1170 Staunton TrailScottsburg, VA 24589
Latitude: 36.696066
Longitude: -78.685254
Tucked neatly into the heart of Virginia near the North Carolina border, Staunton River offers much to families and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and was opened in 1936 as one of the original six Virginia State Parks. The 2,400 acre park offers cabins, a campground, picnic shelters, a large playground, tennis and volleyball courts, boat ramps, many opportunities to observe wildlife, and 12 miles of multi use trails. Access to the Dan and Staunton Rivers and Virginias largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, offers excellent freshwater fishing and boating opportunities while the large swimming pool complex in the park offers a simple solution to those hot summer days! A 70-foot water slide and many fun toys for the kids make the swimming pool a spot that you dont want to miss.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Amazing Spots, Biking Trails, Bird Watching, Canoeing, Educational & Historical Facilities, Fishing, Hiking, Picnic Areas, Romantic Spots, Scenic Views, Tours & Events, Unique Cabins, Water Recreation
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Virginia State Parks Calendar
Captain Staunton Trail
The Captain Staunton Trail is a 0.7 mile, easy, interpretive hiking loop that is accessible from the main park road near the Visitor’s Center as well as from the River Bank Trail. This easy trail goes through the woods, passing several signs interpreting local wildlife and history. When the trail reaches the River Bank Trail there is a short return loop before returning to the trail head.
Blaze Color: Red
- Length: 0.7
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Crow’s Nest Trail
The Crow’s Nest Trail is a 0.2 mile easy, multi use trail. It connects the Riverbank Trail to the Robin’s Roost Trail. This short trail passes through wooded areas and clearings near the main park road, crossing it and reaching the Riverbank Trail. The earthen trail is fairly wide but gets narrow in places. When combined with portions of the other two trails, this trail makes a nice loop of about 2 miles in length.
Blaze Color: Orange
- Length: 0.2
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
River Bank Trail
The River Bank Trail is a 8.3 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that runs around the park’s perimeter and is popular with equestrians. The trail is accessible from every trail in the park except the Tutelo Trail. This trail runs through the wooded areas around the park, going up and down some fairly steep hills, and usually running near the Dan and Staunton Rivers. The trail features an overlook of Buggs Island Lake along with numerous photo opportunities. Portions of the trail pass over wooden bridges, where some equestrians may choose to walk their horses.
Blaze Color: Dark Blue
- Length: 8.3
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalks
Robin’s Roost Trail
The Robin’s Roost Trail is a 1.1 mile easy, multi-use trail that is accessible from the Riverbank Trail and the Crow’s Nest Trail. This path takes users from Riverbank Trail, crosses the main park road, then becomes narrower and passes the Crow’s Nest Trail before reaching the other end of the Riverbank Trail. There are some moderate changes in elevation near the River Bank Trail where the trail increases in difficulty.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 1.1
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Tutelo Trail
The Tutelo Trail is a .1 mile, easy hiking trail that serves primarily as a connector trail. The trail connects picnic area 1 to the Visitor’s Center and pool area, crossing a small bridge and the Riverbank Trail in the process. This trail runs parallel to some power lines and as such has a wide margin of cleared land to either side of the trail.
Blaze Color: White
- Length: 0.1
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Grass, Earth
Twin Loops Trail
The Twin Loops Trail is a 2.5 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail, that is accessible from the horse parking lot and the Riverbank Trail. Consistent with its name, the trail is made up of two loops that wander through wooded areas, up and down several hills, and across a number of creeks. In places, this potentially confusing trail runs on wide fire roads, and at other times it follows a rough narrow path with occasional obstacles that can be particularly challenging to bicyclists. Follow the blazes and be prepared for the twists and turns to avoid wandering off this trail.
Blaze Color: Pink
- Length: 2.5
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Amphitheater
The park’s amphitheater is located behind the newly renovated Visitor’s Center.