The wandering waters of Virginia connect communities and people across landscapes and through time. From mountain streams and lakes to tidal rivers and bays, the waters of Virginia provide an endless source of adventure and fun. Beginners can get into paddle sports at one of our tranquil lakes or go with the flow on a lazy stretch of river. Get on the water and explore at a Virginia State Park. Get prizes just for doing so.

There are 42 total state parks, with 31 offering the Paddle Quest program. You must visit the Know Before You Go section on each park page before visiting and check with the park about operating hours and availability. Park rentals are subject to change due to staffing and water/weather conditions.

Here's how it works:

1. Visit a Virginia State Park and participate in a paddle based adventure in one of three ways:
   
   
2. Join a Ranger Guided paddle program
3. Rent paddle equipment from the park and go on a self-guided tour
4. Bring your own equipment and design your own paddling experience
5. After your visit, log into (or make a new account on) the State Park Adventures page.
6. Select the name of the park you visited, pick "Wandering Waters," and record the date of the visit and method of participation. The “Wandering Waters” option will only be available if the park you select has paddling amenities.
7. The State Park Adventures system keeps track of your progress and you will receive email confirmation.
8. Paddles taken at a park prior to the start of the program on May 3, 2023, do not count towards the Wandering Waters program.

Here's what you get when you paddle at participating parks:

• Paddle at 5 parks and you get a sticker.
• Paddle at 10 parks and you get a patch.
• Paddle at 20 parks and you get a mesh gear bag.
• Paddle at all 31 parks that offer the program, and you get a cellphone dry bag and a certificate.

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