|
Home >
Travel >
State Parks >
Virginia >
Hungry Mother
State Park |
|
|
State Park Overview:
Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its woodlands and
lake. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, this park has folklore and history,
swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking and the park system抯
first conference center, Hemlock Haven.
Much of the land for Hungry Mother State Park was donated by local landowners to
develop a new state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek. The park is one
of the six original CCC parks that opened in June 1936.
Picnicking:
This park offers three shelters for rent through the Reservations Center at
1-800-933-PARK (in Richmond, 225-3867). They can be rented from 8 a.m. to 10
p.m. (all day), or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. (half-days). Shelter 3
is large and can be rented in two separate sections. The park's amphitheater can
also be rented (see below under "special offerings"). Parking and swimming fees
are not included in shelter or amphitheater rental. All shelters are available
April 1-October 31; at other times they are available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Shelter amenities include charcoal grill, picnic tables,
electical outlets, fireplace, lights and access to restrooms.
Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then,
there's a cancellation fee.
Shelter 1 - This handicapped accessible shelter is a favorite because it's
closest to the beach, playground, boat rentals, restaurant and handicapped
accessible restrooms. It overlooks the lake and accommodates 75. Amenities
include electrical outlets, a fireplace at each end, a large Texas size grill
and 12 picnic tables. Around the shelter are tables not for rent; they're taken
on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Shelter 2 - This secluded shelter accommodates 75. There are tables located
around the shelter that are not reserved and are take on a first-come,
first-served basis. This shelter, near parking lot 5, is tucked in the woods
just past the restaurant and near the boat rental area and the amphitheater. It
is often used along with weddings held at the amphitheater. It features
electrical outlets, fireplaces at each end, a large Texas-sized grill and 12
picnic tables.
Shelter 3 - Shelter 3, the largest, accommodates 40 on each of its two sides (a
& b - but it can be rented in whole). There are tables located around the
shelter that are not rented and are take on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are electrical outlets on each side of the shelter; brick fireplaces
separate two halves of shelter. This shelter is not handicapped accessible. It
has a large Texas-sized grill and six picnic tables at each end of the shelter.
It is near parking lot 6 and the restrooms. The restrooms are not handicapped
accessible.
Boating:
Boat launching is available for non-gasoline powered boats. A boat launching
ramp and handicapped accessible fishing pier have been developed. In addition,
canoes and paddleboats are available for rent during the summer. Boat rentals
for canoes, paddleboats and electric powered Jonboats operate Memorial Day
through Labor Day 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and weekends through October (weather
permitting).
Swimming:
Open during the summer, the swimming beach is complete with a bathhouse and
concession area. From Memorial Day through Labor Day only, the beach and snack
bar are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on
weekends and holidays. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in
campsites, cabins and the lodge, however it cannot be guaranteed should
circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do
not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.
Fishing and Hunting:
Hungry Mother is well-known for fishing. A valid Virginia fishing license is
required.
History of the Area:
John D. and Mildred Lincoln donated 1,881 acres to the state for the
establishment of a state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek in 1933.
Later that year the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began construction of
Hungry Mother and five other state parks. Roads, trails, picnic areas, cabins, a
restaurant, bathhouse, dam and sanitation system were all built by the 600 CCC
men at the park between 1933 and 1941. On June 13, 1936, the six-park Virginia
State Park System was officially dedicated with public opening ceremonies at
Hungry Mother State Park in Smyth County. More than 5,000 turned out to see the
park as Governor George Peery and State Park Director Robert Burson officiated.
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 raiders� 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 Molly抯 Knob, and the stream is Hungry Mother Creek. |
|
|
|
