Sweet Run State Park
Virginia's newest state park, offering scenic Blue Ridge Mountain views, diverse trails, and a nature play area for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Sweet Run State Park
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Virginia's newest state park, offering scenic Blue Ridge Mountain views, diverse trails, and a nature play area for families.
"A beautiful new park with great trails, but be prepared for developing conditions and tick season!"
🚗 Parking Fees
Regular car parking is $10. Consider an annual pass if you plan frequent visits to save money.
🥾 Stream Crossings
Be prepared for stream crossings on some trails; waterproof shoes are recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blue Ridge Mountain Views
Various overlooks
Enjoy expansive vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a serene backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
Sweet Run Creek Trails
Lower Sweet Run Trail
Explore trails that meander alongside Sweet Run Creek, featuring lush forests and meadows. Be ready for stream crossings!
Nature Play Area
Near picnic pavilion
A dedicated space for children to connect with nature, perfect for families looking for interactive outdoor fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
New Park, Developing Trails
Equestrian & Tick Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Regular car parking is $10. Consider an annual pass if you plan frequent visits to save money.
🥾 Stream Crossings
Be prepared for stream crossings on some trails; waterproof shoes are recommended.
🐎 Equestrian Trails
Watch for horse droppings on shared trails. The Sawmill entrance is primarily for horse trailers.
🦟 Tick Prevention
This area is tick-infested. Wear protective clothing and use repellent, especially with kids and dogs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Regular car parking is $10. Consider an annual pass if you plan frequent visits to save money.
🥾 Stream Crossings
Be prepared for stream crossings on some trails; waterproof shoes are recommended.
🐎 Equestrian Trails
Watch for horse droppings on shared trails. The Sawmill entrance is primarily for horse trailers.
🦟 Tick Prevention
This area is tick-infested. Wear protective clothing and use repellent, especially with kids and dogs.
🗺️ Trail Development
The park is still developing. Some trails are pristine, others less maintained. Check signage.
🌿 Nature Therapy
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty for a refreshing escape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sweet Run State Park is praised for its beautiful scenery, well-marked trails, and peaceful atmosphere, offering a great escape into nature. However, some visitors note that the $10 parking fee is high for a park still under development, and certain trails can be challenging with uncleared paths and stream crossings. The presence of ticks and horse droppings on shared trails are also points of caution.
"This is a pretty awesome state park with lots of trails and a cool creek. The trails are well marked. The trails are rocky in some parts and in other areas horses are allowed on the trails so watch out for their droppings. There are well maintained restrooms near the parking area."
robert Snow
"TL;DR: don’t forget to pay the fee!! Beautiful park though.
When I entered the parking lot, I was too busy focusing on the extremely uneven, gravel road (I drive a low-ride, thin-tire civic, which makes roads like these awful) to notice the fee sign. Apparently the stop sign was meant for customers to look at the signs vice look for oncoming vehicle or pedestrian traffic, which is what stop signs are literally made for. The park was beautiful and pleasant, but when I got back to my car I saw I had been ticketed since I didn’t pay the fee. Being a government-funded park, I had figured my hard-earned tax payments would’ve funded public parks like this, but I guess they just want to squeeze out every last dollar they can. There are free, similar parks closer to my home—not to mention the completely FREE Appalachian Trail, which is nearby this park—so I won’t be visiting this one again. If you do, make sure to pay the fee!!"
Kaleb Windsor
"Sweet Run State Park is still in the development stages of it's Master Plan. We came in the entrance which only has 4 parking spots and checked the signage and map and decided to drive down to the Sawmill entrance, because we wanted to hike the upper and lower sweet run trails. The parking for a regular car is $10, which is a lot for what the park is right now. Only a few VA State parks are $10 to park and they're the most popular ones ie First Landing, Lake Anna, Sky Meadows etc. If we didn't have an annual pass I doubt we would be back. The sawmill entrance is mostly for horse trailers with a few regular spots for cars. There is a portapotty and one picnic table at the sawmill entrance. The Upper Sweet Run Trail is very nice and well cleared. The trail signage is new, beautiful and well marked. The Lower Sweet Run Trail was not cleared or mowed and very narrow. The Lower Sweet Run Trail has 2 places where you are required to cross the stream and there are no stepping stones, boardwalk or bridge. The stream is approximately 4-6 feet across and even though we read other reviews that stated we needed water proof shoes we weren't prepared for walking directly in the water, especially with a six year old. It seems the park, at the moment, is geared more towards equestrian trail goers and on the narrower trails it's hard to avoid horse manure (this may be due to the entrance and trails we picked, but I feel like people need to be aware.) Also, it's important for us to note the park is in a highly tick infested area and even with the proper clothing and protection we still had about 5-15 ticks on each of us at the end of the hike, so be aware when hiking with kids and dogs. We are interested in hiking the Farmstead and Legacy Loop if we were to go back."
Ryanne Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sweet Run State Park is located at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro, VA. It's about 4 miles from Harpers Ferry, WV. 
Public transport options are limited for reaching Sweet Run State Park. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
There are two main entrances: the main entrance with limited parking and restrooms, and the Sawmill entrance, which is primarily for horse trailers but has a few car spots and a portapotty.
Yes, it's considered a great hiking spot somewhat convenient to the DMV area, offering beautiful scenery for a day trip.
Some visitors have noted construction on Route 340, which may affect travel to the park. It's advisable to check local traffic conditions before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking for regular cars is $10. This fee is higher than many other VA State Parks, so an annual pass might be cost-effective for frequent visitors.
Virginia State Parks offer annual passes which can be a good value if you plan to visit multiple parks throughout the year.
Operating hours can vary, but state parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. It's recommended to check the official Virginia State Parks website for the most current hours.
While the park itself is a natural resource, there is a parking fee for regular vehicles.
Yes, the park is still in development stages. While most trails are accessible, some may be less maintained.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Upper Sweet Run Trail, which is well-cleared and marked. The Lower Sweet Run Trail is narrower and involves stream crossings. Many trails offer scenic views and opportunities to explore along streams.
Yes, dogs are allowed in Sweet Run State Park but must be kept on a leash. Be aware of horse droppings on shared trails.
Amenities include well-maintained restrooms near the main parking area, a picnic pavilion, a nature play area for children, and a fish pond.
The park's diverse habitats, including forests and meadows, make it a good location for observing local wildlife and birds.
Yes, the park features 9 miles of equestrian trails, and the Sawmill entrance is particularly geared towards horse trailers.
🎫 🦟 Health & Safety
Yes, the park is located in a highly tick-infested area. It's crucial to take precautions such as wearing long sleeves, pants, and using insect repellent.
Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily, tuck pants into socks, and use EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin. Check yourself, your children, and your pets thoroughly after your visit.
Be aware of uneven terrain, rocky sections, and stream crossings. On trails shared with horses, watch for droppings.
Potable water is available at the main parking area restrooms. Always check signage for specific water availability.
Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Never feed wild animals. If you encounter a bear or other large animal, remain calm and slowly back away.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Picnic pavilions are available for family gatherings, and the restrooms are conveniently located. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
+1 While the park is still developing, many trails are well-marked, though some may require stream crossings. 🐎 Equestrians
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails at Sweet Run
For those seeking a less crowded experience, consider exploring trails that are not directly adjacent to the main parking areas.
Key Takeaways for Trail Exploration:
* Trail Variety: From well-maintained paths to more rugged routes.
* Stream Crossings: Be prepared for water on some trails.
* Equestrian Use: Share trails respectfully with horses.
* Tick Awareness: Essential for all hikers.
* Park Development: Conditions are evolving; check maps and signage.
Family Fun and Amenities
This space is designed to encourage imaginative play and connection with the outdoors. Alongside the play area, the park features picnic pavilions, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a birthday celebration. While the park is still developing, its natural beauty provides ample opportunities for exploration. The trails offer varying degrees of difficulty, and some are suitable for younger hikers, provided they are accompanied and supervised.
The presence of streams and wooded areas can make for exciting discoveries for curious kids. It's important to note the park's tick prevalence, so ensure children are protected with appropriate clothing and repellent. Family-Friendly Features:
* Nature Play Area: For interactive outdoor fun.
* Picnic Pavilions: Perfect for family meals.
* Accessible Restrooms: Convenient for families.
* Varied Trails: Some suitable for younger hikers.
* Tick Protection: Crucial for children's safety.
Understanding the Park's Development
+1 Formerly known as the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, its transformation into a state park means ongoing improvements and trail enhancements. This developmental stage means that while some areas are pristine and well-maintained, others might be less developed, requiring visitors to be more prepared. Visitors have noted that the park is geared more towards equestrian trail users in some sections, with the Sawmill entrance primarily serving horse trailers.
As development continues, the park is expected to offer even more amenities and improved trail systems for all visitors to enjoy. Key Aspects of Park Development:
* Newest State Park: Still evolving and improving.
+1* Former Stewardship Center: Transitioning into a public park.
* Trail Conditions Vary: Some trails are developed, others less so.
* Equestrian Focus: Certain areas cater to horses.
* Ongoing Enhancements: Future improvements are planned.
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