Sweet Run State Park
Virginia State Park

Sweet Run State Park

11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro, VA 20132
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swim­ming
  • Fishing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Mountain Biking
  • Horse­back Riding
  • Bird Watching
  • Kayaking
  • Biking

🌤 Weather at Sweet Run State Park by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
29–74 °F58–86 °F32–78 °F21–45 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Sharpsburg 5 S, 7 mi away, elevation 400 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

✓Compiled by the America’s State Parks Editorial Team from official state park agency sources. Fees, seasons and hours change — verify with the park office before you go.

Sweet Run State Park is a public state park in Virginia in Loudoun County. Spanning 884 acres and established in 1920, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.

Quick Facts

StateVirginia
CountyLoudoun County
Park Size884 acres
Established1920
Accessibility

The trails are not ADA accessible. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located in the Interpretive Center.

Nature & Wildlife

Sweet Run State Park is home to a diverse array of native flora and fauna. Visitors can observe songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl throughout the year, while white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and smaller mammals like fox and raccoon frequent the park”s woodlands. Wildflowers create colorful displays in spring and early summer, and the park”s forests transition through spectacular seasonal changes. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during spring and fall migration, when dozens of species pass through the area.

Things to Do

Virginia state parks span from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, offering remarkable geographic diversity. Activities include hiking along Appalachian ridgelines and through lush mountain forests, swimming at lake and river beaches, fishing in mountain streams and tidal waters, camping in diverse settings, kayaking coastal rivers and mountain lakes, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and exploring centuries of American history from colonial Jamestown through the Civil War.

Best Time to Visit

Fall (October) is extraordinary, as Virginia’s Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley produce stunning foliage. Spring (April–May) brings wildflowers and comfortable hiking weather. Summer (June–August) is peak season for lake swimming and family camping. Winter is mild enough for hiking in most of the state, with occasional snow adding beauty to mountain parks.

Visitor Tips

Virginia state parks charge a parking fee ($7-$10 per vehicle) on weekends and holidays from spring through fall, though weekday visits are often free. Camping and cabin reservations through dcr.virginia.gov. Virginia’s state parks are known for their well-maintained cabin and lodge accommodations. Popular parks like Shenandoah River and First Landing fill quickly for summer weekends.

Explore More Virginia State Parks

Sweet Run State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Virginia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Virginia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Bear Creek Lake State Park (a short drive away) or Chippokes State Park (a short drive away).

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to state parks and other public lands in the United States. Our editorial team compiles park profiles from official agency and operator sources and other identified references, and follows our published editorial policy and review methodology. Where a profile shows a source-check date, that date applies to the detail it names. We correct errors when we find them or when readers report them.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sweet Run State Park

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Pets are welcome throughout Virginia State Parks, including campgrounds and trails, as long as they are confined or leashed and supervised.
Leash rule statewide rule
6 ft maximum leash (or confinement) required, with pet under supervision at all times
Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
State regulations prohibit pets on public swimming beaches and at designated swimming areas
Cabins & lodging statewide rule
Pet-friendly cabin stays available for a $20 per pet per night fee; yurts do not allow pets; pets prohibited in public facilities
Pet fees statewide rule
No charge for pets in campgrounds; $20 per pet per night in cabins
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
At False Cape, pets may not pass through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Are dogs allowed at Sweet Run State Park?
Pets are welcome throughout Virginia State Parks, including campgrounds and trails, as long as they are confined or leashed and supervised. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via dcr.virginia.gov. More: Virginia state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: September 9, 2026

Park Location

11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro, VA 20132

Plan your gear for Sweet Run State Park

From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities: