The park was one of the original six state parks opened in Virginia in 1936.
The name allegedly comes from a pioneer mother who died after her child was found whispering 'Hungry, Mother' following a Native American raid.
The park contains the CCC Museum, highlighting the work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps in Virginia.
Molly’s Knob trail offers a steep incline that ascends 1,000 feet in under two miles.
The lake is an artificial reservoir created by damming the middle fork of the Holston River.
The park is home to a population of white-tailed deer and wild turkeys frequently visible near the forest edges.
Hungry Mother State Park is centered around a 108-acre lake located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia. The park features over 2,000 acres of woodland with approximately 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Its centerpiece, Hungry Mother Lake, offers seasonal swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities for bass, walleye, and muskie. The park includes a sandy beach, a boat launch, and multiple campgrounds for tent and RV use. Several historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cabins and structures remain onsite, reflecting the park's development during the 1930s. The park's name originates from local legend concerning a child and mother wandering the wilderness after a frontier raid. It serves as a hub for regional outdoor recreation, providing access to Molly’s Knob, the park's highest peak at 3,270 feet. The park is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The elevated overlook platform on the Molly’s Knob trail providing a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding valley.
Download offline maps before arrival, as cellular service is intermittent throughout the mountain terrain.
Book camping or cabin reservations months in advance, especially for weekends between May and September.
Carry trekking poles if planning to hike the Molly’s Knob trail, as the terrain is rugged and steep.
Attempting the Molly’s Knob trail without adequate water or during rainy conditions when trails become slippery.
Swimming beach and boat rentals are seasonal, typically operating from late spring through Labor Day.
Practice Leave No Trace principles; keep pets on a leash at all times; observe quiet hours in camping areas.
