Did you know that the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation manages more than 40 spectacular parks? If you want to explore the state’s natural habitat, plan to visit our three favorite state parks within a short drive of Madison, VA.
1. Lake Anna State Park
Less than an hour’s drive from Madison, Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania is the perfect day trip destination. You can swim or fish in Lake Anna and spend time on the beach. The park also has a fishing pond designed specifically for children and disabled individuals, along with more than 15 miles of multi-use trails open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Lake Anna State Park, located at 6800 Lawyers Rd, is open from 7 a.m. to dusk. The parking and admission fee is $7, except on weekends from April through October, when it goes up to $10. If you plan to stay a night or two, you can reserve a yurt, cabin, campsite, or lodge.
2. High Bridge State Park
You’ll drive about two hours south of Madison to reach High Bridge Trail State Park in Green Bay. This Virginia state park is known for the scenic 31-mile High Bridge Trail, a popular place to hike, cycle, and ride horses. If you take this route, you can cross the 2,400-foot-long High Bridge, which towers 125 feet over the Appomattox River. This National Recreation Trail is on the National Register of Historic Places.
High Bridge State Park is open each day from sunrise to sunset. Parking and admission cost $5. Although this park doesn’t have camping facilities, you can extend your trip by staying at Twin Lakes or Bear Creek Lake nearby.
3. Shenandoah River State Park
This riverfront state park is found about an hour north of Madison in Bentonville. Shenandoah River State Park covers more than 1,600 acres, including 5.6 miles of shoreline. It features a boat launch, more than 24 miles of trails, and several covered riverfront picnic shelters. On hot days, you can even cool off by wading or floating in the river.
Shenandoah River State Park is at 350 Daughter of Stars Dr. You can reserve cabins, lodges, and yurts, including an ADA-accessible camping cabin. The park also has tent campsites and RV hook-up sites. For a day trip, the park is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk and the visitor’s center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to Shenandoah River costs $10, which includes parking.
The rugged Ford Bronco is the perfect camping and hiking vehicle, especially if you want to tow boats or bikes. Check out this highly-rated SUV today with a test drive at Madison Ford.
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