(276) 930-2424
967 Fairy Stone Lake DriveStuart, VA 24171
Latitude: 36.784393
Longitude: -80.093717
Fairy Stone State Park, the largest of Virginia’s six original state parks, is home to its namesake “fairy stones.”These rare mineral crosses and the park’s scenic beauty, rich history and ample recreational opportunities make it a local and regional favorite. The 4,537 acres that make up the park were donated by Junius B. Fishburn, former owner of the Roanoke Times, in 1933. The Civilian Conservation Corps originally created the park, its lake and many structures still in use there.The Legend of the Fairy Stone: Many hundreds of years before Chief Powhatans reign, fairies were dancing around a spring of water, playing with naiads and wood nymphs, when an elfin messenger arrived from a city far away. He brought news of the death of Christ. When these creatures of the forest heard the story of the crucifixion, they wept. As their tears fell upon the earth, they crystallized to form beautiful crosses.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Unique Cabin, Amazing Spot, Canoeing, Park Benches
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Beach Trail
The Beach Trail is a .74 mile moderate hiking trail that connects the campground to the beach area. The trail can be accessed from the campground, shelter 2, the upper beach parking lot, and the Visitor Center. The Beach Trail is part of the Little Mountain trail system.
Blaze Color: White
- Length: 0.74
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalks
Horse Camp Trail
The Horse Camp Trail is a 1.75 mile, moderate difficulty trail that takes you to the Horse Camp and is accessible from the Mountain View Trail.
- Length: 1.75
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Iron Mine Trail
The Iron Mine Trail is a 1.1 mile difficult hiking trail that is accessible from the trailhead parking and provides access to the three other trails in the Stuarts Knob system. This trail offers some stunning views of Fairy Stone Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 1.15
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth
Lakeshore Trail
This 0.81 mile out and back trail runs alongside the lake and is wooded along most of its length. This trail has some steep sections but is mostly broad and flat. In some locations the Lakeshore Trail shares a common right-of-way with the Turkey Ridge Trail. The Lakeshore Trail is part of the Little Mountain trail system.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 0.81
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Little Mountain Falls Trail
The Little Mountain Falls Trail is a 3.3 mile difficult, multi-use trail loop. The trail climbs a very steep incline to an overlook and the halfway point. In either direction the climb is roughly the same. On the northern section of the trail there are some level areas as well as the trail’s namesake, Little Mountain Falls. The trail is fairly wide with few obstructions however it is very steep overall. Little Mountain Falls Trail is a part of the Little Mountain trail system.
Blaze Color: Orange
- Length: 3.33
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth
Mountain View Trail
The Mountain View Trail is a 2.1 mile difficult multi-use trail. It is a wide paved road but it is very steep and winding as it ascends to Goose Point Road. This trail is gated as no motorized vehicles are permitted on this trail. For much of its length this trail parallels the Little Mountain Falls Trail while connecting to it at several points along the way. The trail features numerous views of the area and its smooth surface is ideal for bicyclists who are up for the challenge. The Mountain View Trail is a part of the Little Mountain trail system.
- Length: 2.05
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Pavement
Oak Hickory Trail
The Oak Hickory Trail is a 1.1 mile moderate hiking loop that is accessible near picnic shelters 3 and 4. This trail is fairly steep for a short portion of the south side of the loop. The balance of the trail has very little change in elevation. This trail passes through a variety of woodlands and features a self-guided interpretive trail.
- Length: 1.1
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalk
Stuart’s Knob Trail
The Stuart’s Knob Trail is a 0.97 mile difficult hiking trail that is accessible from the Iron Mine Trail. It consists of two connected loops, the Upper Stuart’s Knob Trail and the Lower Stuart’s Knob Trail. The .75 mile upper loop is more difficult than the shorter lower loop, with a narrower, steeper trail and more switchbacks. The lower loop features an overlook at its midpo