Outdoor Activities:

Land, water, and space - we've got you covered!

International Dark Sky Park: Staunton River State Park, Scottsburg, VA - The first park in Virginia and only the 25th park in the world with the International Dark Sky Park designation. Each Fall the Park hosts the Staunton River Star Party in partnership with the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS).

King's Bridge Landing - Banister River Blueway Access, Halifax, VA - Paddle this state scenic river, part of the Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail and a section of the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway. The section of river access at King's Bridge Landing features a number of bateau sluices and Native American wing dams that wind downstream four miles to Terry’s Bridge. These are some of the best-preserved bateau sluices in the Commonwealth.

Hudson Heritage Farms, Elmo, VA – This Veteran-owned working farm holds events like book readings at its Elmo Grocery venue, and has a Farm Studio where it offers classes on cheese making, food preservation, cooking, herbs, animal husbandry, milking, butchery, and other farm related topics.

Danville Riverwalk Trail, Danville, VA - The Riverwalk and mountain bike trail systems host a myriad of trail events such as bike races, trail runs, charity walks, marathons, canine events and environmental education activities.

Danville to Ringgold walking trail along original Richmond to Danville Railroad line – This wheelchair accessible, crushed stone rail trail is 5.5 miles long and suitable for horseback riding, mountain biking, walking, and cross country skiing.

Dan Daniel Memorial Park, Danville, VA - Dan Daniel offers park goers an array of activities including ball fields, walking and nature trails and much more. Amenities include picnic shelters, mountain bike/hiking trails, Riverwalk trail, soccer/football fields, little league baseball fields, playground and Philip Wyatt Skate Park. It's also the location of the Danville/Pittsylvania County Veterans Memorial and home of the Danville Braves, official rookie-league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Wake Forest, NC - A collective of 7 access areas are scattered around the shoreline of this undeveloped, 12,000-acre reservoir. 5 swim beaches and a number of boating ramps, some reserved for paddlers and non-gasoline powered boats. The Beaverdam access offers a network of mountain biking trails as well as a separate and quiet lake impoundment perfect for paddling, fishing and swimming. The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail winds through parts of the recreation area and is a centerpiece of a network of hiking trails.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, Hillsborough, NC – Offering a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful. Most events are free, though some require pre-registration.

Hyco Lake, Semora, NC – This reservoir in Person and Caswell counties, North Carolina, is great for fishing, boating, water skiing, wake boarding, and recreation.

Banister Lake, Halifax, VA - Probably one of the best kept Virginia fishing secrets, Banister offers a plentiful supply of large mouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and catfish.  Five to nine pound large mouth bass aren't unusual.  In 2017, the boat landing on 501 in the Town of Halifax was improved, including ADA-compliant walkway connecting to the pier. Banister River (below the dam) offers the opportunity to fight twelve to fifteen pound stripers in fast-running water during late April to mid May. Keep an eye out for wildlife while on the river: beaver, river otter, bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, and various hawks.

Buggs Island Lake, Halifax & Mecklenburg Counties, VA - Virginia's largest lake, Buggs Island Lake is listed as the number one Crappie fishing lake in the U.S. by "In-Fisherman" magazine.

Hillsborough Riverwalk, Hillsborough, NC - A paved, accessible, urban greenway that stretches about 1.8 miles along the Eno River between Gold Park in western Hillsborough and trails east of town. It is a free popular trail for walking, jogging and cycling, and provides pedestrian connections between several neighborhoods. Riverwalk also is one of the few sections of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail located in an urban environment, giving users easy access to restrooms, restaurants and shopping. Along the Hillsborough Riverwalk, explore a whimsical castle stickwork sculpture by renowned artist Patrick Dougherty called "A Sight to Behold."

Mountain Biking - Angler’s Ridge Mountain Bike Trail System, Danville, VA - Danville is home to one of the longest single track mountain bike trails in the region. Built through a partnership between Anglers Ridge Trail Association and Danville Parks and Recreation, the system offers a variety of trails for multiple experience levels. Choose your own journey, long or short, by riding a single trail or combination.Hikers and trail runners are also invited to enjoy the scenic creeks and wooded hillsides. The system can be accessed from Anglers Park or Dan Daniel Memorial Park.The trail system is also home to several annual special events including mountain bike races and trail runs.