Located at the foothills of the Roanoke Valley in western Virginia, the city of Salem, VA is surrounded by rugged scenery, beautiful nature reserves, and plenty of nearby destinations where you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities with your family or a group of friends. If you are planning a trip around the region, here are three fantastic state parks you can reach in less than two hour’s drive from the city center.
1. Claytor Lake State Park
Sitting on the shores of an artificial reservoir fed by the New River, Claytor Lake State Park is a popular destination among Salem residents. Covering an area of a little over 470 acres, this nature reserve is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and is open to visitors year-round between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.
Claytor Lake State Park is located about 40 miles southwest of downtown Salem and can be reached in just 45 minutes by car via route I-81. Some of the attractions you can find here include a full-service marina, a visitor center, a swimming beach, interpretive programs, and public boat launches. Although this place can be easily visited as part of a day trip, camping areas and lakeside cabins are available for rent
2. Douthat State Park
Located about 50 miles north of the Salem city center, Douthat State Park is a sprawling nature reserve that can be reached in about one hour by car via route US-220. Developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this public recreation area sits in the heart of the Allegheny Mountain range and offers a plethora of activities for nature lovers.
Encompassing an area of over 4,500 acres, Douthat State Park is a wonderful destination for hiking and mountain biking, boasting an extensive network of well-maintained trails. Other popular activities among visitors include swimming, boating, fishing, selective hunting, and picnicking. A true paradise for birders and wildlife photographers, this place provides habitat to several species of birds and mammals.
3. Natural Bridge State Park
An expansive nature reserve known for its impressive 215-foot-high natural limestone arch, this state park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 and is a fantastic destination to spend a day or a weekend away from the city. Besides the famous arch, this place also features scenic waterfalls and several hiking trails. Getting here from Salem takes about 40 minutes via route I-81.
With a powerful V8 engine and intelligent 4WD, the 2023 GMC Yukon is a great vehicle to explore the most remote nature reserves in Virginia and beyond. Visit us today at Hart Motors GMC and check out this and other fantastic new and pre-owned models we have available for you.
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