Staunton River Battlefield State Park

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Randolph, VA
Staunton River Battlefield State Park

A 300-acre Civil War historic site in the Virginia State Parks system, where the battle at Staunton River Bridge played out.

Offering 1.2-mile battlefield trail and a .75-mile nature trail with 2 wildlife observation towers overlooking wetlands. Staunton River Battlefield is one of our 37 Virginia State Parks. Please visit our official page at http://www.facebook.com/virginiastateparks

At this historic site, a ragtag group of Confederate old men and young boys beat the odds and held off an assault by 5,000 Union cavalr

y soldiers on a bridge of strategic importance to General Lee’s army, then under siege in Petersburg.

05/13/2026

🌳 Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day with us! Learn the fundamentals of archery such as how to properly hold a bow, correct stance, how to aim and most importantly, how to be safe while doing so.

Suitable for ages 10 and up. All equipment is provided and NO experience is necessary!

🗓️ Saturday, May 16
🕛 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
🎟️ Free
🥾 Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring water

For more info, visit:https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-03-03-12-29-36-369030-qab

04/21/2026

Congratulations to Vivian & Brad Jefferson who completed their Master Hiker designation at Mason Neck State Park

Here is what they said about their journey:

“We received our first Trail Quest pin at the First Day Hike at Mason Neck State Park in 2018. After a slow start, we took our first “State Park Vacation” in March 2021, visiting 4 parks around Farmville. We gradually logged more state parks each year and then set a New Years Resolution to finish the Trail Quest challenge in 2025. We met our goal of 13 parks for the year in September.

Since we are both data people, we analyzed patterns in our Trail Quest journey:

• 77% of our park visits occurred in the past three years.

• We prefer hiking in colder weather, with a total of 9 park visits in December, 8 park visits in March, and 6 park visits in January (all First Day hikes). No bugs, no humidity, and no crowds!

The Trail Quest challenge was the perfect activity for us to share together. Brad enjoys photographing birds and Vivian appreciates the peace of exploring nature. We both like to travel so the road trips to all of the different parts of Virginia were especially fun. Some of our favorite experiences were:

• Viewing the habitats of migrating birds at False Cape State Park during the tram tour.

• Listening to the songs of 34 bird species at Staunton River Battlefield State Park and at many other parks, we saw peregrine falcons, herons, ducks, geese, and even a lone slithering snake.

• Hiking to expansive views of mountains and rivers at Grayson Highlands State Park, New River Trail State Park, Shenandoah River State Park and James River State Park. The trails at First Landing State Park lead through diverse ecosystems, from dunes and marshes to forest.

• Learning the history of Virginia at parks that feature civil war battlefields, pioneer experience, the ties of indigenous people to the land, and the remnants of Civilian Conservation Corps projects.

We feel fortunate to have such well-maintained Virginia State Parks. All of the parks are accessible to people of different hiking levels and the park rangers are knowledgeable and eager to share helpful advice.”

Thank you for sharing your journey and for being part of the Trail Quest and Virginia State Park family!

Explore Virginia State Parks one step at a time with Trail Quest, learn more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/trail-quest

03/31/2026

As winter fades and spring takes hold, Virginia’s black bears are beginning to emerge from their dens. 🥾 It’s an exciting time to explore state parks but also a moment to stay aware and respectful of the wildlife waking up around us.

Check out our latest blog to learn more and for some tips on what you should do if you encounter a bear.

🐻 https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/bears-at-virginia-state-parks

03/25/2026

🚲 From cyclists to horseback riders 🐎, Virginia State Parks' four rail‑to-trail systems welcome all kinds of explorers.

🌳 High Bridge Trail State Park: 32 miles
🌳 New River Trail State Park: 57 miles
🌳 Wilderness Road State Park: 9 miles
🌳 Staunton River Battlefield State Park: 1.2 miles

Check out our latest blog post for trail etiquette tips that make sharing these unique routes safe and enjoyable for everyone.

🔗 https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/trail-etiquette-on-virginia-state-parks-rails-to-trails

03/17/2026

🦇 Did you know some bats migrate while others hibernate right here in Virginia? These incredible creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem, and they need our help to thrive.

Learn how bats survive the winter, why they matter and simple ways you can make a difference in our blog post.

👉 https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/virginias-bats-hibernation-migration-and-how-you-can-help-them

📷 Tri colored bat: Rick Reynolds, Wildlife Biologist, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

02/03/2026

Join the Great Backyard Bird Count at Staunton River Battlefield State Park!

📅 Feb. 14
🕰️ 9:00-10:30 a.m.
🗺️ Clover Visitor Center

Join a ranger for a guided walk where we will identify and record all species we find along the way. You do not need to be an experienced bird watcher, participating is easy and fun. We have a wide variety of habitats such as rivers, woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands that offer an abundance of bird species.

If you would rather explore our park on your own during the Great Backyard Bird Count weekend, stop by the Clover Center for a free guide that will outline the steps for participation in detail.

The GBBC runs Feb. 13–16, for more info, visit: https://www.birdcount.org/participate/

01/29/2026

⚠️ Winter safety alert ⚠️

Sub-freezing temperatures will continue through the weekend, and icy conditions remain in some areas of state parks, including trails. Please plan ahead and stay safe:

✔️ Check weather conditions before your visit
✔️ Dress in layers
✔️ Wear high-traction footwear
✔️ Carry emergency supplies

Important: Keep your pets leashed and do NOT attempt to walk on lakes, even if they appear frozen. Changing currents and uneven ice thickness make the surfaces unpredictable and dangerous.

For more information on how to safely hike in the winter, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/winter-hiking-tips

12/10/2025

🎄✨ Lighting of the Bridge returns to Staunton River Battlefield State Park this Dec!

📍Clover Visitor Center
📅Dec. 12, 13, and 14
🕰️5:30 to 8 p.m.

This year’s event features enhanced lighting and new decorative elements that promise to make the experience even more magical for visitors of all ages. 🤩

🛻 Take a free wagon ride or enjoy a peaceful stroll along a beautifully lit trail leading to the illuminated bridge—a perfect backdrop for making holiday memories with family and friends.

🎨 Inside the visitor center, kids can enjoy free holiday crafts, and everyone can warm up with hot cocoa and seasonal refreshments available for purchase. Don’t forget to stop by the festive photo station to capture the moment!

🌿 Feeling creative? Guests can also make their own holiday wreaths for just $10 per wreath—a fun and festive keepsake to take home.

🚗 Admission is only $5 per vehicle (cash only at the gate), so gather your loved ones and head to the park for an evening of holiday magic under the stars.

❗Please note: This event is weather-dependent and may be canceled in the event of inclement conditions.

For more info, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/events?park=2013-10-18-21-10-41-00029&start=12/01/2025&end=12/31/2025&search=Lighting%20on%20The%20Bridge&template=all&type=all

12/03/2025

🎄✨ Lighting of the Bridge returns to Staunton River Battlefield State Park this December!

📍Clover Visitor Center
📅Dec. 12, 13 and 14
🕰️5:30 to 8 p.m.
🎟️ $5 parking fee (cash only)

This year’s event features enhanced lighting and new decorative elements that promise to make the experience even more magical for visitors of all ages. 🤩

🛻 Take a free wagon ride or enjoy a peaceful stroll along a beautifully lit trail leading to the illuminated bridge—a perfect backdrop for making holiday memories with family and friends.

🎨 Inside the visitor center, kids can enjoy free holiday crafts, and everyone can warm up with hot cocoa and seasonal refreshments available for purchase. Don’t forget to stop by the festive photo station to capture the moment!

🌿 Feeling creative? Guests can also make their own holiday wreaths for just $10 per wreath—a fun and festive keepsake to take home.

Gather your loved ones and head to the park for an evening of holiday magic under the stars. ⭐ Find us at 1035 Fort Hill Trail, Randolph, VA 23962.

❗Please note: This event is weather-dependent and may be canceled under inclement conditions.

More info:

09/25/2025

Don't miss out on our fall concert coming up this Saturday!
🎶 Enjoy music from Farm Use String Band as they fill the air with classic tunes with their own unique take on Old Time Music with a lineup comprising fiddle, banjo, guitar, harmonica, washboard, upright bass, and vocals.
📆 Sept. 27
🕠 5 p.m.
🎟️ $5 (children under 12 - free)
🔗 Learn more: https://vasp.fun/41O8gJd

Address

1035 Fort Hill Trl
Randolph, VA
23962

Telephone

+14344544312

Website

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/stb.shtml

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