Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine August edition has the cover article titled "Hungry Mother State Park!
Graham writes:
"Ah, August in the South. Temps in the 90s, humidity off the charts, kids frying eggs on the sidewalk for the local news team…you need to cool down. You could beat the heat the old-fashioned way and fill up a plastic kiddie pool in your front yard, or you could set out for one of these pristine swimming holes scattered throughout the Southern Appalachians."
Come on in the water's fine at Hungry Mother State Park!
HUNGRY MOTHER LAKEHUNGRY MOTHER STATE PARK, VA.
Highlights: Family-friendly, scenic
The story of Hungry Mother’s name may be a bummer (a village raided, a boy lost, and a mother dying of starvation), but its present-day incarnation couldn’t be more uplifting. The calm waters of the 108-acre lake, which is surrounded by lush green slopes, have become a haven for flat-water canoeists and swimmers. The lake is a huge hit with families during the summer thanks to the man-made beach. If you’re looking for something a little more tranquil, rent a canoe from the park or hike the 5.7-mile Lake Loop trail to one of the more secluded coves recessed into the forested banks. Gas-powered boats aren’t allowed on Hungry Mother, so the deepest pockets of the lake are less crowded. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Hungry Mother State Park, Virginia’s first state park.
Nearby:The 2,000-acre park has 12 miles of trail. Check out the 1.6-mile Molly’s Knob Trail (named after the hungry mother) that ascends to the park’s highest point at 3,270 feet.
Closest Town:Marion, Va.
Directions:Take exit 47 from I-81, then follow Route 11 for one mile toward Marion. Turn right on Route 16 north and go four miles to the park.
Read this entire magazine print edition make great gifts for your outdoor enthusiast friends and family!
Hungry Mother State Park website.
Learn more about other Virginia State Parks – click here.
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