June 24, 2024
Top Lakes in Virginia for Nature Lovers and Adventure Seekers
Virginia, a state renowned for its diverse landscapes, offers more than just mountains and coastal areas. Its inner bodies of water provide visitors with ample opportunities to explore and unwind. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone seeking tranquility, Virginia’s lakes have something to offer, especially when supplied with this useful travel blog article from Southern Living.
Spanning three counties—Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania—Smith Mountain Lake is a hub of activity. This lake, formed when Appalachian Power built a dam on the Roanoke River in 1963, serves as both a source of electricity and a recreational haven. With over a dozen launch points, visitors can indulge in jet skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, or simply lounging on a houseboat. For those who prefer to stay on land, the state park offers swimming, fishing for striped bass, and local golf courses. Despite the bustling weekends, renting a boat and spending a day here is a quintessential Virginia experience.
Nestled in Lyndhurst, Sherando Lake may be small at 24 acres, but it compensates with its serene environment and beautiful surroundings. Ideal for kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding, this lake features a beach area complete with bathhouses. Its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and two national forests ensures stunning views and ample opportunities for sunbathing, canoeing, and hiking. For a slower-paced water experience, Sherando Lake is a perfect choice.
Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Philpott Lake spans Franklin, Henry, and Patrick Counties. This lake boasts six beaches, nine boat launches, and eight campgrounds, allowing visitors to tailor their experiences. Traditional water activities like motor boating and swimming are popular, but the lake also invites exploration through snorkeling and scuba diving. The surrounding areas are a haven for biking, hiking, and wildlife observation, making it a versatile destination for both water and land adventures.
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Virginia, Lake Gaston in Bracey covers over 20,000 acres. Known for high-energy water sports such as water skiing, it also offers quieter areas for paddleboarding, sailing, and canoeing. Holly Grove Marina is the go-to spot for renting pontoon boats or kayaks. With its expansive open waterways, Lake Gaston provides both excitement and tranquility.
One of the most popular lakes for largemouth bass fishing on the East Coast, Lake Anna in Louisa is a year-round destination for anglers. With over 200 miles of shoreline, it offers ample opportunities for paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking. For thrill-seekers, wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing are available. Visitors can extend their stay at local inns or campgrounds, making it a comprehensive destination for relaxation and adventure.
Also known as Buggs Island, the John H. Kerr Reservoir in Clarksville is Virginia’s largest lake. With 800 miles of shoreline and a 50,000-acre expanse, it offers a myriad of activities. A seaplane excursion provides an aerial view of the lake before diving into water sports. Famous for crappie fishing, it hosts state and national tournaments. Nighttime visits reveal the enchanting twinkling lights of the Clarksville Bridge, reflecting beautifully on the water.
Situated in Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, this lake does not allow gas-powered boats, promoting a peaceful atmosphere for kayaking, paddleboating, and canoeing. The park offers over 17 miles of biking and hiking trails along wooded shores, a boat launch, campsites, a sandy beach, and a fishing pier. The on-site restaurant makes it easy to enjoy a full day of activities without leaving the park.
These lakes in Virginia offer diverse experiences, from thrilling water sports to peaceful nature retreats. Whether you’re looking to catch the perfect fish, explore the water by kayak, or simply relax by the shore, there’s a lake in Virginia that will meet your needs.
For more travel-related news and information, click here.
