Hayfields State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- dcr.virginia.gov(540) 396-4489
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Hayfields State Park is a park in Highland County, about 28 miles west of Staunton.
Popular activities here are hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 4 miles, according to the park.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | — |
Official wording
The park is open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Pets
'Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of our parks.' 'Leashes may be no longer than 6 feet.' 'Pets are not permitted in yurts.' 'There is a $20 additional nightly charge per pet for cabin stays. There is no additional charge for pets in campgrounds.'
Statewide rule from Virginia's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
'A parking fee is required to enter most Virginia State Parks.' False Cape, Natural Bridge, Sailor's Creek Battlefield, Staunton River Battlefield and Southwest Virginia Museum do not charge parking, but Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum charge admission.
Statewide fee rule from Virginia's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Virginia park passes
- Naturally Yours Passport — $85. Parking and admission for 12 months to all State Parks (admission for up to 4 at Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum) Details
- Senior Naturally Yours Passport — $40. Parking and admission for 12 months, age 62+ Details
- Naturally Yours Passport for Boaters/Equestrians — $180. Parking plus boat-launch / horse-trailer fees for 12 months Details
- Senior Naturally Yours Passport for Boaters/Equestrians — $145. As above, age 62+ Details
From the Virginia state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Virginia State Parks reservation system (reservevaparks.com)
- Phone
- 800-933-7275
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
Camping
None.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
Cabins
None.
Lodges
None.
Yurts
None.
Camping Cabin
None.
Bunkhouse
None.
Things to do
Hiking
Trails
The park currently hosts 4 miles of trails with more under development. Enjoy a peaceful, easy stroll along Riverside Trail (1 mile loop) or Bear Pond Trail (1-mile loop) or be challenged on Eagles Rest Trail which hosts an overlook with stunning views of the Bullpasture River and valley. Lastly, Laurel Loop trail (1-mile) will take you into the woods to see mountain laurel and other vibrant plants.
Swimming
There are no designated swimming areas at this time.
Boating, paddling and fishing
The park hosts one mile of riverfrontage along the Bullpasture River, famous for its trout flyfishing access. A state freshwater fishing license and trout stamp are required.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Parking
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 524 Hayfields Lane
McDowell, VA 24458 - Nearest town
- Staunton — about 28 mi west (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 38.2619, -79.5529
- Phone
- (540) 396-4489
- Hayfields@dcr.virginia.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
Coming from Staunton/Churchville VA: • Take Rte. 250 through Churchville. You will then cross Shenandoah Mountain, Shaw’s Ridge, and Bullpasture Mountain. • Once over Bullpasture Mountain you will come to the village of McDowell. • Take your first left passing the old elementary school (now owned by the Ruritan Club) on your left, and the McDowell Fire Department on your right. This is Bullpasture River Rd. • Take Bullpasture River Rd. South for approximately 7 miles. • Look for a sign on the left hand side of the road that says “Hayfields State Park” • You will then take your next left (farm gate will be open) after the sign at 524 Hayfields Ln – there will be a long line of pine trees flanking the gravel road. Coming from Lexington: • Take I64 West • Take Exit 43 towards Goshen (SR780) • In Goshen, turn left onto Virginia Ave • Turn Right onto Indian Draft Rd • Stay right onto Indian Draft Rd; it will eventually become Bullpasture River Rd. • You will then take a right at the park entrance (farm gate will be open) at 524 Hayfields Ln– there will be a long line of pine trees flanking the gravel road. Coming from Covington: • Stay on Rte. 220 north and go through Hot Springs and Warm Springs • Take right onto Muddy Run Rd. • Once in the village of Williamsville, take a left onto Dry Run Rd. • Dry Run Rd becomes Burnsville Rd. • Take a left onto Bullpasture River Rd. • You will then take a right at the park entrance (farm gate will be open) at 524 Hayfields Ln– there will be a long line of pine trees flanking the gravel road. Coming from Clifton Forge: • Take I64 east to exit 29. • Take Rte 42 North • Take a left onto Mountain Valley Rd (look for a Citgo Gas Station on the right) and then a right onto Indian Draft Rd. • Indian Draft Rd will turn into Bullpasture River Rd. • You will then take a right at the park entrance (farm gate will be open) at 524 Hayfields Ln– there will be a long line of pine trees flanking the gravel road. Coming from Monterey: • Take Rte 250 east towards McDowell. • In McDowell, take a right by McDowell Presbyterian Church onto Bullpasture River Rd. • Follow Bullpasture River Rd for approximately 7 miles • Just before park entrance, look for a sign that says “Hayfields State Park” on the left hand side of the road in a curve. • You will take the immediate left after the sign. Look for a straight gravel road flanked by a long line of pine trees (this is 524 Hayfields Ln).
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Virginia State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 13, 2026
- Virginia State Parks 'Find a park' list (HTML, one 'Name (CODE)' link per park)
- Wikidata
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology