by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
MARION, Va. — The lanes of dishwater gray asphalt cutting through the heart of Virginia may be more familiar to some as Interstate 81. For almost 393 miles it snuggles next to the Shenandoah Mountain Range, while sliding through cities like Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Winchester and Staunton.
Along the way, the road also wanders past many state parks. Most with signs right before the exit enticing weary travelers to take a break and enjoy some fresh air or see this or that feature.
Overall, Virginia has 41 state parks of various sizes and year after year, one of the state’s most popular parks is Hungry Mother.
Long a popular destination for hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, this 3,334-acre spot was one of Virginia’s original six state parks and was founded in 1936. It also appears quite frequently on many publications’ Unusual Place Names. How it got that name is wild and sad.
The legend states that when the Native Americans destroyed several settlements on the New River south of the park, a woman named 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 for days. Molly finally collapsed, but her child wandered on and down a nearby creek.
Upon finding help, the only words the tiny child could utter were "Hungry Mother."
When the search party arrived at the foot of the mountain where Molly had collapsed, they sadly found the child's mother had passed away.
Today, that mountain is Molly's Knob with an elevation of 3,270 feet, and that stream is Hungry Mother Creek.
It's known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains. There are also plenty of campgrounds and cabins for those who just want to get away, as well as miles of hiking and biking trails and beautiful views no matter which way you turn.
“A rustic park for a simpler time,” said Quadratec Content Writer Terry Pritchard. “I learned how to swim at the lake and it has a beautiful sand beach. I’ve probably been there 25-30 times.”
Various Trip Advisor reviews second that notion, with many commenting things like ‘Well maintained’, ‘Beautiful’ and ‘Well Kept’.
Of course, while all parks strive to achieve this level of respect, they are only as good as the people who attend. And if people fail to clean up after themselves and leave trash everywhere, then it degrades the experience for everyone else.
This is why Quadratec has partnered with Tread Lightly! for the past 30 years - to help keep these places beautiful, healthy and accessible.
Additionally, the ongoing 50-for-50 Trail Cleanup Initiative will feature improvement events in each state over the next year and a half.
So whether it is a state or national park, your local campground, or off-road trail, always remember to do your part and pack out what you bring in. Don’t assume others are there to pick up after you. This way, everyone will be able to keep enjoying these amazing places like Hungry Mother for ages to come.
