607, and they built a fort, which they named James Fort, and began to establish a settlement. However, the colony faced many challenges from the start, including conflicts with the local Powhatan Indian tribes, as well as food shortages and disease.
Despite these challenges, the colony managed to survive and it grew slowly over the following years.
1619 – The Beginning Of Slavery In America
One of the most significant events in the history of Jamestown was the arrival of enslaved Africans in 1619.
They were brought to the colony as indentured servants, but this marked the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade in the English colonies.
Throughout the 17th century, Jamestown was an important center of trade, with the colony exporting tobacco, the main crop grown in the area. However, by the early 18th century, the colony had declined, and the capital of the Virginia colony was moved to Williamsburg.
Today, Jamestown is a historic site managed by the National Park Service, which offers visitors the opportunity to explore the remains of the original fort and the reconstructed buildings, as well as exhibits and interpretive programs to learn about the history of the colony.
Things To Do At Historic Jamestown
At Historic Jamestown, site of the original 1607 settlement, visitors can explore the Glasshouse to learn about America’s earliest industries, see ongoing archaeological discoveries of the fort and view thousands of artifacts unearthed on display in the Nathalie P. and Alan M. Voorhees Archaearium.
Then at the Jamestown Settlement, you can explore a world-class living history museum that re-creates life in the Jamestown colony.
Tour artifact-filled gallery exhibits, discover the Powhatan Indian way of life in a re-created village, try on English armor in a re-created fort and climb aboard replicas of the three ships that brought the colonists to Virginia in 1607.
21. Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
The pages of history are filled with the names of people who made a difference whom most of us have never heard of which is one of the reasons why is so much fun to go forth and explore. Virginia National Parks has multiple sites dedicated to such important people. One of them is Maggie L. Walker.
Maggie Lena Walker (July 15, 1864 – December 15, 1934) was an African American teacher, businesswoman, and civil rights leader. She was the first female bank president to charter a bank in the United States.
Born to a former enslaved mother in Richmond, Virginia, Walker was a leader in the African American community and a prominent figure in the movement for civil rights and economic empowerment. She was a founding member of the Independent Order of St. Luke, a fraternal organization that provided mutual aid and support to African Americans.
She Founded One Of The Most Successful African-American Banks
In 1903, Walker founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, which became one of the most successful African American-owned banks in the United States. The bank provided loans and financial services to African Americans, many of whom were excluded from banking and other financial services due to discrimination.
In addition to her work with the bank, Walker was an advocate for education and women’s rights. She was the first female member of the Richmond School Board and helped to establish the Richmond Council of Colored Women.
Walker’s legacy continues to be celebrated today for her pioneering work in the field of African American entrepreneurship and her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. In 1978, her home was designated as a National Historic Landmark, and in 1979, a Virginia Historical Marker was erected in her honor.
Visit The Maggie L. Walker Historic Site
You can take a tour of the Maggie L. Walker Historic Site which consists of her home. There visitors will encounter fascinating exhibits explaining her life and legacy.
From 1905 until her death in 1934, Walker’s home in Richmond, Virginia served as a social hub and family sanctuary to four generations.
You will learn about Mrs. Walker’s personal and professional life, her home, belongings, and writings, as well as her formidable energy and devotion to family and the economic empowerment of African Americans.
If you’re looking to learn more about this remarkable woman then check out: Right Worthy Grand Mission: Maggie Lena Walker and the Quest for Black Economic Empowerment by Gertrude Woodruff Marlowe.
22. Manassas National Battlefield
During the American Civil War, the majority of the fighting took place in the states of Virginia and Tennessee. I did some research on this topic and you may interested to know that 384 principal battles occurred in 26 U.S. states with Virginia (123), Tennessee (38), Missouri (29), and Georgia (28) leading the way.
This is why the Virginia National Parks have so many sites dedicated to the bloodiest conflict in American history including the first major battle of the American Civil War – The Battle of Manassas.
Manassas National Battlefield preserves the site of two major American Civil War battles: the First Battle of Bull Run (also known as the First Battle of Manassas) and the Second Battle of Bull Run (also known as the Second Battle of Manassas).
The First & Second Battle Of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run took place on July 21, 1861, and it was the first major battle of the Civil War.
The Union army, led by General Irvin McDowell, launched an attack on the Confederate army, led by General P.G.T. Beauregard, near the city of Manassas. The Union army was defeated, and the battle was a significant victory for the Confederacy.
The Second Battle of Bull Run took place on August 28-30, 1862. This time, the Union army, led by General John Pope, launched an attack on the Confederate army, led by General Robert E. Lee.
The battle ended in a Confederate victory, and it helped to solidify Lee’s reputation as a brilliant military commander.
An Opportunity To Explore The Battlefields
The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the battlefields, including the stone house that served as a hospital during the battle, and learn about the history of the battles through exhibits, guided tours, and living history programs.
Visitors can also hike and bike on the park’s many trails and see the monuments, markers and cannons that are scattered throughout the park.
The park is also an important wildlife sanctuary and visitors can spot a variety of animals and birds.
23. Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
Just as the American Civil War is well represented among the many Virginia National Parks so is the American Revolutionary War. The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is a case in point.
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail traces the route that was used by the Patriots during the Kings Mountain Battle of 1780. The route is 330 miles and it goes through four states (Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina).
You can explore this route by following a Commemorative Motor Route which uses existing state highways. It is marked with a distinctive trail logo and includes 87 miles of walkable pathways.
The Battle Of Kings Mountain
It was a battle which pitted Patriots against Tories. No British soldiers participated as this was a fight strictly between those who wanted to break free of British rule versus those who didn’t.
A force of 1,800 backcountry or “Overmountain” men defeated a force of 1,000 Tories at King’s Mountain on October 7, 1780.
According to British commander Henry Clinton, the American victory “proved the first Link of a Chain of Evils that followed each other in regular succession until they at last ended in the total loss of America.”
CHECK OUT: 10 BEST Revolutionary War Sites In America
24. Petersburg National Battlefield
Petersburg National Battlefield preserves the site of the Siege of Petersburg, a prolonged and bloody battle that took place during the American Civil War. The siege began on June 9, 1864, and lasted for nearly 10 months, until April 2, 1865.
The Union army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, launched an attack on the Confederate army, led by General Robert E. Lee, in an attempt to capture the city of Petersburg, which was a vital transportation and supply center for the Confederate army.
The siege resulted in a series of fierce battles, including the Battle of the Crater, which was a failed Union attempt to blow a hole in the Confederate defenses using explosives.
The siege finally ended on April 2, 1865, when the Confederate army was forced to evacuate the city, and the Union army captured Petersburg. This was a major turning point in the war, as it led to the eventual surrender of the Confederate army at Appomattox Courthouse a few days later.
Today, the park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the battlefields and see the earthworks and fortifications that remain from the siege, as well as a variety of historical buildings, including the 18th-century Blandford Church and the restored home of Confederate General Robert E. Rodes. Visitors can also take guided tours and attend ranger-led programs to learn more about the history of the siege.
25. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Imagine a trail that has something for everyone. History, nature, recreation, wildlife, biking, hiking, paddling or just enjoying a quiet getaway for the hustle and bustle of an urban world.
Just one more reason why you need to experience the Virginia National Parks.
On the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail you can find your own special outdoor adventure.
More Virginia National Parks
26. Prince William Forest Park
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some exciting outdoor activities then Prince William Forest Park is for you. This beautiful nature spot combines the peaceful solitude of the backcountry with 37 miles of trails.
Outdoor activities at Prince William include:
- Biking: Prince William has over 12 miles of paved roads and 9 miles of gravel roads.
- Camping: You can rent a historic cabin. The five historic cabin camps at Prince William Forest Park offer a variety of options. These rustic camps contain sleeping cabins, mess halls with complete kitchens, craft lodges, council rings, and recreational lakes.
- Hiking: It’s the most extensive hiking network in Virginia with 37 miles of hiking trails.
- Fishing: There’s 18 miles of streams and man-made lakes available to fish in.
- Orienteering: The park offers a 60 point orienteering course.
- Wildlife Watching: At Prince William, you will find (if you’re lucky) 38 species of mammals, 27 species of reptiles, 24 species of amphibians, 23 species of fish and over 100 species of birds.
Check Out Our Film Which Features Prince William National Park
27. Richmond National Battlefield Park
So many Virginia National Parks, so little time! But if you’re a Civil War enthusiast than Richmond National Battlefield Park is another national park site where you’ll be glad you decided to stop.
Three visitor centers offer a wide variety of exhibits and helpful information on how to maximize your experience at the Richmond National Battlefield Park. These include:
- Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center: There are exhibits and artifacts on display. Electric map programs describe the 1862 Battle of Gaines’ Mill and the 1864 Battle of Cold Harbor. There’s also an excellent bookstore and Ranger programs offered daily during the summer season.
- Fort Harrison Visitor Center: Self-guided historical walking trail begins at the visitor center. Allow 20 minutes to complete the trail. The visitor center contains exhibits, a relief map of the fort, and a short film about the battle.
- Visitor Contact Station at Tredegar Iron Works: Check out the American Civil War Museum at the Iron Works. It’s well worth you time as even Civil War History buffs find out new things they didn’t know about America’s bloodiest conflict.
Other Things To Do At Richmond
The park has several trails spread out among its 13 units that are ideal for hiking, running or walking your dog. These trails combine enjoyment of nature with sites of Civil War history.
Biking is permitted ONLY on the Totoptomoy Creek trail (as well as most park roads).
There are some excellent hiking trails at:
- Gaines Mill: The Gaines’ Mill battlefield has two connected loop trails where visitors can hike through historic hardwood forest overlooking Boatswain creek.
- Totopotomoy Creek: The Totopotomoy Creek battlefield has a 0.56 mile long loop trail that tours the fields and gardens around the Shelton House. Highlights include two pieces of Union-built entrenchments that survive along this trail and the family cemetery just in front of the entrenchments.
- Cold Harbor: The trails at Cold Harbor consist of three connected loops where visitors can wander through native forest, listening to the trickle of Bloody Run creek, and learn about the site’s Civil War history.
- Malvern Hill: The Malvern Hill Battlefield has two connected loop trails that are each 1.5 miles long. (Source: NPS)
28. Shenandoah National Park
With so much history to be found among the Virginia National Parks, we haven’t forgotten about folks who are looking for a congressional designated National Park unit. The bad news is that there are only 63 of those thus far. The good news is that you’ll find one in Virginia at Shenandoah National Park.
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., you will find Shenandoah National Park. It’s a breathtaking place with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows.
The park features over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there’s so much to explore.
If you’re feeling lazy then a great way to see the park is along Skyline Drive. The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the park.
It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day. Or you could take a mountain bike or a road bike along Skyline Drive and on all paved areas in Shenandoah National Park.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge Shenandoah National Park has 196,000+ acres of backcountry and wilderness and over 500 miles of trails to explore. For a rugged adventure there’s backcountry camping.
By its very nature it’s a primitive experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of this natural wonderland.
Don’t Forget Your Fishing Pole And Your Camera
There’s also 500 of hiking trails to choose from. Or you might want to bring a fishing pole along as the park contains over 90 mountain streams and their minor tributaries. Over 70 of those streams contain fish, and most of those 70 contain native brook trout.
And don’t forget to bring your camera as you’ll want to photograph the incredible wildlife you’ll see during the day and the brilliant night sky you’ll experience after the sun goes down.
CHECK OUT: 12 SURPRISING Facts About Shenandoah National Park
29. Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
The 560-mile Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail takes you to battlefields and landmarks of the War of 1812. Points of particular interest include:
- Flag Raising at Fort McHenry
- Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and Museum
- Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
- Fort Washington
- Concord Point Lighthouse
- North Point Beachhead War of 1812 Historic Sign
Still More Virginia National Parks
30. Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail
George Washington’s ultimate success against the British was made possible through an alliance with France.
On July 11, 1780, 55-year-old General Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau arrived with an army of 450 officers and 5,300 men in Narragansett Bay off Newport, Rhode Island.
This marked the beginning of a most successful military cooperation that culminated 15 months later in the victory at Yorktown and the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his troops.
From New Hampshire to Virginia, the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail connects major metropolitan areas, state and national parks, historic and scenic trails, and countless other historic sites.
The rout is a 680-mile series of roads used in 1781 by the Continental Army under the command of George Washington and the forces under the command of Admiral Rochambeau during their 14-week march from Newport, Rhode Island, to Yorktown, Virginia.
Virginia National Parks FAQ
Shenandoah National Park. The eastern portion of the state is home to the Shenandoah National Park, an expansive and beautiful destination that is also one of the most-visited parks on the East Coast.
The park is best known for Skyline Drive, a 105-mile (169 km) road that runs the length of the park along the ridge of the mountains.
The following is a list of must-see historic sites in Virginia:
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Historic Jamestown
Manassas National Battlefield
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Petersburg National Battlefield
Appomattox Court House
Fort Monroe National Monument
Richmond National Battlefield Park
Mount Vernon
Arlington National Cemetery
Monticello
Edgar Allen Poe Museum
Jamestown Settlement
Why Trust Us About Virginia National Parks?
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
Map Of Virginia National Parks
List Of Virginia National Parks
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
- Appomattox Court House
- Arlington House
- Assateague Island National Seashore
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Booker T. Washington National Monument
- Cape Henry Memorial
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
- Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay Watershed
- Civil War Defenses Of Washington
- Colonial National Historical Park
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
- Fort Monroe National Monument
- Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
- George Washington Memorial Parkway
- George Washington Birthplace National Monument
- Great Falls Park
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
- Historic Jamestown
- Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
- Manassas National Battlefield
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
- Petersburg National Battlefield
- Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
- Prince William Forest Park
- Richmond National Battlefield Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
- Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail
We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
Tips for Visiting a Virginia National Park Responsibly
Permit Systems and Reservations
Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.
Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.
Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!
Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.
For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.
Practice Safety, Seriously
National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:
- Sticking to trails
- Checking the weather before going out on a hike
- Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
- Avoid ledges with steep drop offs
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