Virginia Vacation Ideas
With more than 48 state parks and natural areas, four National Parks, two national forests and hundreds of convenient campgrounds, Virginia is the ideal destination for campers.
Camp on the waters edge, pitch a tent in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or get back to nature in the Shenandoah Valley.
Virginia campgrounds are always nearby, truly a four-season destination with the geography and climate to match every outdoor activity, adventure and sport, whether it's of the high-adrenaline or laid-back variety.
You will find camping sites and offerings of attractions right from your doorstep. Virginia is quickly becoming a camping hot spot.
The state's eight distinctive regions offer every kind of camping accommodation. Campers come to Virginia to experience anything from golfing, skiing, hiking, swimming, fishing to wine tasting.
Camping in Virginia can range from back-to-basics tent sites to RV sites with resort-quality amenities.
Fall asleep beneath the stars, enjoy the fresh air, crackling campfires, and fun things to do. Take advantage of Virginia's great opportunity's to see the stars and teach yourself and the children about the planets and the night sky.
One of my favorite things to do is look for constellations and for just a few dollars you can pick up a star finder. It's not hard to do and it is a lifetime of knowledge and fun for everyone.
Beautiful Virginia has the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountain ranges to the west, the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay to the east, and the green rolling hills of the Piedmont in between.
Wherever you go, be sure to bring your camera for some of the most spectacular seasonal backdrops in your vacation photos.
Virginia not only has 35 State Parks that were voted "America's Best" but it is also home to the ever popular Shenandoah National Park. Virginia's State parks range from mountainous, lush green trails to sandy, palm covered walks.
Kayaking
Virginia's many rivers and estuaries and its shoreline are great places to take your kayak and hit the water. This beautiful state is full of wildlife perserves, marhses and many other scenic vistas that will relax anyone. Kayaking Virginia is an adventure that will deliver great memories and pictures.
Appalachian Trail
On its way from Georgia to Maine, The country's premier hiking trail passes right through Botetourt. The Appalachian Trail enters southwestern Botetourt on Tinker Mountain, and then crosses the valley at Daleville before heading into the Blue Ridge Mountains on its northeastern route.
The Appalachian Trail has several access points in Botetourt, crosses several county roads in the Troutville area before going into the Jefferson National Forest on Mountain Pass Road.
The trail then runs the ridge tops along the county's eastern border as it continues northeast paralleling and criss-crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway winds its way along Botetourt County's eastern boundary.
35 miles of the country's longest National Park, 470 miles long, provide scenic vistas, overlooks, picnicking and hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Peaks of Otter offers lodging, camping, picnicking, a restaurant, visitor's center, hiking, a restored 19th-century Appalachian homestead, and a climb or ride to Sharp Top (3,864 feet) for a spectacular view in all directions.
White Rock
A 2.5-mile moderate hike to an impressive gorge, which has a water fall and a natural wading pool. The name White Rock came from the abundant quartz rock found in the area.
Caves
Many of the caves in the area took over 500,000,000 years in the making.
Grand Caverns is a majestic and mighty example of Mother Nature's work. Gigantic stalactites point down from above. Equally imposing stalagmites thrust upward from the caverns floor.
Cathedral Hall is one of the largest rooms of any cavern in the East at 280 feet long and over 70 feet high. Massive columns, beautiful draperies rippling flowstone, and rare "shield" formations create a variety of fascinating sights.
Gap Cave
Join park rangers on an exciting two-hour adventure. Walk along the Wilderness Road Trail to the cave entrance, then through five levels of the cave via 183 steps. You won't regret exploring this majestic underground cathedral.
Natural Bridge
Thomas Jefferson, who once owned this National Historic Landmark, stated that this was "the most sublime of nature's works". See The Drama of Creation, a sound and light show depicting the seven days of creation each evening at dusk under the Natural Bridge.
Any caving you do on your own should be done with respect and safety in mind.
Rock Climbing
Virginia is host to some of the best rock climbing in the country. Often it does not get the credit it deserves for being so rich in climbs. This state has a number of National Parks, forests, and state parks where it is legal to climb with hardly any access issues.
While some folks wait in line for climbs at Great Falls, Seneca and others around this region, Virginia has plenty of rock to offer that is hidden or unknown to most.
There are many fantastic outdoor activities to do in perhaps the most beautiful state in the nation. Please take the time to visit Virginia.
Enjoy your vacation!