Fairy Stone State Park

967 Fairystone Lake Drive
Stuart, VA 24171-9588
Phone: (276) 930-2424
Email: Fairy Stone State Park

Fairy Stone State Park, located in Patrick County, Virginia, is the largest of the original six state parks that opened on June 15, 1936, and is home to the mysterious "fairy stones." The park's cross-shaped, namesake stone is prevalent in the region, which also features beautiful scenery, rich history and ample recreational opportunities. The park's land was donated in 1933 by Junius B. Fishburn, former president of the Southwest Virginia Trust Co. and former owner of the Roanoke Times. The park is 4,868 acres, making it the largest of the six original parks and one of the largest to this day. The park, its lake and many structures still in use were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

GENERAL INFO: Fairy Stone State Park, the largest of Virginia's six original state parks, is home to its namesake "fairy stones." These rare mineral crosses and the park's scenic beauty, rich history and ample recreational opportunities make it a local and regional favorite. The 4,537 acres that make up the park were donated by Junius B. Fishburn, former owner of the Roanoke Times, in 1933. The Civilian Conservation Corps originally created the park, its lake and many structures still in use there.

The Legend of the Fairy Stone: Many hundreds of years before Chief Powhatan’s reign, fairies were dancing around a spring of water, playing with naiads and wood nymphs, 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 crosses.

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. Staurolite crystallizes at 60 or 90 degree angles, hence the stone's cross-like structure. Found only in rocks once subjected to great heat and pressure, the mineral was formed long, long ago, during the rise of the Appalachian Mountains. The stones are most commonly shaped like St. Andrew’s cross, an "X," but "T" shaped Roman crosses and square Maltese crosses are the most sought-after.

LOCATION:

From I-81 near Roanoke, take Route 581 to Route 220 South to Route 57 West to Route 346 North (Fairystone Lake Drive).

From I-77 near Hillsville, take Route 58 East to Route 8 North to Route 57 East to Route 346 North (Fairystone Lake Drive).

From Greensboro, take Route 220 North to Route 220 North bypass at Martinsville, then Route 57 West to Route 346 North (Fairystone Lake Drive).

From Richmond, take Route 360 West to Route 58 West to Route 220 North Bypass at Martinsville to Route 57 West to Route 346 North (Fairystone Lake Drive)

Drive Time : Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., six hours (from Washington, DC); Richmond, four hours; Tidewater/ Norfolk/Virginia Beach, five hours; Roanoke, one hour

PICNIC SHELTERS: Picnic shelters are available for rent by calling the Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK. When not reserved, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Adjacent to the beach is a playground for small children. Parking and swimming fees are not included in shelter rental. Click here for park fees.

Fairy Stone State Park Picnic Shelters

Four shelters are available for rent. They can be rented from 8 a.m. to dark.

Per car parking fee: Standard car parking fee.

Cancellation policy: There's a cancellation fee, and no refunds are given within 14 days of the reservation date.

Shelter Amenities

Shelter 1: Accommodates 75 people under the shelter. No restrooms; portable toilet only. Overlooks the lake, but there is no flat area for games. Features lights, a large grill and a fireplace at each end of the shelter. No electrical outlets available.

Shelter 2: Accommodates 75 people under the shelter. Restroom is approximately 500 ft from shelter. Large parking area and level area for games. Features electrical outlets, a large grill, lights and a fireplace in each end of shelter.

Shelter 3: Allied Block Shelter. Accommodates 75 people under the shelter. Handicapped accessible. Creek runs in front of shelter. Horseshoe pit nearby, but guests must bring their own horseshoes. Features electrical outlets, lights, a large grill and handicapped accessible bathrooms.

Shelter 4: Allied Pole Shelter. Accommodates 75 people under the shelter. Handicapped accessible. No bathroom in this shelter, but adjacent shelter (#3) has handicapped accessible bathrooms. Creek runs in front of shelter; horseshoe pit in area, but guests must bring their own horseshoes. Features electrical outlets, lights and a large grill.

• Official Website: Fairy Stone State Park

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