Hungry Mother State Park VA (What to See and Do)

If you’re looking for a perfect Virginia getaway with a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and natural beauty, Hungry Mother State Park is the place to be. Located in the heart of Smyth County, this state park offers stunning trails, a beautiful lake for swimming, boating, and fishing, and unique events like the annual Hungry Mother Festival. Whether hiking, attending the festival, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

Keep reading to learn the legend behind the park’s unusual name and find the must-do things while you visit.

How Did Hungry Mother State Park Get Its Name?

Local legend has it that a pioneer named Molly Marley and her young child were captured by a Native American tribe and taken to their camp in the mountains. After a brave escape, Molly and her child wandered through the woods, searching for food and shelter. Exhausted, Molly eventually collapsed. Desperate for help, the child followed a creek and found rescuers, only able to say, “Hungry Mother.” A search party found Molly’s body at the foot of the mountain near the creek.

The mountain was later named Molly’s Knob, and the creek, Hungry Mother Creek. The park itself was first named Forest Lake, then Southwest Virginia Lake, and finally, just before opening, it became Hungry Mother State Park.

Lake Life Adventures

SWIM: The park’s 108-acre lake is a favorite spot for visitors, and the swimming beach is typically open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Changing areas and lockers are provided.

FISH: Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line for various fish, including largemouth bass, spotted bass, muskie, walleye, and catfish. A valid Virginia fishing license is required.

PADDLE: You can rent a paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or hydro-bike at the dock or bring your own non-motorized watercraft.

Trailblazing Treks

HIKE: Hungry Mother State Park offers nearly a dozen trails for scenic walks or challenging hikes with breathtaking views. The 6-mile Lake Trail, which mostly loops around the shoreline, is great for beginners with a relatively flat first mile. After that, the trail includes steeper elevation gains and switchbacks but remains moderate overall. For a real challenge, tackle the 2-mile Molly’s Knob Trail, leading to the park’s highest point and an absolutely stunning panoramic view that makes the climb worth every step.

BIKE: The park also features a developing mountain biking trail system, a rarity in Virginia State Parks!

I loved the view from the pedestrian bridge!

If you cross the bridge, you’ll reach the amphitheater and yet another gorgeous view of the lake. When I visited, the leaves were just turning colors—gorgeous!

Discovery Center Standouts

2854 Park Blvd, Marion, VA 24354

Explore the exhibits to learn about local wildlife and get an up-close look at the resident hellbender, a large salamander found in the Appalachian Mountains’ rocky, clear streams and rivers. I visited the Discovery Center two days in a row to see the hellbender, but it was hiding under a rock both times!

Other exhibits detail the park’s rich CCC history. And, of course, there’s a great gift shop with souvenirs of all kinds.

Historic CCC Structures

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was crucial in developing Hungry Mother State Park during the 1930s. They were responsible for building park facilities, creating trails, and damming Hungry Mother Creek to form the lake, which became a central feature of the park. Their work transformed the area into the scenic and recreational destination it is today.

I saw several informational signs along the paved portion of the Lake Trail, which included intriguing tidbits about the CCC’s park involvement.

Love Civilian Conservation Corps history? Lake Murray State Park in Ardmore, Oklahoma, is another fabulous state park with interesting and unusual CCC structures.

SCAVENGER HUNT: Every parking lot at Hungry Mother State Park features a median shaped like a tool used by the CCC workers who built the park. Take a fun scavenger hunt tour and see if you can spot them all!

Special Events

Hungry Mother State Park offers a variety of engaging interpretive programs and workshops. Join canoe tours, nature and night hikes, yoga, music, and arts and crafts events. There’s always something fun and educational happening. Check the event calendar for details.

Mark your calendar for the Hungry Mother Festival! This popular Arts and Crafts Festival, held annually on the third full weekend of July, is a major draw. It features live music, artisan booths, food trucks, and fun activities. July 19-21, 2024