Virginia State Parks launching app

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia State Parks has launched a smartphone application that will help guide visitors to a park nearest them and help them navigate trails and other attractions.

The application is called Virginia State Parks Pocket Ranger. It was developed in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and ParksByNature, which has partnered with a dozen states on the high-tech guide.

According parks officials, the app will offer educational and interpretive information, videos and activities to be found at state parks. The app will allow hikers, hunters and fishermen to mark their favorite spots.

The free app is free and is available for Apple and some Android devices.

To download the parks app, go to: http://www.stateparkapps.com/apps/va/apps.php