Clinch River State Park

05/05/2026

Take a trip to what The Nature Conservancy has deemed one of the "Last Great Places." 💚 Our park is still under development, but you can currently visit the Sugar Hill Unit in St. Paul (Wise County) for hiking, biking and fishing.

Eventually, we'll be Virginia's first blueway state park, encompassing a 100-mile stretch of the Clinch River. 🌊

In collaboration with partner agencies and localities, our "string of pearls" park will consist of several smaller riverside anchor properties. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy easy access for kayaking and boating, participating in programs about the river’s ecological diversity, and hiking or picnicking along the riverbank. 🧺

Follow us today! For directions and to learn more about our park, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/clinch-river

04/28/2026

🌳 Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day with us! We're hosting a special ranger-led walk to help our younger visitors connect with nature and discover the joys of being outside.

Join us for a stroll around Oxbow Lake and learn about the lake, the animals that depend on it and why it's important.

🗓️ Saturday, May 16
🕛 10-11 a.m.
📍 Sugar Hill Trailhead
🎟️ Free
🥾 Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring water

Learn more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-02-26-08-54-41-530767-cb1

04/23/2026

🚣‍♀️ Looking for your next outdoor adventure? We have you covered!

🌅 From paddling along one of the most biodiverse rivers in the country to discovering local history along our trails 🥾, we're full of must‑try experiences.

👀 Check out our latest blog post to learn more, and start planning your visit today!

Read more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/must-do-activities-at-clinch-river-state-park

04/16/2026

We're looking for a seasonal maintenance ranger to join our team this summer. 🧰 This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on work, being outdoors and making a meaningful impact in our parks.

📅 Position term: May 1 – Sept. 30
🕛 Hours: 16–24 hours per week
🧑‍🦱 Must be 18 years old

If you or someone you know would be a great fit, apply today and spend your summer with us!

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

04/14/2026

🌍 Come celebrate Earth Day with us!

📅 Friday, April 17, 4-5 p.m.
Join a ranger for an Earth walk along Sugar Hill Loop Trail. This will be a 1-mile round-trip hike, so please wear closed-toe shoes and bring water.
ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-02-26-08-46-25-648674-oik

📅 Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We're going to be set up at the Abingdon Earth Day Event. Stop by our tent to learn more about pelts, skulls and the park.
ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-03-09-09-34-28-882633-r5l

04/07/2026

🏞️ Clinch River State Park is growing one “pearl” at a time and will eventually become Virginia's first blueway state park.

Learn how we're expanding access, protecting sensitive river habitats and building out a long‑term vision for paddlers, hikers and nature lovers in our new blog post.

🔗 https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/an-update-on-virginias-first-blueway-state-park

📷 The view from Cleveland

04/02/2026

The bluebell serves as a reminder of the resilience of nature and the importance of preserving native species. 🩵

🥾 Join a ranger for a hike on Bluebell Island this weekend to celebrate the bluebell's enduring beauty and adaptability in changing environments.

📅 April 4
🕛 10-11:00 a.m.
🎟️ Free
💧 Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring water
📍 Meet at the UVA Wise Oxbow Center: 16620 E Riverside Drive St. Paul, VA 24283

For more info, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-03-09-09-03-44-037125-noe

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

03/24/2026

We're hiring! If you want to help others enjoy one of Virginia’s most beautiful state parks, we’d love to have you on our team. Explore these positions and apply today! 💚

🛍️ Gift Shop Ranger
⚒️ Maintenance Ranger (two open positions)

For more info and how to apply, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-jobs?park=2020-09-28-12-05-36-470945-92n

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

03/10/2026

🦋 We hope to see you this weekend at the UVA Wise Oxbow Center to celebrate National Learn About Butterflies Day.

Virginia Master Naturalist Program High K**b Chapter President Chris Allgyer will discuss the diversity of butterfly species found in far Southwest Virginia, their life cycle and what plants benefit butterflies and other pollinators.

📅 Saturday, March 14
🕛 3-5 p.m.
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-01-22-10-30-13-711886-rmq

02/24/2026

🦋 Join us at the Oxbow Center next month to celebrate National Learn About Butterflies Day.

Virginia Master Naturalist Chris Allgyer will discuss the diversity of butterfly species found in far Southwest Virginia, their life cycle and what plants benefit butterflies and other pollinators.

📅 Saturday, March 14
🕛 3-5 p.m.
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-01-22-10-30-13-711886-rmq