Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. All photography is ours.
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Virginia National Parks
Explore the pivotal battles of the American Revolution or just take a lazy drive through Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Come #FindYourPark in Virginia.
National parks guide · Updated October 2026
Every NPS site in Virginia
26
National Park Service sites in Virginia
There are 26 National Park Service sites in Virginia: eight national historical parks, three national monuments, two national scenic trails, two parkways, two parks, two national battlefield parks, two national parks, a national memorial, a national seashore, a national military park, a national historic site, and a national battlefield. Tap any of them to jump to its details.
At a glance
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Captain John Smith Chesapeake TrailChesapeake BayCivil War Defenses of WashingtonGreen Springs National Historic Landmark DistrictJourney Through Hallowed Ground Heritage AreaOvermountain Victory TrailRed Hill Patrick Henry National MemorialShenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic DistrictStar-Spangled Banner TrailWashington-Rochambeau Trail
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
One of America’s most famous trails, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail stretches nearly 2,200 miles and runs nearly the entire length of the eastern United States from Maine to Georgia. The trail was constructed by private citizens and completed in 1937, and today is maintained by several federal and state agencies as well as volunteer groups.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
First established as a national monument on April 10, 1940, the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park preserves the site where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War. The park encompasses the original village of Appomattox Court House and its historic structures, including the reconstructed McLean House, where the formal surrender took place.
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
Arlington House, also known as The Robert E. Lee Memorial, was authorized as a national memorial by Congress on March 4, 1925 and stands as a prominent landmark within Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Originally constructed between 1802 and 1818 as the home of George Washington Parke Custis, the step-grandson of George Washington, the memorial offers guided tours that delve into the history of Arlington House, exploring its architecture, the Lee family’s connection to the property, and the significance of Arlington National Cemetery as a solemn resting place for thousands of American military personnel.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Lyndon B. Johnson designated Assateague (pronounced ASS-uh-teeg) Island National Seashore in 1965 preserving a remarkable coastal sanctuary located on the Delmarva Peninsula. This pristine barrier island is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and shallow bays. Visitors can enjoy stunning beaches, birdwatching and wildlife, and see the famous Chincoteague ponies, a herd of feral horses that have roamed the island for centuries. The Park is also ideal for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
Blue Ridge Parkway
With view after scenic view through the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway has been accurately dubbed ‘America’s Favorite Drive’. The Parkway winds and meanders for 469 miles picking up where Shenandoah National Park leaves off in Virginia and ending at the southern entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Hurricane Helene damaged parts of the Parkway in North Carolina in 2024. Check the NPS website for road closures before you drive that section.
Touring the Parkway by car is popular of course, but the area also attracts hikers, fishermen, and cyclists. There are also 8 campgrounds and 13 picnic areas to enjoy along the way. Visitor centers are scattered throughout the park for pictures and information. Finding a mountain overlook to enjoy the sunset is definitely a highlight.
Booker T. Washington National Monument
The Booker T. Washington National Monument honors the life and legacy of Booker T. Washington, an influential African American educator, author, and orator who was born into slavery. The monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of Washington, known as the Burroughs Plantation, where he spent the early years of his life before the Civil War. The site offers visitors the opportunity to explore the reconstructed 1850s-era tobacco farm, learn about Washington’s advocacy for African American rights and education, and enjoy the park’s hiking trails and picnic areas.
Booker T. Washington National Monument was established on April 2, 1956.
Cape Henry Memorial and Colonial National Historical Park
Cape Henry Memorial, located within Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia, commemorates the first landing of the colonists who would found Jamestown. Established on April 5, 1935, the memorial marks the historic arrival of the Jamestown colonists at Cape Henry in April 1607. The memorial sits on an active military base. Visitors without a military ID park near the gate and take a free shuttle to the memorial. Next door, Preservation Virginia runs tours of the Cape Henry Lighthouse.
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park preserves and interprets the significant Civil War landscape around the Battle of Cedar Creek in Virginia. The park encompasses key areas where the battle unfolded in October 1864, including Belle Grove Plantation, a historic mansion that served as Union General Philip Sheridan’s headquarters during the engagement. The park offers guided tours and interpretive programs, and a look at the Belle Grove Plantation, a restored antebellum mansion.
Colonial National Historical Park
First established as Colonial National Monument on July 3, 1930, Colonial National Historical Park encompasses some of the most historically significant sites related to the early English colonization of America. The park includes Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America established in 1607, as well as the Yorktown Battlefield, where the decisive Siege of Yorktown took place in 1781, leading to the end of the Revolutionary War.
Visitors can explore the foundations of the original Jamestown settlement, where archaeologists have uncovered artifacts and structures from the 17th century, as well as explore Yorktown Battlefield where General George Washington’s forces secured a victory over the British.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
The Cumberland Gap is a natural break in the Appalachian Mountains, worn down by wind and water, that provided a path for settlers moving west through Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. The park ranges from one to four miles wide and is about 20 miles long, encompassing 24,000 acres.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a haven for plants and wildlife and is also a popular recreation area. With over 80 miles in hiking trails, the park provides a great place in which to view wildlife, camp, or just enjoy the outdoors. The Gap Caves offer an opportunity to explore underground also.
The park’s visitor center is just south of Middlesboro, Kentucky. It includes a museum and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Fort Monroe National Monument
Fort Monroe National Monument is named in honor of President James Monroe, and played a crucial role in the Civil War, serving as a Union stronghold and becoming known as the “Freedom’s Fortress” to enslaved people seeking refuge during the war. The park offers self-guided tours of the grounds, providing a glimpse into the military architecture and coastal defense features of the fort. Visitors can also enjoy walking and biking along the historic seawall or visiting beaches and parks within the monument.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park commemorates key battles of the American Civil War. The park encompasses four major battlefields: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. Each site offers visitors the opportunity to explore the well-preserved landscapes and gain insights into the challenges faced by soldiers during these pivotal engagements. The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center provides a comprehensive introduction to the park’s history and resources, offering exhibits and interpretive programs.
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park was established on February 14, 1927.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington Birthplace National Monument preserves the birthplace of the first President of the United States. The site commemorates the early years of George Washington’s life and features the Memorial House, built in 1931 to show what a Virginia planter’s home looked like around the time of Washington’s birth. Visitors can explore the interpretive center, which houses exhibits on Washington’s childhood and family life, as well as archaeological artifacts from the original site. The park provides Ranger-led programs and guided tours as well, adding cultural context of the 18th-century Virginia Tidewater region.
George Washington Memorial Parkway
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is a scenic and historic parkway that stretches along the Potomac River in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This parkway serves as a tribute to the nation’s first president, George Washington, and offers a blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and recreational opportunities.
The parkway provides access to a number of iconic sites including Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington.
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is a scenic destination that showcases the impressive series of cascading waterfalls on the Potomac River, known as the Great Falls of the Potomac. The park is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering well-maintained trails, panoramic views, and opportunities for picnicking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. The Patowmack Canal, constructed in the late 18th century under the leadership of George Washington, is part of the historical features visitors can explore within the park as well.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry is nestled in the far eastern corner of West Virginia at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. It has a rich history of commerce, war, innovation, and also natural beauty. There are several sites visitors can explore in the park like Bolivar Heights, Camp Hill, Maryland Heights, or Lower Town. Each has its own story to tell.
The park is open all year, with the exception of major U.S. holidays. Be sure to check the park calendar for Ranger programs and guided tours of the park.
Historic Jamestowne and Colonial National Historical Park
Historic Jamestowne was established in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in North America. It is now part of the Colonial National Historical Park and represents the original location of James Fort, where English colonists including Captain John Smith established the Jamestown colony. Pocahontas, the daughter of the Powhatan paramount chief, is also part of its story. Today, visitors to Historic Jamestowne can explore artifacts recovered from the site by visiting The Archaearium and also explore the ongoing archaeological excavations happening still today.
Guided tours, living history programs, and special events are all available. The Revolutionary War battlefield at Yorktown is also part of the park.
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site commemorates the life and legacy of Maggie Lena Walker, a pioneering African American businesswoman, teacher, and community leader. The site includes the preserved home of Maggie Walker, the first African American woman to charter a bank in the United States and the leader of the Independent Order of St. Luke, a fraternal organization she transformed into a powerful force for African American economic empowerment. Visitors to the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site can tour the Victorian-era home – all furnished with original belongings.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park preserves the historic grounds of two pivotal Civil War battles: the First Battle of Bull Run (July 1861) and the Second Battle of Bull Run (August 1862). These battles were some of the earliest and most significant clashes of the American Civil War. Numerous walking trails and interpretive markers guide visitors through key locations, including Henry Hill, the Stone House, and the Deep Cut, where intense fighting took place. The Henry Hill Visitor Center provides orientation, exhibits, and information about the battles and the soldiers who fought here.
Petersburg National Battlefield
Petersburg National Battlefield in Virginia preserves the historical landscape and cultural heritage associated with the Siege of Petersburg during the American Civil War, one of the longest and most brutal sieges in the conflict. The park features well-preserved earthworks, artillery positions, and historic structures, allowing visitors to trace the steps of soldiers and understand the strategic importance of Petersburg. Be sure to begin your visit at the Eastern Front Visitor Center for exhibits, information, and orientation to the various sites within the battlefield.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is part of the larger Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Network that runs throughout the Potomac River Corridor. Popular activities here include hiking, cycling, paddling, and other regional activities. There is also plenty of American history to explore as well.
Other popular trails within the Potomac Heritage Network include the Laurel Highlands Trail, Great Allegheny Passage, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, and the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail. It also crosses the Appalachian Trail at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The trail is managed by the National Park Service with help from the Potomac Heritage Trail Association along with other supporters.
Prince William Forest Park
Prince William Forest Park is just a short drive from Washington, D.C. and was originally known as Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area. It was developed as a public recreation area during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and provides a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with forests, wetlands, and streams. Visitors to Prince William Forest Park can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, birdwatching, and picnicking. The park features over 37 miles of hiking trails, including the popular South Valley Trail and the Laurel Loop Trail, offering opportunities for both casual strolls and more challenging hikes.
Richmond National Battlefield Park
Richmond National Battlefield Park, established on March 2, 1936, preserves and commemorates key Civil War sites around the capital of the Confederacy. The park encompasses multiple battlefield areas, including the famous Seven Days’ Battles, the Battle of Cold Harbor, and Drewry’s Bluff. Visitors can explore well-preserved earthworks, historic structures, and interpretive markers including the Chimborazo Medical Museum, which served as one of the largest military hospitals during the Civil War. The museum offers exhibits on Civil War medicine and the challenges faced by medical personnel during the conflict.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is just a short drive from Washington D.C. but feels worlds away. The Park runs from northeast to southwest and offers visitors 200,000 acres of hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, and so much more. Take a drive right down the middle on Skyline Drive for amazing views, spectacular waterfalls, or stop for unbelievably good blackberry cobbler at the Big Meadows Lodge (seriously – miss this at your own peril and regret).
If you’re planning on staying awhile, you can camp either in one of the many campgrounds, in the back country, or in the Lodge if you require something a bit more luxe. We always try to find a good waterfall, and Shenandoah doesn’t disappoint. Try stopping at mile marker 50.7 in the Big Meadows Area for a short hike to Dark Hollow Falls. There are two visitor centers. Dickey Ridge is near the north end of the park, and Byrd Visitor Center is at Big Meadows in the middle. Hours change with the season, and Byrd closes in winter.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Established on October 15, 1966, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is the national park dedicated to the performing arts. The park originated from a donation by Catherine Filene Shouse, an advocate for the arts, who envisioned a space that would bring together nature and culture. Wolf Trap offers a dynamic blend of outdoor beauty and world-class performances across its multiple venues, including the Filene Center, the Barns at Wolf Trap, and the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods.
Visitors can attend live performances, explore the park’s scenic grounds, hike, picnic, or just enjoy nature.
Yorktown Battlefield and Colonial National Historical Park
Yorktown Battlefield, part of Colonial National Historical Park, marks the site of the decisive Siege of Yorktown in 1781, where General George Washington’s combined American and French forces defeated British General Cornwallis, effectively leading to the end of the Revolutionary War. Visitors to Yorktown Battlefield can explore the well-preserved earthworks, redoubts, and the Moore House, where the terms of British surrender were negotiated. The park also features the Yorktown Victory Monument, commemorating the allied victory and the establishment of the United States.
Partners of the Park Service
NPS-affiliated sites in Virginia
These sites aren’t run by the National Park Service, but they’re part of the NPS family through national trails and heritage areas.
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail explores the stories, people, and landscapes documented by John Smith and his crew as they set out to map 3,000 miles of the Chesapeake area between 1607 and 1609. Today, you can still explore these areas, and popular activities include visiting Jamestown Island, boating, paddling, or canoeing the waters of the Chesapeake, sailing, learning about 17th-century America at a historical park, or just viewing the wildlife. There are literally hundreds of sites, hikes, and places to visit along the trail.
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail makes its way through parts of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and New York. For more information about places to visit along the trail, visit the official website here. The trail is managed in partnership by the National Park Service and the Chesapeake Conservancy.
Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay and its watershed encompass 64,000 square miles of area and is the largest estuary in the United States. In 2009 by Presidential Executive Order, a broad plan was put in place to protect Chesapeake Bay and to help preserve and restore the area for future generations. With the help of other organizations, along with the National Park Service, the strategy set goals of adding 300 new public access sites and conserving an additional 2,000,000 acres by 2025.
Visitor Centers for the park are located at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage in Wrightsville, PA, Columbia Crossing in Columbia, PA, and Sultana Education Foundation in Chestertown, MD. See findyourchesapeake.com for information on things to do.
Civil War Defenses of Washington
The Civil War Defenses of Washington highlights the extensive system of fortifications and defensive works built to protect the nation’s capital during the American Civil War. These defenses encircled Washington, D.C. and played a critical role in safeguarding the capital from potential Confederate threats.
The site features well-preserved remnants of the defensive works, including forts and earthworks, which offer insights into the challenges of defending the capital during the Civil War. The Civil War Defenses of Washington Heritage Trail, a self-guided driving tour, takes visitors to key points of interest within the defense system, allowing them to learn about the various fortifications and the role they played in the war.
The park offers numerous interpretive programs that provide historical context. The Park was designated on September 22, 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.
Green Springs National Historic Landmark District
Green Springs is a historical area in Virginia’s Piedmont that contains well-preserved landmarks and structures from the 19th century. Although mostly privately owned, the 14,000-acre district helps to protect these structures through various easements that are owned by the Department of the Interior and managed by the National Park Service.
Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area
Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area follows the Old Carolina Road from Gettysburg in Pennsylvania to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Albemarle County, VA, and connects communities in Maryland and West Virginia along the way. Historic sites, Civil War battlefields, and plenty of natural beauty are what’s in store for visitors who decide to explore the area. The NHA is 180 miles long and about 75 miles wide. National Park Service Sites that are a part of the Heritage Area include Eisenhower National Historic Site and Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in Maryland/West Virginia.
Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area was established in 2008, and in 2009, the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway was established. Be sure to visit the official website here for more information.
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail follows the route the Overmountain Men marched in the fall of 1780, from the mountains of Virginia and Tennessee down to the Battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina. The 330-mile trail starts in Abingdon, Virginia, where the first militia gathered in late September before heading south. Their win at Kings Mountain was a turning point in the Revolutionary War in the South.
In Virginia the trail is mostly a driving route with a few walkable sections and markers, so it works best as a stop on the way to or from the Tennessee side rather than a destination on its own. Abingdon makes a nice small-town break with kids, and the trail markers there tell the story in a way that is quick to take in. Congress established the trail in 1980.
Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial
Red Hill is the last home and burial place of Patrick Henry, the “Give me liberty or give me death” patriot and Virginia’s first governor. The site sits on the Staunton River near Brookneal, in south central Virginia. The house was rebuilt on the original foundation, and his law office is still the original building.
The Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation runs the site, and it became an NPS-affiliated area in 1986. There is a museum, the family cemetery, and plenty of room for kids to roam the grounds. It is a quiet place, which makes it an easy history stop on a drive between Richmond and the Blue Ridge.
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District
The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District covers ten Civil War battlefields across eight counties in the Valley, including New Market, Cross Keys, Port Republic, Fisher’s Hill, and the three battles at Winchester. Congress created the district in 1996, and the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation manages it rather than the Park Service.
The best place to start with kids is the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum in Winchester or the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, which has a hands-on museum and open fields to run around in. Cedar Creek and Belle Grove is the one battlefield in the district that is also its own National Park Service site.
Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail
The Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail denotes one of the most successful troop movements in the Revolutionary War – one that led to victory over the British in Yorktown, Virginia, and eventually led to America’s independence. General Rochambeau of France combined his forces with General Washington’s, moving 680 miles over land and water to secure victory for the allies.
The Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail was formally recognized by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in 2009. The trail spans Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and what is now Washington D.C. It celebrates America’s alliance with the French during our fight for independence and also highlights the historical and military significance that proved to be a pivotal moment in American history.
Good to know
Virginia national parks questions
Virginia has two national parks: Shenandoah National Park and Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. It also has 24 other National Park Service sites.
There are 26 NPS sites in Virginia: eight national historical parks, three national monuments, two national scenic trails, two parkways, two parks, two national battlefield parks, two national parks, a national memorial, a national seashore, a national military park, a national historic site, and a national battlefield. Ten more NPS-affiliated sites, like Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, round out the list.
So far we’ve visited Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Shenandoah National Park.
Keep exploring
National parks in nearby states
There’s more to explore in these nearby states.
