
Department of Conservation and Recreation

In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is developing the master plan for Hayfields State Park located in Highland County, VA. The purpose of the master plan is to guide the future physical development of the park by describing the park’s unique natural, cultural and physical resources, evaluating park needs with respect to future facilities and improvements to existing amenities, and engaging with the public to align the plan’s recommendations with demand for outdoor recreation opportunities in the Commonwealth and region. Virginia state park master plans are written for all new parks and are updated every 10 years.
Hayfields State Park is located in Highland County between Bullpasture and Jack Mountains at an elevation ranging from 1,800 to 2,400 feet. It features a mix of heavily wooded mountain land, valley pastures and several structures, including an 1800s farmhouse. The Bullpasture River flows through the property for about a mile and is home to numerous threatened and endangered species.
The park currently features 4 miles of easy-to-moderate hiking and biking trails and fishing access along the Bullpasture River.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation will host a Public Information meeting to introduce the park and the master plan process. The meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Highland Center, located at 61 Highland Center Dr, Monterey, VA 24465.
The meeting presentation will be available from this web page after the meeting.
We are asking members of the community and those interested in the future of Hayfields State Park to participate in a survey, and provide input on what you would like to see at the park. We are very interested in your thoughts on camping, trails, education, history, interpretation and any other activities you would like to see there in the future. The survey also gives an opportunity to let us know what you would not like to see at the park. Your opinions are important to us, so please let us know.
Questions? Contact us here.