WidewaterState Park - Virginia |
Widewater State Park is located in Stafford County, Virginia. The park's facilities include a visitor center and staff building along Aquia Creek and a soft boat launch and picnic shelter along the Potomac River.
The park is divided up into five parcels, separated by private property. It is located on a 1,100-acre peninsula situated between Aquia Creek and the Potomac River, and was the site of early flight experiments by Samuel P. Langley.
featured in
![]() | Virginia Pocket Maps | ![]() |
location
maps
Visitor Map of Widewater State Park (SP) in Virginia. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Bicycle Map of Virginia. Published by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
brochures
Trail Guide for Widewater State Park (SP) in Virginia. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Travel Guide for Northern Virginia. Published by Virginia Tourism.
Brochure of Virginia State Parks. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Features & Stories of the Travel Guide for Virginia. Published by Virginia Tourism.
Widewater SP
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/widewater
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widewater_State_Park
Widewater State Park is located in Stafford County, Virginia. The park's facilities include a visitor center and staff building along Aquia Creek and a soft boat launch and picnic shelter along the Potomac River.
The park is divided up into five parcels, separated by private property. It is located on a 1,100-acre peninsula situated between Aquia Creek and the Potomac River, and was the site of early flight experiments by Samuel P. Langley.
WELCOME TO WIDEWATER STATE PARK.
To make your visit safe and more pleasant, we ask that
you observe the following:
Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Park in
designated areas only. Please note there is a parking fee
charged year-round at all Virginia State Parks. Self-pay
parking information is available at the contact station.
The park consists of multiple parcels surrounded by
private property. Please be respectful of the privacy or our
neighbors and stay on Virginia State Parks property at all
times.
PRESERVE - Help preserve your park. Please don’t cut or
mar any plants or trees. Collecting animal or plant life is
allowed only for scientific purposes by permit from the
Richmond headquarters. Don’t feed any wild animals.
ALCOHOL - State law permits alcohol use only in private
areas or in areas designated on permits issued by the
Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
PETS - Pets are permitted in enclosed areas or on a leash
no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pet. Pets
must be attended at all times. Pets are not allowed inside
facilities; service dogs are not considered pets.
DRONES AND OTHER AIRCRAFT - Drones, other unmanned
aerial vehicles, including remote control aircraft, and
aircraft in general may not be flown in state parks
pursuant to 4VAC5-30-400.
LITTER - Please help us keep the park clean by placing
litter and recyclables in the proper receptacles and
recycle centers or carrying out your trash. The releasing
of balloons is not allowed. Decorative balloons must be
deflated and disposed of as trash.
In an effort to reduce the impact on landfills, we
encourage the use of Leave No Trace Principles including
pack it in - pack it out.
FIRE - Help prevent wildfires. Fires must be confined to
grills, camp stoves or designated fire rings. Fires must
be attended at all times and extinguished when left.
Firewood is generally available for purchase at the park.
Campers and guests may collect only downed and dead
firewood. We enforce all seasonal and emergency bans on
open fires.
POLLUTION - Help reduce pollution. Dump stations,
laundry sinks and slop sinks, where available, are for the
proper disposal of wastewater. Please, no boat, RV or car
washing.
SWIMMING - There are no designated swimming areas in
the park.
FISHING - A valid fishing license is required. A Virginia
freshwater license is required for fishing Aquia Creek.
Virginia feshwater and saltwater, Potomac River Fisheries
Commission and Maryland Bay sport licenses are
honored for fishing the Potomac River.
For more information, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov or
contact the park office.
GUESTS - Your guests are our guests. For everyone’s safety
Parks or to make a cabin or campsite reservation, call
800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
and security, please register all visitors with the park
office. Visitors will not be admitted to camping areas
unless so identified. Visitors are permitted only between
6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
INFORMATION - For more information on Virginia State
The Customer Service Center is open Monday through
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on all state holidays.
QUIET HOURS - Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The use of generators is prohibited at all times.
Camping:
Check-in 4 p.m.
TRAIL INFORMATION
DIFFICULTY SCALE
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT POLICY
Check-out 1 p.m.
In many cases, campers may be accommodated prior to
the official check-in. Please remember that only those 18
or older may register. The registrant is responsible for all
occupants of the campsite. Feel free to arrive early and
enjoy park amenities prior to check-in.
Overnight guests are encouraged to be familiar with the
early departure policy since it impacts any refund due.
The policy and frequently asked questions are here:
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/faq.
CAMPING - Paddle-in camping is allowed only in the
designated campground and only after following the
proper check-in procedure. Campsite occupancy is a
maximum of six people or the number of people in a
single household. Two camping units are allowed per
campsite. All camping units and equipment must be
placed within the perimeter of the designated campsite
without infringing on adjoining campsites or vegetation.
The maximum overnight stay per park is 14 days in any
30-day period
PARKING - All vehicles must be parked in designated areas.
Lock valuables in your trunk and keep your vehicle
locked when unattended.
GROUP EVENTS - A Special Use Permit is required for all
group events that involve amplified sound, catering,
equipment rentals and vendor deliveries.
PARK ACCESSIBILITY - We strive to make each park as
barrier-free as possible. Universally accessible facilities
are available throughout Virginia State Parks. Please
check the park’s website for details.
EASY - From .5 to 1 mile; grades are short, typically
fewer than 100 feet and less than 10 percent of
the trail length; easily accomplished by all users,
including t
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Old Town Alexandria
EXPLORE
From the venerable Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the
Arlington National Cemetery landmarks to the well-known John
F. Kennedy Grave Site and Pentagon Memorial, visitors will get
their fill of history as they honor our country’s heroes. Don’t miss
the Netherlands Carillon in springtime as the tulip gardens come
to life; with hilltop views stretching past the Potomac to the
Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S Capitol, the
Carillon offers one of the best views in the area.
NORTHERN
VIRGINIA
84
I W O J I M A M E M O R I A L S TAT U E ( A R L I N G T O N ) : C A M E R O N D AV I D S O N / G O O D S T O N E I N N ( M I D D L E B U R G ) : J U M P I N G R O C K S P H O T O G R A P H Y
SPLURGE
K R I ST I N S U M M E R E R
Just south of the day-to-day buzz of our nation’s capital, NORTHERN VIRGINIA exudes its own historical charm and cherished
character. Immersed in the region’s rich history, urban skylines fade into rolling countrysides, encompassing everything you’d want
in a getaway – whether its live entertainment and nationally acclaimed restaurants, iconic historic sites and quaint Main Streets or
wine country and luxurious retreats ... or maybe a little of each.
Iwo Jima Memorial Statue—Arlington
Ready to feel like a million bucks? Treat yourself to a oncein-a-lifetime luxury experience at any number of charming
venues, like the Goodstone Inn. This 18-room, 265-acre estate is
minutes from wineries and will be remembered for its romantic
English and French Country décor and culinary feats at their
signature restaurant, The Conservatory. Create a bit of magic at
the whimsical Inn at Little Washington; while it hasn’t changed
much since George Washington’s day, the staff will exceed all
your modern expectations with welcome cocktails, afternoon
tea, champagne and more. Or try the Salamander Resort & Spa, a
timeless destination with 168 rooms boasting scenic countryside
views. Their spa treatments, private courtyard, heated pool,
equestrian facilities and culinary program are just the beginning
of your stay. Travel has never felt so luxurious!
UNWIND
REVEL
Known as “DC’s Wine
Country,” Loudoun County
boasts more than 40 awardwinning wineries and tasting
rooms, offering dozens of
delicious varietals to tickle
your tastebuds as you take
in the scenic views. Use their
Wine Trail Guide to plan your
vino-filled adventure, resting
your head at local inns and
B&Bs along the way. Did you
know that Loudon is also
known as “horse country?”
With the National Sporting
Library and Museum, as well
as horse trails, competitions,
themed hotels and eateries
and even horseback yoga,
equestrians and enthusiasts
have the perfect excuse for a
long weekend getaway.
For a night out on the town
in Alexandria, you’ll find
everything from live jazz
and blues to country line
dancing and live DJs spinning
tunes. Visit The Birchmere, an
intimate setting that’s hosted
the likes of Johnny Cash and
Esperanza Spalding. If you’re
in Arlington, head to the
Punch Bowl Social, located
in the renovated Ballston
Quarter Mall, where three
floors of fun await. Four bars,
scratch-to-craft restaurant
and entertainment (mini and
full-size bowling, karaoke,
ping-pong and arcade
games!) mean a fun-filled
evening with your significant
other or a great girls’/guys’
night out!
STROLL
Quaint Main Street communities will make you forget the
bustling urban city life that’s mere miles away. Culpeper,
founded in 1759, hosts a vibrant mix of locally-owned shops and
restaurants, while Fredericksburg will make you feel as though
you’ve stepped back in time with restored 18th-century buildings
and history at every turn. Manassas - one of five communities in
the U.S. to win a Great American Main Street award and once
completely destroyed by the Civil War - now boasts an art center,
gourmet food store and plenty more to enjoy. The colonial
village of Warrenton features more than 400 renovated buildings
with businesses and shops to peruse while taking in the sights.
Goodstone Inn—Middleburg
VIRGINIA .ORG
85
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
g
VG M E E T S E N V I R O N M E N TA L S TA N D A R D S O F T H E V I R G I N I A G R E E N P R O G R A M
q
u
O F F E R S A C C E S S F O R P E O P L E W H O A R E B L I N D O R H AV E L O W V I S I O N
b
BUSES/GROUP S WELCOME
c
$
P E T - F R I E N D LY FA C I L I T Y
P R O V I D E S P R I N T E D M AT E R I A L I N B R A I L L E
D
PROVIDES DES CRIPTIONS BY A TRAINED AUDIO DES CRIBER
P R O V I D E S A D E V I C E U S E D F O R C O M M U N I C AT I O N W I T H A N D B E T W E E N H E A R I N G I M PA I R E D
ADMISSION REQUIRED
I
s
W
PROVIDES SIGN LANGUAGE
PROVIDES ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS
ADA-COMPLIANT
Welcome Center at
Fredericksburg VG
15
Waterford
Purcellville
7
Hamilton
50
Hume
7
28
495
Herndon
McLean
Arlington
66
Falls
29
Church Alexandria
Manassas 123
Mount Vernon
BYP
Fairfax 1
234
50
66
17
211
Ashburn
15
Middleburg
Welcome Center
Environmental
Education
Virginia State Parks are premier
environmental education sites.
Schools, scouts, groups and individuals
are encouraged to come learn more
about their world. Backyard Classroom
programs, incorporating Virginia’s
Standards of Learning, promote
lifelong learning. They also help
young people enjoy, appreciate and
understand the outdoors.
Programs & Festivals
Master new outdoor cooking recipes.
Pan for gold or tour a cave. Learn or
improve outdoor skills. Enjoy a rangerled hike, eagle tour or owl prowl.
Workshops and events are as diverse
as the parks.
VIRGINIA
Discounts
Virginia State Parks are affordable every day, but annual passes
can save you money on parking, boat launching and swimming.
The Customer Loyalty Program lets you earn points that can be
redeemed for free or discounted overnight stays.
STATE PARKS
You can also receive a 25 percent discount on weekend cabins if you
make a reservation on Thursday or Friday, based on availability. Just
ask for the discount on the phone when you make the reservation.
Park Accessibility
Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as
possible. Contact the Customer Service Center or individual parks
for more information before your trip.
Pets
Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in
an enclosed area at all times. Cabin guests are charged $10 plus tax
per night per pet. No pet fee is charged for camping.
There’s plenty of history, too. Immerse
yourself in Colonial times, the Civil War
or the Underground Railroad. When
it comes to festivals, you’ll find music,
arts and crafts, local food and beverage,
classic cars and more. Up-to-theminute, comprehensive information is
available at www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Nature & History
All parks have trails, many with signs
explaining the environment. Wander
trails at First Landing through cypress
swamps or hike Caledon’s trails along
ridges and ravines through rare oldgrowth forest. Overlooks at Hungry
Mother, Grayson Highlands and Natural
Tunnel offer a glimpse of powerful
geological forces that shaped the land.
See how rivers shaped some parks, such
as Belle Isle, James River, Natural Bridge,
Powhatan and Westmoreland.
www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275)
www.virginiastateparks.gov
Shenandoah River
Seven Bends
Sky Meadows
540-622-6840
540-622-6840
540-592-3556
CT
•
CT
•
Douthat
540-862-8100
T
Natural Bridge
540-291-1326
Smith Mountain Lake
540-297-6066
•
540-854-5503
703-730-8205
703-339-2385
540-288-1400
•
B/E/H
•
B/H
•
B/E/H/U
VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS
•
• FP
•
•
•
•
B/E/H
H
• FP
•
•
B/H
•
•
•
B/E/H/U
•
H/U
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Lake Anna
Leesylvania
Mason Neck
Widewater
•
•
• FP
CT
•
•
•
•
B/H/U
•
•
•
UD
CT
CHESAPEAKE BAY
Belle Isle
Caledon
Machicomoco
Westmoreland
804-462-5030
540-663-3861
804-642-2419
804-493-8821
•
•
•
B/E/H/U
•
•
B/H
•
CT
•
• FP
•
B/H
• FP
•
P
B/H/U
COASTAL
Chippokes Plantation
False Cape
First Landing
York River
757-294-3728
757-426-7128
757-412-2300
757-566-3036
•
•
P
B/E/H/U
•
•
B/H/U
•
•
•
B/H
•
•
• FP
•
•
B/E/H/U
EASTERN SHORE
Photo courtesy Jackie Jamison
Kiptopeke
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Bear Creek Lake
High Bridge Trail
Holliday Lake
James River
Pocahontas
Powhatan
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield
Twin Lakes
(Cedar Crest Conference Center)
Boa
t La
unc
h
Boa
t Re
nta
ls
Fish
in g
Day
Use
O nl y
Play
grou
nds
Swi
mm
in g
Trai
ls
BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
757-331-2267
•
•
• FP
•
•
H/U/B
804-492-4410
434-315-0457
434-248-6308
434-933-4355
804-796-4255
804-598-7148
804-561-7510
434-392-3435
434-767-2398
T
•
•
•
•
B/E/H
T
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
T
•
•
•
•
•
CT
•
•
540-643-2500
276-579-7092
276-781-7400
276-781-7425
276-699-6778
276-699-6778
•
•
• FP
•
•
•
T
•
•
•
CT
•
•
•
•
B/H/U
B/E/H
•
B/H/U
B/E/H/U
•
SOUTHERN VIRGINIA
Fairy Stone
Occoneechee
Staunton River Battlefield
Staunton River
276-930-2424
434-374-2210
434-454-4312
434-572-4623
T
•
•
•
276-865-4413
276-254-5487
276-940-2674
276-940-2696
276-523-1322
276-445-3065
T
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
B/E/H
•
B/H/U
•
•
P
B/E/H
•
•
P
B/E/H
HEART OF APPALACHIA
Breaks Interstate
Clinch River
Natural Tunnel
(Cove Ridge Conference Center)
Southwest Virginia Museum
Wilderness Road
CT
•
•
•
•
B/H
•
P
B/H/U
H/U
•
B/E/H
TABLE LEGEND:
B Biking
CT Car-top Boat Launch
E Equestrian
FP Fishing Pier
H Hiking
P Pool Swimming
T Electric Motors Only
U Universally Accessible
UD Under Development
B/E/H
B/E/H/U
P
•
B/E/H/U
B/E/H
H
•
•
Many parks offer overnight facilities suitable
for reunions, weddings and special events.
Some parks even have equestrian campsites.
B/E/H/U
B/E/H/U
•
T
Claytor Lake
Grayson Highlands
Hungry Mother
(Hemlock Haven Conference Center)
New River Trail
Shot Tower
With lodges, cabins, yurts and campsites, the
fun doesn’t end at sundown. Many cabins are
available year-round, and most campgrounds
ar
Hotel Weyanoke—Farmville
Small Towns,
Local charm, cozy curios and open arms make
these small towns in Virginia worth exploring.
Character
WRITTEN BY MARY & BILL BURNHAM
T
KYLE LAFERRIERE
10
he phrase “small town” evokes
nostalgia, authenticity and heartfeltwarmth in many of us. What’s not to
love? They are authentic, accessible, friendly
and stocked with locally-owned businesses.
These are communities where you can get off
the crowded highway, park the car and walk,
ride a bike or even kayak through downtown.
Small, family-run businesses offer one-of-
a-kind handmade items, from jewelry and art
to craft beers and wine. Farmers markets offer
locally-grown produce and seafood spring
through fall.
With almost 200 incorporated towns,
dozens more villages and hamlets, plus
nearly 30 designated Virginia Main Street
Communities, the hard part is deciding which
Virginia towns to visit.
VIRGINIA .ORG
11
Here are some of
our favorites,
d ending
starting in southwest Virginia, an
metown
with a shameless plug for our ho
on the Eastern Shore.
High Bridge Trail State Park—Farmville
Harrisonburg
Big Stone Gap
12
Farmville
HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK (FARMVILLE): ALI ZAMAN /
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM (BIG STONE GAP): JASON BARNETTE
June Tolliver House and Art Folk Center—Big Stone Gap
Southwest Virginia Museum—Big Stone Gap
JUNE TOLLIVER HOUSE (BIG STONE GAP): TIM COX
Southwest Virginia’s coal-mining history
comes to life in the “Trail of the Lonesome
Pine,” Virginia’s longest-running outdoor
drama, performed Thursday through
Saturday nights, late June through August.
Before you go, be sure to read the Big
Stone Gap novels by Adriana Trigiani, or
watch the Hollywood film by the same name
starring Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg.
Upon arrival, you can visit places featured
in the film, such as Mutual Pharmacy, the
Book Mobile, the Farmers Market, as well as
the outdoor drama.
Fine, well-preserved period homes house
The John Fox Jr. Museum, the Southwest
Virginia Museum and the June Tolliver House.
Cozy B&Bs, cafes and a variety of antique
and curio shops round out this small town
gem.
Fun Festival: 100th annual Tri State
Singing Convention, June
This formerly industrial town has been reinvented
for recreation, craft beverage and shopping lovers.
The Appomattox River that once carried tobacco
barges is now a designated Scenic River carrying
paddlers in search of whitewater or the calmer
four-mile Farmville Blueway.
The railroad that once carried coal now carries
hikers, bikers and equestrians on the 30-mile-long
High Bridge Trail State Park.
Repurposed tobacco packing houses and
lumber warehouses are reincarnated to house
Appomattox River Company, Green Front Furniture
and the Third Street Brewing Company, serving up
local beer, live music, games for the kids and a
pet-friendly beer garden.
Together with the Virginia Tasting Cellar and
the soon-to-open second location of James River
Brewing, Farmville is fast becoming a destination
for craft beverage lovers.
Fun Festival: Heart of Virginia Festival, May
Set amidst the vast playground of the
idyllic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg
has been called “one of the best mountain
bike towns in America” by National
Geographic.
Forward-thinking entrepreneurs and
artisans have blended the past with the
present to create a lively melting pot that
is distinctive to this college town.
Named Virginia’s first Culinary
District in 2014, Harrisonburg’s cultural
diversity serves up fare from around the
world, while taking advantage of locallysourced farm-to-table ingredients. Food.
Bar.Food features “global comfort food,”
while a mother-daughter team creates soulsoothing pastries at Heritage Bakery & Café.
The arts scene is equally diverse,
epitomized by the Agora Downtown Market,
a community of small businesses under
one roof in an historic building.
Named for James Madison, fourth
president and the “Father of the
Constitution,” are the stunning Hotel
Madison and James Madison University
(JMU), where nearly 20,000 students lend
a youthful vitality to this historic town.
Fun Festival: Harrisonburg
International Festival, September
VIRGINIA .ORG
13
Within Virginia’s
larger cities,
find pockets of
uniqueness that
make you feel
like you’re in a
small town!
ROANOKE’S HISTORIC
GRANDIN VILLAGE
This walkable urban village is
eclectic and family-friendly at
the same time. Spend Saturday
morning at the Community
Market, dine on an outdoor
patio, shop independentlyowned boutiques and take in
a first-run or classic film at the
1930s Grandin Theatre.
RICHMOND’S
SCOTT’S ADDITION
One of the hottest, newly
revitalized neighborhoods in
the state capital. Warehouses
converted to breweries, cideries
and distilleries, bold street
murals, a cinema and a retro
bowling alley make this a
happening night scene.
Immerse yourself in Virginia’s Lake
Country at Virginia’s only lakeside
town. Buggs Island Lake, also known as
Kerr Reservoir, draws anglers to dozens
of fishing tournaments yearl