Fairy Stone State Park

The furbulous Fairy Stone State Park is home to 4,741-acres of land that calls out to be explored! Two legged and four legged adventurers in Virginia will find lots of outdoor fun to be had in this puptastic park named for its legendary fairy stones. Legend has it that when the fairies who lived in this region heard about Christ's death, they wept tears that turned into these cross like stones. In truth, fairy stones are staurolite, which consists of silica, iron and aluminum that when under a great heat form into these cross like structures.

Take a hike with your pup and camera, and hunt these elusive stones for yourself. The park features plenty of trails to wear out your furry adventurer. The Stuart's Knob trail system has about 4 miles of trails to the north that's for hikers only, while the Little Mountain trail system offer 12 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Head to the Staurolite Hunt Site to find the fairy treasures in the southern area of the park. 

Fairy Stone Lake also hosts tons of boating throughout the warm summer months, with any watercraft welcome to drop anchor. Guests can bring their pets along for some fun on the water, but they must be leashed up whenever they are on the dock or boat slips. Boat rentals are also offered here, with discounts offered to cabin guests and campsites renters. If you would enjoy getting some fishing in, there are an assortment of breeds to catch including panfish, bluegill, and crappie. Be sure you have a Virginia freshwater fishing license, which can be purchased at the camp store. There is a swimming area for the human, but pups are prohibited. Swimming outside of the designated area is also prohibited.

For those who fancy an overnight stay, there are several options, most of which are dog-friendly. From the lodge, cabins and yurts to various campsites, there's something for every taste. Access to the park carries a daily fee of $7 for a regular passenger vehicle, or you can get an annual pass for $75 which is good at all Virginia State Parks.

Wherever you go inside this woofderful state park, keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length, or inside a tent or overnight building. Bring all the essentials for a fun and safe adventure, including water to share and clean-up bags, and always pick up after your dog. 

Get out into the gorgeous Virginia forests and plan a trip to the Fairy Stone State Park with your pup!