Break Description
Spend your 2025 Fall Break exploring Hungry Mother State Park, one of Virginia’s original state parks. Nestled in the scenic mountains of southwestern Virginia, this park was among the very first six state parks opened in June 1936 thanks to the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). With its 108-acre lake, sandy beach, and miles of trails, the park offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, outdoor education, and history.
Hungry Mother County residents and visitors alike helped establish this beloved park by donating land, laying the foundation for decades of recreation and conservation. The park captures the spirit of the CCC’s legacy, preserving the environment while providing the public with access to nature, and remains a living testament to that era.
During this break, participants get to give back to the park through trail maintenance projects. Many of Hungry Mother’s are ready for some restoration work, so volunteers will help with hands-on tasks like pruning overgrown branches and roots, digging out new drainages, and shaping berms to keep the paths safe and sustainable for future visitors. Along the way, participants will also learn from park staff about the importance of conservation, outdoor recreation, and the legacy of Virginia’s state park system.
After a day on the trails, evenings wind down on site in rustic cabins surrounded by forest and the calm of lakefront sunsets. Whether you're discovering the story behind the park’s unusual name, soaking in the legacy of the CCC, or learning the rhythms of local ecosystems, this fall break promises to be both enriching and restorative. Come ready to explore, reflect, and be part of the enduring tradition of Hungry Mother State Park.
Focus on: Preserving the Environment and Biodiversity
Community: Marion, VA
Leaders: Emily LaBar & Charlotte Bronaugh
Cost: $100 (need-based financial assistance is available)
What type of travel will this break use? Domestic Driving
What kind of break is this? Weekend Break
Departure Date: 10-22-2025
Return Date: 10-24-2025
What community partner will you be working with? Hungry Mother State Park
Currently Offered?: Yes
Office Hours
Mon - Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
