You must visit Staunton State Park

I was there today, working on an article for the Fairplay Flume and I have to say that this park is a gem in the state park system.

Took a 2.1 mile hike... met a lot of nice people on the trails (I didn't even see a single cell phone glued to the hands of the juveniles )... and had a sit down conversation with the park manager.

Was working on an article about fall and winter activities in Staunton... I collected some interesting information... catch it in the "Winter in the Park" special magazine coming out soon in the Fairplay Flume.

I am hoping we will be able to snowshoe at the park this winter. I'm sure you covered that in your conversation with the park manager. Thanks for the head's up on the article.

Yep.

I have heard so many good things about the park. I really need to get over there. Maybe a hike with the grandkids is in order.

I went once. It was not long after they first opened and parking was a nightmare (20-25 minute wait to get in they announced to the folks coming in as I was leaving). My wife took the dogs a few weeks back and was also not that impressed (yet). I understand that there is still quite a bit to do before the park plan is finally completed, (back country trail improvements and remote camping areas, etc). I don't understand the problem with the ponds they created and now need to re-configured. This park looks like it will get hammered with crowds when fully completed. I will plan my visits on days when the crowds will be thinner.

Photo-fish wrote: I went once. It was not long after they first opened and parking was a nightmare (20-25 minute wait to get in they announced to the folks coming in as I was leaving). My wife took the dogs a few weeks back and was also not that impressed (yet). I understand that there is still quite a bit to do before the park plan is finally completed, (back country trail improvements and remote camping areas, etc). I don't understand the problem with the ponds they created and now need to re-configured. This park looks like it will get hammered with crowds when fully completed. I will plan my visits on days when the crowds will be thinner.

There was not a problem with parking in any of the lots, although I would admit that the lots are a bit small and I can see how on holiday weekends or peak summer season they could be tight.

I took the complete 2.1 mile Davis Pond trail and I found it well graded and maintained. I haven't examined the other trails so I can't comment on their condition.

And you are correct the park plan is not complete and it won't be until 2014 until most of the intended work is complete.

I don't know what they are going to do about expanding the parking. I can't see the park getting any less use, so they are going to have to be able to handle the crowds.

My article doesn't really deal with the park plan, just activities available in the fall/winter.

You may want to search the Fairplay Flume website and search for the article on the park, they did a fair share of reporting. You may find some answers to your questions.

Thanks. I look forward to reading the article.

We have tried several times to go but parking lot is full. Tried weekdays too.