Fairy Stone State Park | Martinsville

🏞️ OVERVIEW

Fairy Stone State Park is located in Patrick County, Virginia, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the town of Stuart and a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Covering approximately 4,741 acres, it is the largest of Virginia’s original six state parks, all of which opened on June 15, 1936. The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and many of the original structures-including stone cabins, bridges, and picnic shelters-still remain as part of its rustic charm.

The park is especially famous for the fairy stones (staurolite crystals), rare naturally occurring cross-shaped stones found in only a handful of locations globally.

🔮 FAIRY STONES (STAUROLITE CRYSTALS)

What They Are:

Fairy stones are twinned staurolite crystals, a type of iron-aluminum silicate.

The crystals form naturally in distinct cross shapes: Roman (t-like), St. Andrew’s (X-shape), and Maltese crosses.

Geologically, they form under intense heat and pressure during metamorphic rock formation.

Legend & Lore:

According to local Appalachian legend, the stones were formed from the tears of fairies who wept upon hearing of Christ’s crucifixion.

These tears fell to the ground and crystallized into cross shapes, giving them spiritual and mystical significance.

Collection Area:

A designated "Fairy Stone Hunt Site" is located a few miles from the park entrance along Route 57.

Visitors may collect stones free of charge at this public site.

Tools are not required-most stones can be found in the soil or near tree roots.

For better luck, it’s advised to walk further from the entrance, as front areas are often picked over.

🌊 FAIRY STONE LAKE & WATER RECREATION

At the heart of the park lies Fairy Stone Lake, a 168-acre spring-fed body of water surrounded by forested slopes.

Swimming Beach:

Open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Sandy shoreline with lifeguards, roped-off swimming area, diving dock, and a bathhouse with restrooms.

Concessions stand sells snacks and beverages during peak months.

Boating:

No gasoline-powered boats permitted (to protect water quality and wildlife).

Electric trolling motors are allowed.

Rental options (available seasonally) include:

Paddleboats

Canoes

Kayaks

Jon boats

Hydrobikes

Fishing:

The lake is well-stocked with:

Largemouth bass

Bluegill

Black crappie

Channel catfish

Occasional stocked trout

Accessible fishing pier near the boat launch area.

A valid Virginia freshwater fishing license is required.

🥾 TRAILS & HIKING SYSTEM

Fairy Stone State Park has a well-maintained and diverse network of trails totaling over 10 miles, spread across two main trail systems.

1. Little Mountain Trail System (Multi-use)

Suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Major trail: Little Mountain Falls Trail (4.5-mile loop)

Moderate to strenuous loop.

Includes a 25-foot seasonal waterfall, ridgeline views, and lush hardwood forest.

Other trails include Turkey Ridge and Lakeshore Trail, offering varied levels of difficulty and access to water and forest scenery.

2. Stuart’s Knob Trail System (Hiking only)

Located on the northern side of the lake.

Includes a network of shorter, steeper trails with historical significance.

Follows routes through old iron ore mining sites from the late 1800s.

Features panoramic lake views and forested ridgelines.

⛺ CAMPING & LODGING OPTIONS

Fairy Stone State Park offers a full range of accommodations:

1. Cabins (25 total)

Built by the CCC using local stone and timber.

Available year-round; most have:

Wood-burning fireplaces

Full kitchens

Bathrooms

Front porches with scenic views

Cabins range in size from 1-bedroom (sleeps 2–4) to 3-bedroom (sleeps 8–10).

Linens provided; firewood for purchase onsite.

2. Fairy Stone Lodge

A large group rental facility with 16-person capacity.

Features:

Full kitchen

Large common area with fireplace

Scenic lake views

Ideal for family reunions or group retreats

3. Yurts (4 available)

Circular tent-like cabins, partially elevated with wooden platforms.

Includes beds, electricity, climate control, decks with seating.

No running water inside, but located near bathhouses.

Popular for “glamping” style trips.

4. Campsites

51 total campsites:

Water/electric sites for tents and RVs

Primitive tent sites for back-to-basics camping

Fire rings, picnic tables, lantern hooks at each site.

Clean restrooms and bathhouses.

Dump station for RVs available.

Camping season: March 1 – early December

5. Equestrian Campground

Includes 10 pull-through sites with electrical hookups and horse stalls.

Direct access to equestrian trails.

Negative Coggins test documentation required for horses.

🧺 PICNIC & EVENT FACILITIES

Five picnic shelters available for day use or rental.

Shelters include grills, picnic tables, electricity, and access to restrooms.

Open grassy areas suitable for family games and outdoor meals.

Fayerdale Hall

Rustic CCC-era stone building used for weddings, reunions, and receptions.

Accommodates over 100 people.

Full kitchen, restrooms, fireplace, and AV options.

🐴 HORSEBACK RIDING

Designated trails for horses within the Little Mountain Trail System.

Scenic and moderately challenging terrain.

Equestrian campground provides stall space and trailer parking.

Horses are not permitted on hiking-only trails.

🔫 HUNTING AREA

Over 1,800 acres of designated hunting grounds on the western end of the park.

Open during regulated Virginia hunting seasons for:

Deer

Turkey

Small game

A map is available to separate hunting and non-hunting areas for visitor safety.

🐾 PET FRIENDLY

Pets are allowed in all outdoor areas on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Allowed in cabins, yurts, and campsites with a small per-night fee.

Not allowed on swimming beach or inside facilities (unless service animals).

📅 PARK EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Ranger-led programs offered seasonally:

Fairy stone hunts

Night hikes

Historical CCC tours

Nature talks and stargazing

Special events throughout the year:

Fall Colors Weekend

Holiday in the Park

Junior Ranger programs for children

Outdoor recreation festivals

🌤️ BEST TIME TO VISIT

Spring (April–May): Wildflowers, mild temperatures, waterfalls flowing.

Summer (June–August): Peak activity with swimming, boating, and full programming.

Fall (October): Stunning foliage along ridgelines; ideal hiking and photography.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet, peaceful forest walks; cabins remain open.

🚗 ACCESSIBILITY & PARK INFO

Paved parking lots, accessible restrooms, and ADA-compliant trails and fishing pier.

Closest town: Stuart, VA (grocery, dining, gas).

Open year-round with varying hours by season.

Entry fees required: Vehicle access fee per day (annual passes also available).

Conclusion:
Fairy Stone State Park offers a rare blend of natural wonder, Appalachian folklore, and recreation. Its extensive trail system, scenic lake, historic cabins, and the magic of its namesake stones make it ideal for families, hikers, outdoor lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful mountain retreat steeped in local heritage.