Hungry Mother State Park is a state park in southwestern Virginia, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains. The park's landscape features extensive woodlands, diverse natural features, and the central 108-acre Hungry Mother Lake. This terrain, characterized by mixed deciduous hardwood forests, rhododendron thickets, and hemlock ravines, provides a varied environment for several sports like hiking. Molly's Knob, the highest point in Hungry Mother State Park at 3,270 feet (997 meters), offers expansive views of the surrounding region.
9
Routes
5
(6)
Average rating
75
People visited

5.0
(1)
15
hikers
10.1km
02:45
140m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
15
hikers
10.1km
02:45
140m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
6
hikers
8.36km
02:32
320m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
7.40km
02:07
180m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Hungry Mother State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, and road cycling. The park's central feature, Hungry Mother Lake, also provides opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are 11 routes available across these sports.
Popular hiking trails include the Lake Trail Loop, a moderate 5.8-mile (9.3 km) path encircling the lake with continuous water views. The Molly's Knob Trail is a more challenging 4.2-mile (6.8 km) route leading to the park's highest point, offering expansive vistas. The Stone Lick Trail and CCC Trail also provide unique terrain and views.
Yes, Hungry Mother State Park offers trails suitable for families. The park's approximately 18 miles of trails cater to various ability levels, including leisurely lakeside strolls. More information on suitable options can be found in the Family-friendly hikes in Hungry Mother State Park guide.
Molly's Knob is the highest point in Hungry Mother State Park, with an elevation of 3,270 feet (997 meters). A strenuous hike to its summit offers sweeping, panoramic views of the surrounding Smyth County mountains and countryside. The Molly's Knob Trail is a challenging 4.2-mile (6.8 km) path to this peak.
Virginia State Parks generally allow pets on trails, in campgrounds, and in cabins, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Visitors should check the official park website or contact the park directly for specific pet policies and any restricted areas within Hungry Mother State Park.
The park is characterized by its beautiful woodlands, including mixed deciduous hardwood forests, rhododendron and laurel thickets, and hemlock ravines. The placid 108-acre Hungry Mother Lake is a central feature, and Molly's Knob provides a prominent high-elevation viewpoint. The park's terrain includes well-maintained forest paths and lakeside trails.
Hungry Mother State Park offers trails for various ability levels. Options range from leisurely lakeside strolls, such as parts of the Lake Trail Loop, to more challenging mountain ascents like the Molly's Knob Trail, which features significant elevation gain. The park has approximately 18 miles of trails.
Yes, Hungry Mother State Park features routes suitable for jogging. The park's well-maintained paths and lakeside trails provide options for runners. Komoot lists 1 route specifically for jogging within the park.
Yes, Hungry Mother State Park offers routes for road cycling. The park's roads and surrounding areas provide opportunities for cyclists. Komoot lists 1 route specifically for road cycling within the park.
Hungry Mother State Park is well-regarded on komoot, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars across 11 routes. More than 100 visitors have shared their experiences, contributing to its high rating. The park has a total of 132 visitors recorded on komoot.
Komoot offers several guides for Hungry Mother State Park to help visitors plan their adventures. These include the Hiking in Hungry Mother State Park guide and the Family-friendly hikes in Hungry Mother State Park guide.
The official website for Hungry Mother State Park is DCR.Virginia.gov. For direct inquiries, the park's phone number is (276) 781-7400. These resources can provide the most current information on park operations, fees, and specific regulations.

