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Hayfields State Park marks formal grand opening: Virginia’s 44th state park

Chris Graham
Hayfields State Park
Hayfields State Park. Photo: Virginia State Parks

Hayfields State Park in Highland County is now open to the public, as the 44th state park in Virginia.

The park is located on a 1,034-acre property previously known as Hayfields Reserve, which was acquired by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation in 2017 with the assistance of The Conservation Fund.

The scene is idyllic, with the park tucked between Bullpasture Mountain and Jack Mountain at an elevation ranging from 1,800 to 2,400 feet.

The park features a mix of heavily wooded mountain land, valley pastures, and several structures, including an 19th century farmhouse. The Bullpasture River flows through the property for roughly a mile and is home to numerous threatened and endangered species.

“Hayfields is a remarkable property, and we are proud to have played a role in ensuring its permanent protection and transfer to DCR,” said Brett Glymph, the executive director of Virginia Outdoors Foundation. “VOF’s mission is to conserve Virginia’s special places, and this park is a shining example of how partnerships can transform conserved lands into public treasures.”

The park currently features four miles of easy-to-moderate hiking and biking trails, and fishing access along the Bullpasture River.

While the park is open daily from dawn to dusk, the park office operates on limited hours.

Visitors are encouraged to call 540-396-4489 to confirm office availability before their arrival.

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].