From the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the glittering Atlantic coast, Virginia’s national parks include Great Falls, Prince William, Shenandoah, Yorktown Battlefield, and George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Virginia

’s wilderness is some of the most beloved in the country. Its iconic Blue Ridge Mountains have hosted millennia of natural and cultural history, drawing countless visitors and outdoor enthusiasts every year.

Whether you’re the outdoorsy type, or just looking to get away from the city for a few hours, travel and

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expert

Jerry

has all the information you need to visit Virginia’s national parks. Here’s a guide to the national parks of Virginia, activities you can enjoy there, and the best time to plan your visit—plus how to

save money on your insurance

along the way.

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Great Falls

Location: Mclean, VA

Hours of operation: 7 am to sunset

Admission price: $10 per person, $20 per vehicle

What makes Great Falls special

Spanning 800 acres and located only 15 miles from the nation’s capital,

Great Falls Park

is a must-see destination. Visitors can enjoy the Potomac River and the unique geological features that make the park a Virginia highlight.

The eponymous Great Falls of the Potomac River create a stunning spectacle—one of the most popular sites in the

D.C

. area.

Located on the boundary between the Piedmont Plateau and the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Great Falls has a unique and fascinating geological history as it was an instrumental waterway during the Revolutionary War.

What to do in Great Falls

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or an educational tour, Great Falls has a lot to offer. Here are some of the highlights:

Viewing the falls: Great Falls has three stunning overlooks, all a 15-minute walk from the visitor center. Overlooks 2 and 3 are disability and stroller accessible.

Kayaking: The Potomac Gorge has several spots for kayaking, but make sure to research

kayak safety information

in Great Falls before you get out on the water.

Hiking: Great Falls has 15 trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking, including the River Trail, the Patowmack Trail, and the Old Carriage Road.

Guided tours: Ranger-led educational programs are held throughout the year. Visit the

Great Falls website

to schedule a guided tour.

The best time to visit Great Falls

The best time to see Great Falls in all its glory is in the spring when snowmelt brings the falls to a spectacular rushing torrent. Autumn is also a great time to visit, offering stunning fall foliage for viewing, photoshoots, and more.

If you’re looking to avoid crowds, winter at Great Falls will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy film. Winter temperatures average 35 degrees at Great Falls, so make sure to pack a coat.

Pro tip: Research safety information regarding hiking around the falls before you visit.

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Prince William Forest

Location:

Triangle

, VA

Hours of operation: Sunrise to sunset

Admission price: $10 per person, $20 per vehicle

What makes Prince William Forest special

Originally opened as a children’s “relief” campus during the Great Depression,

Prince William National Fores

t has welcomed hikers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts for generations.

With 15,000 acres of secondary growth forest, Prince William originally opened as a Recreation Demonstration Area as part of the New Deal, and eventually became the model for other RDA sites across the nation.

The park protects a large portion of the Quantico Creek Watershed, which is vital to local ecosystems and those farther down the Potomac.

What to do in Prince William Forest

Hiking: Boating over 37 miles of trails, Prince William has the largest network of hiking trails in Northern Virginia’s park system.

On and off road biking: Enjoy 12 miles of paved roads and 9 miles of gravel paths for some of the best biking in Virginia.

Tent, RV, and cabin camping: Prince William’s campgrounds include Oak Ridge, Turkey Run Ridge, and Prince William Forest RV Park are all available for camping. You can also

rent a historic cabin

for your stay.

Orienteering: Check out a free map and compass from the visitor center, or request a

ranger-led orienteering program

to hone your skills.

Wildlife watching: Get a front row seat to view all sorts of mammals, birds, and amphibians that call the forest home.

The best time to visit Prince William Forest

The best time to plan your visit to Prince William Forest depends on your preference for activities. Spring and summer are the best camping seasons, as the park sees better weather and more wildlife opportunities.

The park is also gorgeous in autumn for fall foliage viewing and Prince William gives fans of winter sports a lot to do in the snowier months. So, there really isn’t a bad time to visit this Virginia hot spot!

MORE: 8 pro tips for long car rides with kids

Shenandoah

Location: Blue Ridge Mountains, VA

Hours of operation: 24/7

Admission price: $15 per person, $30 per vehicle, no admission cost on certain holidays

What makes special Shenandoah

Shenandoah

is the largest protected area in mid-Appalachia, with a rich cultural and natural history stretching back millennia. The park has been home to Indigenous populations, European settlers, and prospectors, all of whom took advantage of the park’s natural resources.

The park encompasses 300 miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains, hosting several vivid and diverse biomes and ecosystems, including 50 mammal species and over 20 species of reptiles.

Shenandoah’s history of mountain residents, conservation efforts, and natural science makes it one of the most beloved parks in Appalachia.

What to do in Shenandoah

Make the most of your visit to Shenandoah with the many activities and programs available for visitors.

Hiking: Over 500 miles of trails make Shenandoah one of the best hiking spots in the country. View the park’s

hiking guide

to plan your hike.

Backpacking: Immerse yourself in the challenge of Shanendoah’s wilderness with a backpacking excursion.

Rock climbing: Shenandoah has rock climbing opportunities for climbers of all levels of experience. Check out the park’s

climbing guide

to view safe climbing practices.

Ranger-led programs: Spring, summer, and fall present visitors with great ranger-led education, with programs on plants, animals, and the park’s history.

The best time to visit Shenandoah

The best times to visit Shenandoah are March through May and September through November. Mild temperatures and burgeoning wildlife make spring a great time to visit while avoiding the crowds. Shenandoah is also very well known for its fall foliage, allowing autumn visitors a spectacular view of the mountains’ full color.

If you want to avoid the crowds, however, you can always visit in winter. The park has several popular ski destinations, as well as snowshoe and snowboarding opportunities in the snowy months.

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How to avoid the biggest road trip mistakes

Yorktown Battlefield

Location:

Yorktown

, VA

Hours of operation: Hours for the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center are 9 am to 5 pm daily

Admission price: $15

What makes Yorktown Battlefield special

Once the site of the Revolutionary War’s most pivotal battle,

Yorktown Battlefield National Park

now serves as a serene natural respite for visitors.

The park is comprised of several unique biomes, including wetlands, dense forests, rushing rivers, and mid-Atlantic coastal plains.

Yorktown’s fascinating role in the Revolutionary War lends a historical dimension to its stunning landscapes as visitors can go to pivotal battle sites to learn about the war.

What to do in Yorktown Battlefield

Whether you’re a history buff or someone looking for outdoor recreation, Yorktown Battlefield has the perfect thing for everyone.

The Yorktown Visitor Center: Explore the incredible history of the War for Independence with exhibits on the 1781 Siege of Yorktown and the Battle of the Capes, as well as displays of British General Cornwallis’ campaign table and several of George Washington’s campaign tents.

Wildlife viewing: Enjoy all the park’s diverse ecosystems have to offer with countless birding and fishing opportunities.

Biking and hiking: The park’s well-maintained paths and trails make Yorktown Battlefield a serene place for outdoor recreation.

Pro tip Camping is prohibited at Yorktown Battlefield, so plan for a day trip and reserve lodgings elsewhere.

The best time to visit Yorktown Battlefield

The best times to visit Yorktown to avoid crowds are in the spring and fall.

Travelers can experience the park’s flora and fauna coming back to life in the spring and the spectacular foliage in the fall. This also avoids the busiest tourist season in July when Independence Day celebrations spur the most traffic to this historical site.

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George Washington Memorial Parkway

Location: Mclean, VA

Hours of operation: 24/7

Admission price: $20

What makes George Washington special

Located in the D.C. metropolitan area,

George Washington Memorial Parkway

was built as a scenic driving destination, with several miles of natural land right in the middle of the nation’s capital.

The park’s metropolitan location provides visitors a natural respite right in the center of D.C., with hiking, biking, and driving opportunities that will make you forget you’re in the city.

The parkway also hosts concerts, educational programs, and all sorts of outdoor events at its Fort Hunt, Carillion, and Jones Point Parks.

What to do in George Washington

George Washington Memorial Parkway has tons of outdoor activities to enjoy, as well as cultural events throughout the year.

Driving tours: George Washington is primarily a parkway, with dozens of nationally significant historical spots to check out along your drive.

Hiking and bicycling: Hike along trails in Dyke Marsh, or cycle through several loops including the Fort Hunt loop and the paved, multi-use Mount Vernon Trail.

Canoeing and kayaking: Traverse the waters of Dyke Marsh or around James Point Park for an easy paddle.

Wildlife viewing: Head to Dyke Marsh wildlife preserve to see all sorts of great wildlife during your visit.

Ranger-led programs: Check out the park’s

schedule

of ranger-led events, including birding excursions, marsh walks, and outdoor concerts.

The best time to visit George Washington

George Washington is a great way to get away from the city year round, but the best time to view wildlife and enjoy the weather is the summer and fall. Escape the heat in the Potomac in the warmer months, or view the park’s gorgeous fall foliage when the leaves turn in autumn.

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How to prepare to visit Virginia’s national parks

Before you pack your camping supplies, here are a few tips from travel expert Jerry to get the most out of your visit to Virginia’s national parks.

Look into an annual

America the Beautiful nationwide pass

if you’re planning to visit more than one park—or if you want to visit more than once.

If you’re planning on any scenic drives, make sure

your car’s maintenance

is up to date and it meets the clearance requirements of the park.

Update your car insurance

before any major road trip.

One of the easiest ways to update your car insurance is to use a

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