Explore Virginia

Welcome to Virginia! For a comprehensive list of what Virginia has to offer, visit The Commonwealth of Virginia website www.virginia.org

Virginia Community Map. Choose a region for specific community information.

Bicycling in Virginia
Bicycling in Virginia focuses on routes and information of most interest to cyclists. The map presents setting, terrain, elevation and surface conditions. Inset enlargements of selected locations give details for parking and other facilities. The colored areas of the map show Virginia's state and national parks and tourism regions, making it easy to find more information about food, lodging and other attractions.  

Captain John Smith Trail
A newly developed boating and driving trail along the James River that chronicles Smith’s explorations of the waterway between 1607 and 1609. The trail was created as part of statewide preparations for the 400 th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown.

Fishing, Boating, Hunting and Wildlife Watching on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries offer comprehensive information on places to fish and hunt, obtaining the proper licenses and where to watch wildlife.

Hiking in Virginia
Top Trails offers a complete list of the most popular hiking trails in Virginia. Use this list to plan your next Virginia hiking trip. Select a state and/or activity below to find even more top trails.

National Wildlife Federation Green Hour
Commentary on what parents should know about and can do to counteract common "nature deficit disorders" in our TV-watching, video game-playing children including encouraging a daily "Green Hour" of outside play and learning. Five great outdoor adventures in your own yard -- and whole communities that help residents be more active.

Virginia Naturally 5K Race
September 20, 2008
Pony Pasture, Richmond
An annual race that benefits the Junior Academy of Science.

Virginia Parks
Virginia is home to thousands of local, regional, state and national parks. Plan to visit a park near you soon!

Events at state parks:

• Claytor Lake State Park
• Douthat State Park
  • March - June
  • July - December
• James River State Park
• New River Trail State Park
• New Quarter Park 2008

Events at regional/local parks:

• Looking for fun things to do in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church or Loudoun? Northern Virginia's regional parks are natural and historic places that have been preserved and, in many cases, enhanced with facilities such as golf courses, swimming pools, campgrounds, trails, and access to waterways. Many regional parks offer educational opportunities, such as a 1753 historic home, working farm, nature center, botanical garden and Civil War battlefield. Amidst areas of rapid and widespread development, regional parks offer scenic overlooks and quiet, green spaces! Click here for upcoming special events.

• There’s something for everyone at Lynchburg Parks & Recreation Department. There are 26 parks and over 20 miles(13 paved) trails in a 300 acre urban oasis waiting to be explored, either biking, hiking or just watching the wildlife. After you’ve ventured the trails, stop off at The Nature Zone, Lynchburg’s nature center. Visit our website for hours of operation and locations of the park and trail systems.

Check out the following websites for ideas on what you can do to enjoy Virginia:

• Virginia Tourism Commission
• Virginia Commission for the Arts
• Virginia Green
• Virginia's Natural Wonders
• Covered Bridges in Virginia
• Virginia Scenic Byways
• Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory
• Department of Historic Resources
• Discover your James River Days
• Great places to visit in Virginia
• Fun Family Day trip in Virginia

Search the Calendar of Events to find programs and events of interest to you in your area.