Community Corner
Virginia's Newest State Park Now Officially Open In Loudoun County
Sweet Run State Park, the first state park in Loudoun County, is now officially open after a dedication by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County's first state park is now open after an official dedication by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Sweet Run State Park had a soft opening in May before its official dedication this month.
The 884-acre park is located near the West Virginia border at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road in Hillsboro. It includes stellar views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
"Sweet Run State Park will be the first State Park in Loudoun County, and will preserve this valley’s steeped agricultural, natural and cultural history,” Youngkin said in a news release. “Expanding our stellar Virginia State Parks system, this new park demonstrates our continued commitment to invest in Virginia’s future and ensure that it’s the best state to live, work – and get outdoors and play.”
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The new park connects to the Appalachian Trail and features its own hiking and equestrian trails.
Travis Voyles is Virginia's Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources.
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"Our State Parks provide valuable public access to nature for people and families all over the Commonwealth and with the addition of Sweet Run, Loudoun County residents and those visiting will have access to outdoor experiences that they otherwise would not have had,” Voyles said in a news release. “Our administration is committed to providing new and expanded opportunities for Virginians to recreate outdoors and enjoy the Commonwealth’s natural resources.”
The land for Sweet Run State Park was formerly owned by the Robert and Dee Leggett Foundation. The foundation donated 604 acres in 2016. In 2018, the foundation sold 280 acres to Loudoun County, which transferred the land to the state in 2022.
"We continue to offer programs for all ages that showcase the park’s historical, cultural, and natural resources,” Sweet Run State Park Manager Kevin Bowman said in a news release. “This park is still under development and parking is limited so I encourage all guests to review the park’s Know Before You Go web page before their visit."
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