With a unique history, beautiful views, and lots of fun outdoor activities to do, Hungry Mother State Park is a must-visit Virginia state park for any outdoor enthusiast.
Follow our visitor’s guide for all the information you’ll need for an enjoyable and memorable visit to Hungry Mother State Park!
[Want to see more? Explore some of the best Virginia State Parks in our full guide.]
Hungry Mother State Park Information
ADDRESS: 2854 Park Blvd, Marion VA 24354
PHONE: 276-781-7400
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hungry-mother
History of Hungry Mother State Park
Hungry Mother State Park has a special place in Virginia’s outdoor recreation and conservation history because it was one of the first six Virginia state parks. In June of 1936, a ceremony was held at Hungry Mother by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to inaugurate Virginia’s first state parks.
Hungry Mother State Park’s name also has an interesting yet eerie history. While not much is known about the origins of the Hungry Mother name, there is a legend behind it.
The story goes that a pioneer woman in the area that is now the state park named Molly Marley and her young child were taken by a hostile Native American tribe. Molly and her child miraculously escaped, but Molly collapsed from exhaustion along the creek.
Eventually, the child found help and could only say the words “Hungry Mother”. Members of Molly’s community sent out a search party and she was later found dead where she fell by the creek.
Entrance Fees
As part of Virginia’s state park system, visitors can expect entrance/parking fees. In addition, an annual Virginia State Parks pass is also valid and can be used in lieu of paying the daily visitor fee.
During the prime season of April through October, admission fees are $7 for weekdays and weekends. Fees are at a reduced rate outside of peak season.
Overnight fees vary by accommodation, which we’ll explain in detail below.
Things to Do in Hungry Mother State Park
There’s no shortage of things to do at Hungry Mother State Park. With miles of hiking trails, a 108-acre lake, and a swimming beach, there’s fun to be had for everyone.
Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails
Many hiking and mountain biking trails are available at Hungry Mother State Park. Trails range from easy to difficult, with most trails varying in elevation grade.
While there are many trails to choose from, there are a few that you shouldn’t miss out on during your visit.
Some of the most popular hiking and mountain biking trails at Hungry Mother include:
Molly’s Knob Trail
This 1.9-mile trail takes you uphill to “Molly’s Knob”. Named after the pioneer woman of legend, Molly’s knob is the highest peak at Hungry Mother and offers one of the best views in the entire park and perhaps in the whole state of Virginia. On clear days, you may be able to see Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest peaks. Molly’s Knob trail can be used by hikers or mountain bikers.
Lake Loop Trail
This moderately difficult and enjoyable trail traverses the entire perimeter of Hungry Mother Lake. At 5.7 miles in length, the Lake Loop Trail is the longest loop trail at Hungry Mother. With a mix of easier flat portions and varying elevations in the more challenging parts of the trail, the Lake Loop trail offers a good balance of difficulty for hikers and mountain bikers of most skill levels.
Clyburn Ridge Trail
is another beautiful hike at Hungry Mother worth trying. A loop trail, Clyburn ridge follows one ridge, then down and up to another. This moderately difficult 4-mile hike takes you to a scenic overlook where you can see Hungry Mother Lake nestled in the mountains.
CCC Trail
This is a popular 1.9-mile trail with moderate difficulty. Taking you along a ridgetop below Molly’s Knob, CCC Trail also has a few switchbacks and elevation changes to make things interesting.
Swimming on the Beach
Swimming at the designated beach and swimming area at Hungry Mother Lake is a favorite summer activity for many of the park’s visitors.
The swimming beach is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Swimming is free for guests with a camping or cabin reservation, but for day-use visitors, the fees are as follows:
- Under 2 years old – FREE
- Ages 3-12 – $7 (weekdays), $9 (weekends)
- Ages 13 and up – $8 (weekdays), $10 (weekends)
The beach at Hungry Mother State Park is monitored by lifeguards, making it a safe swimming area for families with children. A bathhouse and concession area are also available nearby.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking, canoeing, and other paddle-driven vessels are also popular activities at Hungry Mother Lake.
Visitors have the option to bring their own boats and launch at the provided boat ramp, but gasoline-powered boats are not permitted on the lake.
Rentals for kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and paddle boards are also available. The rental fees visitors can expect are:
- Kayaks – $15 (1 hour), $45 (4 hours)
- Canoes – $15 (1 hour), $40 (4 hours)
- Paddleboats – $15 (1 hour)
- Paddleboards – $15 (1 hour)
Protected from strong winds by the mountains, Hungry Mother Lake is a small, calm lake that’s perfect for paddlers of all skill levels. Boating on Hungry Mother Lake is a relaxing activity with beautiful scenery, so make sure to put it on your to-do list for your visit.
Fishing
Excellent fishing opportunities are also available in Hungry Mother Lake within the park. The 108-acre lake hosts a variety of fish species such as:
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Hybrid striped bass
- Muskellunge
- Channel catfish
- Bluegill
- Walleye
- Rock bass
- Carp
- Spotted bass
Hybrid Striped bass, channel catfish, walleye, and the elusive muskellunge are stocked annually by the state of Virginia. A valid Virginia fishing license is required.
Visitors can fish from bank areas, the handicap-accessible fishing pier, or by boat. Anglers should make sure to follow all Virginia fishing rules and regulations pertaining to allowable equipment and harvest limits.
Hunting
Hunting is available at Hungry Mother State Park within the designated hunting area on Walker Mountain.
The 800-acre Walker Mountain hunting area is open to hunters during the appropriate seasons for whitetail deer hunting, and small game hunting for squirrel, rabbit, wild turkey, and more.
A valid Virginia hunting license is required. Deer or turkey permits may apply, so make sure to review the current Virginia hunting regulations.
Hunters are encouraged to check with the park office about open hunting areas. For more information and to purchase licenses and permits, visit https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/.
Hungry Mother State Park Camping & Cabins
Hungry Mother State Park offers several different overnight accommodations, so you’re sure to find an option that’s right for you. Some overnight options require minimum stays depending on the time of year, so make sure to call the park office to check before you plan your visit.
Cabins, yurts, RV campsites, the Hungry Mother Lodge, and standard campsites are spread throughout the Creekside, Royal Oak, and Camp Burson campgrounds.
Reservations for overnight accommodations must be made in advance through www.reservevaparks.com or by calling 1-800-933-PARK
Fees vary by site, and non-Virginia residents should expect to pay a slightly higher nightly fee.
Tent/RV Camping
Tent and RV camping are available with a total of 80 campsites within the park. Available campsite types and the associated nightly fees are:
- Standard campsite for tent camping – $25
- Electric and water hookups (EW) – $35
- Electric, water, and sewage hookups (EWS) – $38
Campsites compose most of the overnight accommodations available to reserve at Hungry Mother. All campsites include a picnic table, fire ring, and are conveniently located near bathhouses at all the campgrounds.
Standard Cabins
A total of 25 cabins are available at Hungry Mother State Park and can sleep 2-6 guests depending on the cabin.
All standard cabins are equipped with a heat/AC, bathrooms, and a full kitchen containing a refrigerator, range/oven, coffee maker, microwave, etc.
Nightly rates for standard cabins are:
- One bedroom cabin – $99
- One bedroom cabin with a waterfront view – $109
- Two bedroom cabin – $113
Three Yurts are also available for $75 per night. Yurts are not equipped with heat/AC, electricity, or running water.
Hemlock Haven Cabins
An additional 6 cabins are available near the Hemlock Haven conference center. Hemlock Haven cabins include the same amenities as standard cabins while being able to sleep 6-8 guests.
Reservations for Hemlock Haven cabins require a 6-night minimum stay. For more information about fees for these cabins call the state parks services center at 1-800-933-PARK as fees vary.
Hungry Mother Lodge
One of the original buildings from the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Hungry Mother lodge is perfect for groups or large family gatherings.
With 6 bedrooms, three bathrooms, and heat/AC, the lodge can comfortably sleep up to 15 guests. Amenities at the Hungry Mother Lodge include but are not limited to:
- Refrigerator
- Range/oven
- Microwave
- Coffee maker
- Cooking utensils, silverware, pots, and pans
- Furniture
- TV and DVD player
- Gas grill
- Washer and dryer
The nightly fee for the Hungry Mother Lodge during the prime season is $380.
Hungry Mother State Park Weather
Weather conditions typical for southern Appalachia can be expected at Hungry Mother State Park. Temperatures average from 70-75 degrees in the summer to an average of 35 degrees in the winter months.
Hot temperatures in the summer are common, and occasional rain is possible throughout the year. If you’re planning a visit during the fall or winter, be prepared with additional layers for the possibility of cold temperatures.
Before you leave for your visit to Hungry Mother, make sure to pack for a variety of weather conditions. A rain jacket, multiple layers, and moisture-wicking socks are some basic but essential items to help prepare you for just about any type of weather.
Hungry Mother State Park FAQ
What kind of fish can you catch at Hungry Mother State Park?
Anglers fishing at Hungry Mother Lake can expect to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, and carp. Hybrid striped bass, muskellunge, channel catfish, and walleye are also present in the lake and stocked annually.
Are the Hiking trails at Hungry Mother State Park difficult?
With the mountainous topography of Hungry Mother, many of the hiking trails are of a moderate to difficult rating. Those with limited hiking experience or ability may have trouble with most of the trails available at the park.
For an easier hiking trail, visitors should seek out the Clyburn Hollow trail.
When is the swimming beach open at Hungry Mother State Park?
The swimming beach and other swimming areas at Hungry Mother Lake are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Can you rent kayaks or canoes at Hungry Mother State Park?
Yes, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and paddleboards are available for rental at Hungry Mother Lake.
Associated rental fees to expect are:
- Kayaks – $15 (1 hour), $45 (4 hours)
- Canoes – $15 (1 hour), $40 (4 hours)
- Paddleboats – $15 (1 hour)
- Paddleboards – $15 (1 hour)
Explore Other Virginia State Parks
You’re guaranteed to find a beautiful state park nearby wherever you travel in Virginia.
Near the Richmond area, Pochahontas State Park is one of the top visited state parks in the state and full of easy to moderate, flat hiking trails. Grayson Highlands State Park, located in far western Virginia, hosts the highest peak in the entire state and First Landing State Park is an awesome destination if you want to visit Virginia Beach.
You can also find guides to other Virginia State Parks in our list below.