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VA |
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Fairy Stone State Park is home of the mysterious "fairy stones." It is one of the six original Virginia state parks to open on June 15, 1936. The treasured stone so prevalent in the region, beautiful scenery, rich history and ample recreational opportunities make Fairy Stone one of the favorites of park visitors. Roanoke newspaper publisher Junius B. Fishburn donated the 4537-acre site, making it the largest of the six original parks and one of the largest to this day. The Legend of the Fairy Stone: Many hundreds of years before Chief Powhatan's reign, fairies were dancing around a spring of water, when an elfin messenger arrived from a city far away. He brought news of the death of Christ. When these creatures of the forest heard the story of the crucifixion, they wept. As their tears fell upon the earth, they crystallized to form beautiful stones. When the fairies disappeared from the enchanted place, ground about the spring and the adjacent valley was strewn with these mementos of the event. For many years people held these little crosses in superstitious awe, firm in the belief that they protected the wearer against witchcraft, sickness, accidents and disaster. Fairy stones are staurolite, a combination of silica, iron and aluminum. Together, these minerals crystallize in twin form, accounting for the crosslike structure. Found only in rocks that have been subjected to great heat and pressure, the stones are most commonly shaped like St. Andrew's and Roman crosses. The most sought after are those in the shape of the Maltese cross. Staurolite crosses are also found in the mountains of North Carolina and in Switzerland, but nowhere else in the world are they found in such abundance as in the vicinity of Fairy Stone State Park. Fairy Stone State Park comprises 4,639 acres, and a 168 acre lake which spills into the Philpott Reservoir. A small dam and spillway separate the two lakes and does not allow for boat access from lake to lake. Only non-gasoline powered boats are allowed on Fairy Stone Lake. |
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From I-81 near Roanoke, take Route 581, to Route 220 South, to Route 57 West, to Route 346 North. From I77 near Hillsville, take Route 58 East to Route 8 North to Route 57 East to Route 346 North.Fairy Stone State Park, 967 Fairystone Lake Drive, Stuart, VA 24171-9588; Phone: (276) 930-2424 |
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FAIRY STONE STATE PARK |
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140169 |
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http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do?contractCode=VA&parkId=140169&cmp=39-32--joewils |
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There is a per night per pet fee for cats and dogs in all cabins and lodges (pets are not allowed in the yurts). Customers making reservations via the web are responsible for visiting the park office to pay all applicable pet fees. Customers may also call the reservation center at 800-933-7275 to pay the pet fees in advance. Notice for Campers and Cabin Guests: PLAY IT SAFE - LEAVE YOUR FIREWOOD AT HOME!! One of the most important things we can do to protect Virginia's trees and forest diversity is to stop moving firewood. New infestations of tree-killing insects and diseases are often first found in campgrounds and parks. Why? Because people have accidently spread invasive species when they brought firewood along with them. In Virginia, there are numerous counties under quarantines issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to an invasive insect pest or disease. These quarantines restrict the movement of firewood or wood by products from certain tree species. For more information on areas under quarantine, go to http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/firewood-quarantine. Virginia State Parks recommends that you do not bring firewood from home but buy it at the park or in the parks locality. Any wood brought to the park should be fully burned before leaving. |
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