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Day Trips from Harrisonburg

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Day Trips from Harrisonburg: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Harrisonburg, VA. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near Harrisonburg

Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve, VA 24473, USA

Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve

VA 24473, USA

Just 1 hr 5 min from Harrisonburg, rated 5.0 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 5 min5.0 (11)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, USA

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

USA

Just 2 hrs 50 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.9 stars by 5,921 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 50 min4.9 (5,921)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA 20144

Sky Meadows State Park

Delaplane, VA 20144

Just 1 hr 20 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.8 stars by 1,773 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 20 min4.8 (1,773)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Natural Bridge State Park, Natural Bridge, VA 24578

Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge, VA 24578

Just 1 hr 9 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.8 stars by 8,139 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 9 min4.8 (8,139)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Coopers Rock State Forest, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525

Coopers Rock State Forest

Bruceton Mills, WV 26525

Just 2 hrs 58 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.8 stars by 3,331 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 58 min4.8 (3,331)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, WV 26260

Blackwater Falls State Park

Davis, WV 26260

Just 1 hr 56 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.8 stars by 6,499 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 56 min4.8 (6,499)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Forbes State Forest - Mount Davis Natural Area, Salisbury, PA 15558

Forbes State Forest - Mount Davis Natural Area

Salisbury, PA 15558

Just 2 hrs 59 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 288 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 59 min4.7 (288)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, VA 22079

Mason Neck State Park

Lorton, VA 22079

Just 2 hrs 17 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 1,218 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 17 min4.7 (1,218)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Shenandoah River State Park, Bentonville, VA 22610

Shenandoah River State Park

Bentonville, VA 22610

Just 59 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 1,669 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

59 min4.7 (1,669)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Prince William Forest Park, Triangle, VA 22172

Prince William Forest Park

Triangle, VA 22172

Just 2 hrs 4 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 2,381 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 4 min4.7 (2,381)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Potomac, MD 20854

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Potomac, MD 20854

Just 2 hrs 6 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 2,735 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 6 min4.7 (2,735)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield, VA 23832

Pocahontas State Park

Chesterfield, VA 23832

Just 2 hrs 10 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 4,180 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 10 min4.7 (4,180)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Harrisonburg

What are the best state parks near Harrisonburg, VA?

The best state parks near Harrisonburg offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near Harrisonburg?

Most state parks near Harrisonburg charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near Harrisonburg are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of Harrisonburg offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near Harrisonburg?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Harrisonburg. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

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