Away from the Crowds in Virginia

The Bull Run Regional Park features the lovely Bluebell Trail, a one-and-a-half-mile loop. It is best to hike the trail when more than 25 varieties of wildflowers, among them bluebells, are in full bloom.

Burke’s Garden is located near Bluefield and at one time was home to Native American villages until German settlers arrived. The garden is also referred to as “God’s Thumbprint.” The area gets its name from the first European settler, whose potato peels supposedly turned into massive potato plants in the valley. The beautiful fertile farming land is surrounded by mountains.

In Arlington, the Dark Star Park is the creation of artist Nancy Holt. This is a historical monument with large concrete spheres designed to resemble fallen stars. There are towering black poles erected along a winding trail, creating a surreal-looking park.

The Devil’s Bathtub Trail is located in Scott County. The trail is difficult because hikers have to scramble over boulders and walk through water. This is a naturally smooth swimming hole with a small waterfall.

In White Post you can visit Dinosaurland, where you can see dinosaur statues such as Tyrannosaurs and Stegosaurs. The dinosaurs just kept coming, and today the park has more than 50 creatures.

Located in McLean, Virginia, Great Falls Park was named for the waterfall created by the rushing waters of the Potomac River. The area was once a trading post for both Native Americans and European settlers. The park is home to a lot of wildlife.

The Great Stalacpipe Organ is an amazing sight in the Luray Caverns, which are the largest caverns in the eastern US. (pictured above) The organ was built in 1954 and has been played on every tour of the caverns. The Great Stalacpipe Organ is a lithophone specifically made to play in the Luray Caverns. The organ blows through 37 natural stalactites with pitch-perfect acoustics.

The Hollywood Cemetery is a nationally recognized arboretum. The cemetery features some of the best examples of native fauna in the state and was established in 1847 on the banks of the James River. It is lovely with rolling hills and valleys set with historic tombstones and stately trees. The Hollywood Cemetery is the final resting place of two US presidents—President James Monroe and President John Tyler.

In Richmond you’ll find Maymont, a historical estate surrounded by gardens, an arboretum, feed-friendly goats, native wildlife habitats, and a nature center.

The Robins Nature Center charges an entrance fee that helps fund the operation of the mansion, the grounds, and the nature center.

The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is located in southwestern Virginia. It is among the best hikes in this area.

Mount Rogers is the highest peak in Virginia. The 9-mile trail has lots to enjoy, like amazing views of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest surrounding the peak.

You can see feral highland ponies

In western Virginia near the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll find the Natural Bridge State Park. This is one of the youngest state parks in the state. The highlight here is the natural bridge that was carved by nature out of the limestone in a gorge by Cedar Creek.

This beautiful park has forests and meadows, and visitors can go hiking. See the Lace Falls cascading down and

the Mohican Indian Village, a living history museum

You’ll find the Natural Chimneys Park in western Virginia near the Shenandoah National Park. The Shenandoah Valley was once home to an inland sea, and as waters receded, unique rock formations were carved into the landscape. This park consists of seven natural chimneys that stand overlooking the valley.