Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its woodlands and 108-acre Hungry Mother Lake. In fact, the lake has a reputation for having the best Northern Pike fishing in the state. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, this park has folklore and history, swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, horse rentals, hiking and the park system's first conference center, Hemlock Haven. More than 12 miles of trails are open year-round, including horseback trails for horses rented through the park concessionaire. Much of the land for Hungry Mother State Park was donated by local landowners to develop a new state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek. The park is one of the six original CCC parks that opened in June 1936.

• Take a guided horseback ride, beginning at Hungry Mother Riding Stables.