Virgina State Park Trail Quest Passport Program
Do you like to hike or just visit natural place, and either live in Virginia or plan to visit anytime soon? Then you need to check out the Virgina State Park Trail Quest Passport Program with us. The Old Dominion is a great place to hike and scratch that nature itch, and as an added bonus this program rewards you for your efforts!
I have lived in Virginia for most of my life and really appreciate the Department of Conservation and Recreation putting this program together. It has inspired me to visit more of these sites myself in the future. So, what is this all about? Let’s dig in!
Table of Contents
Trail Quest Program Overview
The Virginia state parks Trail Quest Program is a digital program you sign up on the department of Conservation and Recreation’s website. After visiting one of 40 parks, you record your progress with an online account. After visiting a set milestone of parks; 5, 10, 20, 30; you will be sent a fancy and colorful lapel pin. For free! Score!
Is there a special award if you visit all Virginia State Parks?
Yes! When you visit all 40 State Parks, you will earn the Master Hiker award. Now, with this award you can arrange to get a special recognition for you amazing accomplishment.
At the park of your choice, you will receive a Master Hiker certificate presented by park ranger! This comes with the obligatory pictures and social media posts for your amazing accomplishments, of course.
Special Note: While technically there are 42 parks, you only need to visit 40 for the program. Breaks Interstate Park is technically managed by Kentucky but is partially in Virginia, and Shot Tower is technically within the New River Trail State Park.
Trail Quest Program Details
How Does the Trail Quest Program Work?
As mentioned before the Trail Quest Program is all online, where you set-up an account on the Virginia’s DCR website. I have to admit it is a bit simple, but it does work! One key thing is to remember the email address that you used to sign up initially or you may inadvertently create a new account!
How much does it cost?
One of the best things, is this program is absolutely free! It helps promote the State Park system and gets people out to see nature, which is a great investment.
Can everyone in the family join?
This is a yes as well. Children can use the parent’s email address, and that way everyone can join in on the hiking fun.
What, no stamps?
Correct, the Virginia trail quest program is not a ‘stamp’ program like the National Park Passport Cancellation program. Since the program is all digital, it is based on the honor system for you and your family.
List of all of Virginia’s State Parks
Virginia actually has a total of 42 state parks, from the Beaches to the Mountains, even some crossing over into other states (I am talking to you Breaks Interstate State Park!)
As mentioned earlier, you do not need to visit Breaks or Shot Tower for the Trail Quest program.
Here is the comprehensive list so you can see where you have been and plan where you want to go next!
- Bear Creek Lake State Park
- Belle Isle State Park
- *Breaks Interstate Park (Managed by Kentucky)
- Caledon State Park
- Chippokes Plantation State Park
- Claytor Lake State Park
- Clinch River State Park
- Douthat State Park
- Fairy Stone State Park
- False Cape State Park
- First Landing State Park
- Grayson Highlands State Park
- High Bridge Trail State Park
- Holliday Lake State Park
- Hungry Mother State Park
- James River State Park
- Kiptopeke State Park
- Lake Anna State Park
- Leesylvania State Park
- Machicomoco State Park
- Mason Neck State Park
- Natural Bridge State Park
- Natural Tunnel State Park
- New River Trail State Park
- Occoneechee State Park
- Pocahontas State Park
- Powhatan State Park
- Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic Park
- Seven Bends State Park
- Shenandoah River State Park
- *Shot Tower State Park (Inside New River Trail State Park)
- Sky Meadows State Park
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park
- Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
- Staunton River State Park
- Staunton River Battlefield Park
- Sweet Run State Park
- Twin Lakes State Park
- Westmoreland State Park
- Widewater State Park
- Wilderness Road State Park
- York River State Park
*Not required for Master Hiker award
Map of Virgina State Parks
The below map shows a comprehensive list of all 42 Virginia State Park sites. Where are you going to go next?
Additional Virginia State Park Programs
Wandering Waters Paddle Quest
Similar to the Trail Quest, the Wandering Waters Paddle Quest provides a similar opportunity to for visitors who explore Virginia state parks on the water to get special recognition. There are 31 parks that offer water-based activities.
When you participate you have the opportunity to get prizes, such as stickers, patches and even gear bag!
Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun mix of technology and outdoor exploration. Each state park has at least one Geocache for you to search. You can go to www.geocaching.com to set up an account and get started.
Leave No Trace Reminder
Remember, whether you are hike on the trail, Geocaching or paddling on the water we need to ensure these places are preserved for future generations. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles! Remember, take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Other State Park Passport Programs
Looking for additional state park programs? Did you also know that there are 24 additional State Park Passport programs, as well? Check out my complete guide to see if your state is on the list!
Don’t Forget the Lighthouse Passport Stamp Program
Several of Virgina’s State Parks are very close to Lighthouses. This includes First Landing State Park (Cape Henry Lighthouse) and Kiptopeke State Park (Cape Charles Lighthouse). When you are in the area make sure to bring your Lighthouse passport book to get your stamp.
Not aware of the Lighthouse Passport Stamp Program, then check out our lighthouse passport stamp guide. With over 700 stamps across the USA and Canada (and some other countries as well), it will certainly keep you busy!
Hi, thanks for sharing our Trail Quest program!
FYI participants do not have to visit Breaks Interstate State Park to complete Trail Quest, because that park is actually managed by Kentucky (but is partially in Virginia and hence a dual state park). Also, you don’t have to count Shot Tower State Park (technically within New River Trail State Park), although it is highly recommended as a really cool historical site! So for now, you only have to visit 40 total participating parks.
Let us know if you have any questions! Thanks.
Thank you for reading the article and providing some clarification! I updated the information, and again appreciate the useful feedback. Will definitely be checking out the Shot tower when visiting New River Trail!