Exploring This Small-Town Park In Virginia Is The Definition Of An Underrated Adventure
By Lisa Battles|Published November 13, 2023
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Lisa Battles
Author
Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
Dan Daniel Memorial Park, a small-town park in Danville, Virginia, often surprises folks with its many, high-quality amenities – especially for a city of around 40,000 people. Named for Chatham, Virginia native and former U.S. Rep. Dan Daniel, who passed in 1988, the park spans 170 acres. Let’s explore the adventures you’ll find in that acreage, plus connections to many more beyond its bounds.
Younger children flock to the park's colorful, modern playground equipment. Features like tunnels, slides, and a swinging bridge keep them climbing and cavorting for hours.
An important part of the park is the half-acre space dedicated to the Danville/Pittsylvania County Veterans Memorial. The memorial itself is a sleek, somber black granite wall. It comprises the engraved names of all local military veterans who died in US wars dating back to the American Revolution.
For walkers, hikers, and bikers, there are three primary trails throughout the park: the Hidden Hollow Trail to the north of the park's main drive; the White Fawn Trail to the south; and the River Walk Trail along the park's western edge.
While the first two trails weave and loop mostly throughout the park property, the River Walk Trail extends all the way south to Anglers Park and follows the Dan River north to northeast, looping with it around downtown.
The River Walk Trail offers a fascinating way to see many of the city's significant sights and iconic landmarks, such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge.
When I spent time there, Danville's Old West End Historic District was a must-see for me. While the whole district is on the National Register of Historic Places, I especially loved Millionaire's Row, which has some of the South's most opulent examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
Have you ever visited this small-town park in Danville, Virginia? We’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, or insights about visiting Danville. For more tips on underrated outdoor adventures around Virginia, check out our round-up of lesser-known state parks.
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