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Hungry Mother State Park


 
 
State Park Information

Hungry Mother State Park
2854 Park Boulevard
Marion, 24354-6366





State Park Overview

Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its woodlands and lake. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, this park has folklore and history, swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking and the park system?s first conference center, Hemlock Haven.

Much of the land for Hungry Mother State Park was donated by local landowners to develop a new state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek. The park is one of the six original CCC parks that opened in June 1936.


Picnicking

This park offers three shelters for rent through the Reservations Center at 1-800-933-PARK (in Richmond, 225-3867). They can be rented from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (all day), or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. (half-days). Shelter 3 is large and can be rented in two separate sections. The parks amphitheater can also be rented (see below under "special offerings"). Parking and swimming fees are not included in shelter or amphitheater rental. All shelters are available April 1-October 31 at other times they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelter amenities include charcoal grill, picnic tables, electical outlets, fireplace, lights and access to restrooms.

Cancellation policy No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, theres a cancellation fee.

Shelter 1This handicapped accessible shelter is a favorite because its closest to the beach, playground, boat rentals, restaurant and handicapped accessible restrooms. It overlooks the lake and accommodates 75. Amenities include electrical outlets, a fireplace at each end, a large Texas size grill and 12 picnic tables. Around the shelter are tables not for rent theyre taken on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Shelter 2This secluded shelter accommodates 75. There are tables located around the shelter that are not reserved and are take on a first-come, first-served basis. This shelter, near parking lot 5, is tucked in the woods just past the restaurant and near the boat rental area and the amphitheater. It is often used along with weddings held at the amphitheater. It features electrical outlets, fireplaces at each end, a large Texas-sized grill and 12 picnic tables.

Shelter 3Shelter 3, the largest, accommodates 40 on each of its two sides (a & bbut it can be rented in whole). There are tables located around the shelter that are not rented and are take on a first-come, first-served basis. There are electrical outlets on each side of the shelter brick fireplaces separate two halves of shelter. This shelter is not handicapped accessible. It has a large Texas-sized grill and six picnic tables at each end of the shelter. It is near parking lot 6 and the restrooms. The restrooms are not handicapped accessible.


Boating


Swimming


Fishing and Hunting


History of the Area

John D. and Mildred Lincoln donated 1,881 acres to the state for the establishment of a state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek in 1933. Later that year the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began construction of Hungry Mother and five other state parks. Roads, trails, picnic areas, cabins, a restaurant, bathhouse, dam and sanitation system were all built by the 600 CCC men at the park between 1933 and 1941. On June 13, 1936, the six-park Virginia State Park System was officially dedicated with public opening ceremonies at Hungry Mother State Park in Smyth County. More than 5,000 turned out to see the park as Governor George Peery and State Park Director Robert Burson officiated.

The Legend of Hungry Mother

Legend has it that when the Native Americans destroyed several settlements on the New River south of the park, Molly Marley and her small child were among the survivors taken to the raiders? base north of the park. They eventually escaped, wandering through the wilderness eating berries. Molly finally collapsed, and her child wandered down a creek until the child found help. The only words the child could utter were "Hungry Mother." The search party arrived at the foot of the mountain where Molly collapsed to find the childs mother dead. Today that mountain is Molly?s Knob, and the stream is Hungry Mother Creek.


Area Accommodations
Campgrounds
Sevierville, TN
Looking for something different? Griffin Island is a family owned and family friendly 32 acre property that includes rental campers, full hook-up sites, and tent sites for rent on Douglas Lake. Griffin Island is your getaway from the mainstream but close enough to all the attraction of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Phone 866-461-4561

Web Site


More Info
Hungry Mother State Park. [ Home] [ Up] [ Laura] [ Mark] [ Wedding] [ Links] LAURA Bio Links. On March 25, 2001, we made a brief visit to Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Virginia. A little...
Hungry Mother State Park Hungry Mother State Park is located in Smyth County, Virginia, in the Southwestern part of the state. The 2,200-acre park is noted for its woodlands and 108-acre lake....
... Lake State Park o (434) 248-6308 Hungry Mother State Park o (276) 781-7400 James River State ... False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach Hungry Mother State Park in Marion Pocahontas State Park in ...
... parks do not have all above referenced offerings. Hungry Mother State Park Park photos (about 45K each) General Information Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its ...


Nature Programs


Area Attractions

AmphitheaterThe amphitheater, popular for weddings, can be rented from noon to 10 p.m. (full day), from noon to 6 p.m. (day) or from 6 p.m to 10 p.m. (evening). Those renting for the full day or day period can access the amphitheater before the start time if desired. Call 1-800-933-PARK (in Richmond, 225-3867) to rent. The natural surroundings of the parks amphitheater provide a beautiful, outdoor setting for many activities, including weddings. As its on an island, its accessed by footbridge from the main park area. The structure has one electrical outlet and is near parking lot five. Up to 60 can be accommodated on the uncovered wooden benches. Standing room can accommodate another 40. Youre welcome to bring more chairs if you like, but be sure to remove them when leaving. No park equipment, such as a microphone, is provided.

* Full Day$41.80 (tax included) * Half-day$25.08 (tax included)

Cancellation Policy No refund within a week before the date reserved. Before then, theres a $5 cancellation fee


Area Campgrounds
Rainbow Campground
4376 Tumbling Creek Rd
Saltville, VA
(276) 944-4243


Hungry Mother Campgrounds Inc
2287 Park Blvd
Marion, VA
(276) 783-2046


Hungry Mother State Park
2854 Park Blvd
Marion, VA
(276) 781-7400


Interstate Campground
Exit 39
Seven Mile Ford, VA
(276) 646-8384




Area Fishing Related Businesses
Rural Retreat Fishnig Lake
250 Lake Rd
Rural Retreat, VA
(276) 686-4331


Cedar Springs Sportsmans Lodge
HC 749
Rural Retreat, VA
(276) 686-6664




Area Resorts and Lodging
Cuz's Cabins & Resort
Route 460
Pounding Mill, VA
(276) 964-9014




Area Activities
Boat Rentals
Sevierville, TN
Looking for something different? Griffin Island is a family owned and family friendly 32 acre property that includes rental campers, full hook-up sites, and tent sites for rent on Douglas Lake. Griffin Island is your getaway from the mainstream but close enough to all the attraction of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Phone 866-461-4561

Web Site
Hungry Mother State Park

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