Hungry Mother State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Long a family favorite known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains, Hungry Mother has a sandy beach with bathhouse, boat rentals (fishing, canoe, kayak and paddle), a boat launch and a universally accessible fishing pier. Guests also enjoy its campgrounds, cabins, gift shops, visitor center, six-bedroom family lodge that sleeps 15, hiking and biking trails, and restaurant. Hungry Mother is also home to the Hemlock Haven Conference Center, available for retreats, conferences and special events. Catering is available.

The Legend of Hungry Mother

Legend has it that when the Native Americans destroyed several settlements on the New River south of the park, Molly Marley and her small child were among the survivors taken to the raidersu2019 base north of the park. They eventually escaped, wandering through the wilderness eating berries. Molly finally collapsed, and her child wandered down a creek until the child found help. The only words the child could utter were "Hungry Mother." The search party arrived at the foot of the mountain where Molly collapsed to find the child's mother dead. Today that mountain is Mollyu2019s Knob, and the stream is Hungry Mother Creek.

Hemlock Haven Conference Center: 276-781-7425 - Reserved by Hemlock Haven.

This in-holding of Hungry Mother State Park, long serving as an Episcopal Church camp, was purchased by the state in 1986. After considerable refurbishing, the facility opened in 1989.

Facilities include meeting rooms, cabins, a sports complex and picnic area. Packages and fees vary. Call the conference center at (276) 781-7425 for more information and reservations. Cabins are reserved through the State Parks Customer Service Center, 1-800-933-PARK. Catering is available through the Hungry Mother Restaurant.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: Hungry Mother State Park is in Smyth County. To get to the park, take Exit 47 from Interstate 81. Travel approximately one mile on Route 11 toward Marion. Turn right on Route 16 north and travel four miles to the park. Register at the Discovery Center.

Drive Time: Northern Va., six hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, six hours; Roanoke, two hours; Bristol, Va., 45 minutes; Charlotte, N.C., three hours.

TADA Accessible: Yes

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Baseball/Softball Field, Open Space, Trails, Volleyball, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking/Canoeing, Paddle Boarding, Horseshoe Pits, ADA Accessible

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, Picnic Tables, Grills, Food for Sale

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Some

Playground Surface Type: Mulch

Swimming: Natural Area (lake, beach)

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Nature Center, Historic Site, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Amphitheater, Bath House, Rental Equipment, Gazebo, Foot Bridge

Trash Cans: Yes

Food for Sale Type: Snack Shop, Restaurant

Camping: Tent, RV, Groups

Camping Amenities: Running Water, Overnight Camping, Fires Allowed, Fire Rings, Firewood Available, Grills, RV Hookups

TRAILS:

Trail Description: Hiking, bicycle trails and self-guided trails. More than 17 miles of trails are open year-round.

Trail Surface: Paved & Unpaved

Trail Activities: TRACK Trail, Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Mountain Biking, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Difficult

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: Over 10 miles

Trail Shade: Some

Trail Slope: Flat/Gentle, Moderate, Steep

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Mountain Biking Features

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Open Space Shade: Some

Natural Water Feature: Pond/Lake, Creek/Stream, Shoreline/Beach