Lake AnnaState Park - Virginia |
Lake Anna State Park is located in Spotsylvania County in Virginia. Initially the site of the Goodwin Gold Mine – gold was first discovered at the site in 1829 – the land later played host to Lake Anna, a reservoir created to serve as a coolant for Dominion Power's nearby nuclear power plant. It was created by damming up the North Anna River. Work to create the park began in 1972, and it opened formally in 1983.
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location
maps
Visitor Map of Lake Anna State Park (SP) in Virginia. Published by Virginia State Parks.
1:100K map of Fredericksburg in Virginia. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
1:100K map of Charlottesville in Virginia. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Bicycle Map of Virginia. Published by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
brochures
Trail Guide for Lake Anna State Park (SP) in Virginia. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Facilities Guide for Lake Anna State Park (SP) in Virginia. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Brochure of Virginia State Parks. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Features & Stories of the Travel Guide for Virginia. Published by Virginia Tourism.
Lake Anna SP
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/lake-anna
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Anna_State_Park
Lake Anna State Park is located in Spotsylvania County in Virginia. Initially the site of the Goodwin Gold Mine – gold was first discovered at the site in 1829 – the land later played host to Lake Anna, a reservoir created to serve as a coolant for Dominion Power's nearby nuclear power plant. It was created by damming up the North Anna River. Work to create the park began in 1972, and it opened formally in 1983.
WELCOME TO LAKE ANNA STATE PARK.
To make your visit safe and more pleasant,
we ask that you observe the following:
Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
PRESERVE - Help preserve your park. Please don’t cut or
mar any plants or trees. Collecting animal or plant life is
allowed only for scientific purposes by permit from the
Richmond headquarters. Don’t feed any wild animals.
ALCOHOL - State law permits alcohol use only in private
areas (inside your cabin or camping unit) or in areas
designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department
of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
PETS - Pets are permitted in enclosed areas or on a leash
no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pet. Pets
may not be left unattended at any time.
DRONES AND OTHER AIRCRAFT - Drones, other unmanned
aerial vehicles, including remote control aircraft, and
aircraft in general may not be flown in state parks
pursuant to 4VAC5-30-400.
FIRE - Help prevent wildfires. Fires must be confined to
grills, camp stoves or designated fire rings. Fires must
be attended at all times and extinguished when left.
Firewood is generally available for purchase at the park.
Guests may collect only downed and dead firewood. We
enforce all seasonal and emergency bans on open fires.
LITTER - Please help us keep the park clean by placing
litter and recyclables in the proper receptacles and recycle
centers or carrying out your trash.
CAMPING - Camping is allowed only in designated
campgrounds and only after following the proper checkin procedure described in the Reservation and Fees Guide
available at the park office.
FISHING - Where fishing is permitted, a Virginia freshwater
fishing license is required.
PARKING - Park only in designated areas.
TRAIL SAFETY - Come prepared to hike or bike. Go with a
buddy, dress for the weather and stay hydrated. Hikers
should be cautious of bikers as several trails are available
for hikers, cyclists and equestrian usage.
EMERGENCY - For fire or medical emergencies, call 911.
For law enforcement or critical maintenance issues, call
800- 933-7275 and select the appropriate option.
INFORMATION - For more information on Virginia State
Parks call 800-933-PARK (7275) or visit
www.virginiastateparks.gov.
TRAIL INFORMATION
DIFFICULTY SCALE
EASY
- From .5 to 1 mile; grades are short, typically
fewer than 100 feet and less than 10 percent of
the trail length; easily accomplished by all users,
including older adults and those with disabilities,
with little risk of injury or fatigue.
MODERATE
- From 1 to 5 miles; steepness and grade
lengths vary; at least 60 percent of the length is fairly
flat; healthy people can accomplish the trail with
little risk of injury or fatigue.
DIFFICULT
- Trail length is greater than 5 miles;
more than 70 percent of the trail is on a grade;
experienced hikers only or groups of three to five
people recommended; there is a risk of overexertion
or injury to those not conditioned.
FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY, PLEASE FOLLOW
TRAIL ETIQUETTE ON MULTI-USE TRAILS IN
THE PARK. HIKERS YIELD TO HORSES. BIKERS
YIELD TO HORSES AND HIKERS.
BIG WOODS
- 1.2 miles - H, B, E
CEDAR RUN
- 0.8 miles - H, B, E
Fairly flat and wide open, this trail connects to Turkey
Run and offers amazing panoramic views, diverse
landscapes, some rolling hills, and a relaxing stream.
This trail is perfect for hikers and equestrians.
Off of Turkey Run, this trail takes you on a steady,
relaxing decline to a private viewpoint of the lake where
a picnic table and bench can be found. This trail is wide
and woody, ideal for hikers and equestrians.
FISHERMAN’S
- 1.0 miles - H
Following the shoreline of the lake, this stroll connects
Ware’s Creek Picnic Area and the beach area while
offering panoramic views and several pebble beaches
on which to cool off and enjoy the lake.
GLENORA
- 1.2 miles - H, B, E
Off of Campground Rd., this straight path through the
woodland leads to and crosses the area once known as
Pigeon Run Plantation. There, you can see the historical
Glenora Smokehouse, watch birds fly, and smell the fresh
scent of pine. At the end of the trail awaits a relaxing
lake viewpoint.
GOLD HILL
- 3.1 miles - H, B, E
The longest trail available takes you along the power
lines and loops off of Pigeon Run Trail guiding you
through a rich and diverse forest. Steep hills, stream
crossings, tree trunk traversing can all be found here.
MILL POND
- 0.7 miles - H, B, E
Accessible from Cabin Rd. and Pigeon Run Trail, this
trail goes through a lush forest landscape and over
some rolling hills. Continue along the trail to reach a
panoramic overlook area where one can hear geese, and
enjoy a wonderful backdrop of flourishing trees.
OLD POND
- 0.2 miles - H
This short trail goes around the “Old Pond” allowing
anyone the opportunity to fish and enjoy nature in its
purest form. This fully paved trail hugs the pond and is
perfect for a relaxing stroll or those with carriage.
PIGEON RUN
- 1.4 miles - H, B, E
RAILROAD FORD
- 1.4 m
WELCOME TO LAKE ANNA STATE PARK.
To make your visit safe and more pleasant, we ask that
you observe the following:
Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Park in
designated areas only. Please note there is a parking fee
charged year-round at all Virginia State Parks. Honor
parking information is found at the park entrance.
PRESERVE – Help preserve your park. Please don’t cut or
mar any plants or trees. Collecting animal or plant life is
allowed only for scientific purposes by permit from the
Richmond headquarters. Don’t feed any wild animals.
ALCOHOL - State law permits alcohol use only in private
areas (inside your cabin or camping unit) or in areas
designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department
of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
PETS - Pets are permitted in enclosed areas or on a leash
no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pet. Pets
may not be left unattended at any time.
DRONES AND OTHER AIRCRAFT - Drones, other unmanned
aerial vehicles, including remote control aircraft, and aircraft in general may not be flown in state parks pursuant
to 4VAC5-30-400.
LITTER - Please help us keep the park clean by placing
litter and recyclables in the proper receptacles and
recycle centers or carrying out your trash. The releasing
of balloons is not allowed. Decorative balloons must be
deflated and disposed of as trash.
FIRE - Help prevent wildfires. Fires must be confined to
grills, camp stoves or designated fire rings. Fires must
be attended at all times and extinguished when left. Firewood is generally available for purchase at the park.
Campers and guests may collect only down and dead
firewood. We enforce all seasonal and emergency bans
on open fires.
POLLUTION - Help reduce pollution. Dump stations,
laundry sinks and slop sinks, where available, are for
the proper disposal of wastewater. Please, no boat, RV
or car washing. Portable showers that do not drain to
wastewater storage tanks are prohibited by state law.
Collected wastewater must be disposed of properly.
SWIMMING - Guests may swim at the designated beach
within marked areas at their own risk. Swimming
anywhere else in the park at any time is prohibited.
Guarded lake-swimming may be available for a fee at
the designated swimming beach between the Saturday
of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Check the
website for availability and schedules. The weather
and other issues beyond our control may reduce the
availability of guarded swimming.
FISHING - Where fishing is permitted, valid Virginia fish-
campsites or vegetation. Where high impact areas are
designated, all camping units, equipment and vehicles
must be within the defined borders of the high impact
area. Park in designated areas only.
GUESTS - Your guests are our guests. For everyone’s safety
PARKING - Only two motor vehicles, as well as the
camping unit, are permitted on a campsite without
incurring additional fees. Cabin guests are allowed two
vehicles for a one or two-bedroom cabin. Those with
additional vehicles must pay the established parking fee
for each day the vehicle is in the park. The number of
vehicles allowed to park at the cabin varies according
to site design and other factors. All vehicles must be
parked in designated areas, either at the cabin or in the
designated overflow parking area. Primitive and hike-in
sites may have park specific parking restrictions.
ing licenses are required. Specific licenses are required for
saltwater and trout-water fishing. Please call the park in
advance for specifics.
and security, please register all visitors with the park
office or camp store. Visitors will not be admitted to
camping and cabin areas unless so identified. Visitors are
permitted only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
QUIET HOURS - Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The use of generators is prohibited at all times.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT POLICY
Camping: Check-in 4 p.m. Check-out 1 p.m.
Cabins: Check-in 4 p.m. Check-out 10 a.m.
In many cases, campers may be accommodated prior to
the official check-in. Please remember that only those 18
or older may register. The registrant is responsible for
all occupants of the campsite or cabin. Feel free to arrive
early and enjoy park amenities prior to check-in.
If you decide to leave the park before the end of your
overnight stay, you may be entitled to a refund based on
how much of your stay has already been used and any
fees due. Once you check in for your cabin or camping
stay, that night is considered used. If you are camping,
we take what you paid, subtract the fees for the nights
used and then subtract one additional night. The balance is due as a refund. This means if you have only a
two-night stay, you will not receive a refund if you leave
one night early. If you are in a cabin or lodge, the policy
is different. First, we always keep at least the first two
nights’ fees. Second, we keep $30 per night for a cabin
($60 per night for a lodge) for each night you didn’t stay
and subtract that from the fee for
Programs & Education
Discounts
Families, schools, scouts, groups and individuals are encouraged to
come learn more about their world. Virginia State Parks offer premier
educational sites and programming to promote lifelong learning and
appreciation of the outdoors. Learn the essentials of archery. Tour a
cave or design a hiking stick. Enjoy a ranger-led hike, eagle tour or
owl prowl. Challenge yourself to get outdoors and discover more
parks by participating in the Trail Quest or Paddle Quest programs or
improve outdoor skills with the help of the Let’s Go Adventures series.
Up-to-the minute, comprehensive information is available at www.
virginiastateparks.gov.
Virginia State Parks are affordable every day, but annual passes
can save you money on parking, boat launching and swimming.
The Customer Loyalty Program lets you earn points that can be
redeemed for free or discounted overnight stays.
Park Accessibility
Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as
possible. Contact the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 or
individual parks for more information before your trip.
History & Culture
Pets
Immerse yourself in Colonial times, the Civil War or the Underground
Railroad. Discover the impact of the Civilian Conservation Corps on
the development of several parks and the Civil Rights Movement in
reshaping the parks system towards racial equality. From museums
and historic homes to visitor centers and state-of-the-art exhibits,
Virginia State Parks offer a glimpse into the past and celebrate the
regions’ history and culture. Step back in time and uncover mysteries
of those at rest in a park’s historic cemetery or join a canoe tour
and learn the history of an old mining “boomtown” that now lies
below the lake’s surface. Witness a floating piece of history as replica
wooden batteaux drift down a river like they would have in the 1700s.
With events and festivals as diverse as the parks, you’ll find music, arts
and crafts, local food and beverage, and more.
Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in
an enclosed area at all times. Cabin guests are charged $10 plus tax
per night per pet. No pet fee is charged for camping
Nature & Environment
All parks have trails, many with signs explaining the environment.
Wander trails at First Landing through cypress swamps or hike Caledon’s
trails along ridges and ravines through rare old-growth forest. Overlooks
at Hungry Mother, Grayson Highlands and Natural Tunnel offer a
glimpse of powerful geological forces that shaped the land. See how
rivers shaped some parks, such as Belle Isle, James River, Natural Bridge,
Powhatan and Westmoreland.
www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275)
www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275)
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540-862-8100
540-291-1326
540-297-6066
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Culpeper Battlefields
Lake Anna
Leesylvania
Mason Neck
Sweet Run
Widewater
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540-854-5503
703-730-8205
703-339-2385
540-668-6230
540-288-1400
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E/H
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CHESAPEAKE BAY
Belle Isle
Caledon
Machicomoco
Westmoreland
804-462-5030
540-663-3861
804-642-2419
804-493-8821
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COASTAL
Chippokes
False Cape
First Landing
York River
757-294-3728
757-426-7128
757-412-2300
757-566-3036
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757-331-2267
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804-492-4410
434-315-0457
434-248-6308
434-933-4355
804-796-4255
804-598-7148
804-561-7510
434-392-3435
434-767-2398
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EASTERN SHORE
Kiptopeke
Claytor Lake
Grayson Highlands
Hungry Mother
(Hemlock Haven Conference Center)
New River Trail
Shot Tower
540-643-2500
276-579-7092
276-781-7400
276-781-7425
276-699-6778
276-699-6778
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Many parks offer overnight facilities suitable
for reunions, weddings and special events.
Some parks even have equestrian campsites.
B/E/H/U
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SOUTHERN VIRGINIA
Fairy Stone
Occoneechee
Staunton River Battlefield
Staunton River
276-930-2424
434-374-2210
434-454-4312
434-572-4623
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276-254-5487
276-940-2674
276-940-2696
276-523-1322
276-445-3065
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HEART OF APPALACHIA
Breaks Interstate*
Clinch River
Natural Tunnel
(Cove Ridge Conference Center)
Southwest Virginia Museum
Wilderness Road
TABLE LEGEND:
B Biking
CT Car-top Boat Launch
E Equestrian
FP Fishing Pier
H Hiking
P Pool Swimming
T Electric Motors Only
U Universally Accessible
UD Under Development
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Shenandoah River
Sky Meadows
Douthat
Smith Mountain Lake
Lake Anna
Leesylvania
Belle Isle
Caledon
Machicomoco
Westmoreland
Chippokes
False Cape
First Landing
Kiptopeke
Bear Creek Lake
Holli
Hotel Weyanoke—Farmville
Small Towns,
Local charm, cozy curios and open arms make
these small towns in Virginia worth exploring.
Character
WRITTEN BY MARY & BILL BURNHAM
T
KYLE LAFERRIERE
10
he phrase “small town” evokes
nostalgia, authenticity and heartfeltwarmth in many of us. What’s not to
love? They are authentic, accessible, friendly
and stocked with locally-owned businesses.
These are communities where you can get off
the crowded highway, park the car and walk,
ride a bike or even kayak through downtown.
Small, family-run businesses offer one-of-
a-kind handmade items, from jewelry and art
to craft beers and wine. Farmers markets offer
locally-grown produce and seafood spring
through fall.
With almost 200 incorporated towns,
dozens more villages and hamlets, plus
nearly 30 designated Virginia Main Street
Communities, the hard part is deciding which
Virginia towns to visit.
VIRGINIA .ORG
11
Here are some of
our favorites,
d ending
starting in southwest Virginia, an
metown
with a shameless plug for our ho
on the Eastern Shore.
High Bridge Trail State Park—Farmville
Harrisonburg
Big Stone Gap
12
Farmville
HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK (FARMVILLE): ALI ZAMAN /
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM (BIG STONE GAP): JASON BARNETTE
June Tolliver House and Art Folk Center—Big Stone Gap
Southwest Virginia Museum—Big Stone Gap
JUNE TOLLIVER HOUSE (BIG STONE GAP): TIM COX
Southwest Virginia’s coal-mining history
comes to life in the “Trail of the Lonesome
Pine,” Virginia’s longest-running outdoor
drama, performed Thursday through
Saturday nights, late June through August.
Before you go, be sure to read the Big
Stone Gap novels by Adriana Trigiani, or
watch the Hollywood film by the same name
starring Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg.
Upon arrival, you can visit places featured
in the film, such as Mutual Pharmacy, the
Book Mobile, the Farmers Market, as well as
the outdoor drama.
Fine, well-preserved period homes house
The John Fox Jr. Museum, the Southwest
Virginia Museum and the June Tolliver House.
Cozy B&Bs, cafes and a variety of antique
and curio shops round out this small town
gem.
Fun Festival: 100th annual Tri State
Singing Convention, June
This formerly industrial town has been reinvented
for recreation, craft beverage and shopping lovers.
The Appomattox River that once carried tobacco
barges is now a designated Scenic River carrying
paddlers in search of whitewater or the calmer
four-mile Farmville Blueway.
The railroad that once carried coal now carries
hikers, bikers and equestrians on the 30-mile-long
High Bridge Trail State Park.
Repurposed tobacco packing houses and
lumber warehouses are reincarnated to house
Appomattox River Company, Green Front Furniture
and the Third Street Brewing Company, serving up
local beer, live music, games for the kids and a
pet-friendly beer garden.
Together with the Virginia Tasting Cellar and
the soon-to-open second location of James River
Brewing, Farmville is fast becoming a destination
for craft beverage lovers.
Fun Festival: Heart of Virginia Festival, May
Set amidst the vast playground of the
idyllic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg
has been called “one of the best mountain
bike towns in America” by National
Geographic.
Forward-thinking entrepreneurs and
artisans have blended the past with the
present to create a lively melting pot that
is distinctive to this college town.
Named Virginia’s first Culinary
District in 2014, Harrisonburg’s cultural
diversity serves up fare from around the
world, while taking advantage of locallysourced farm-to-table ingredients. Food.
Bar.Food features “global comfort food,”
while a mother-daughter team creates soulsoothing pastries at Heritage Bakery & Café.
The arts scene is equally diverse,
epitomized by the Agora Downtown Market,
a community of small businesses under
one roof in an historic building.
Named for James Madison, fourth
president and the “Father of the
Constitution,” are the stunning Hotel
Madison and James Madison University
(JMU), where nearly 20,000 students lend
a youthful vitality to this historic town.
Fun Festival: Harrisonburg
International Festival, September
VIRGINIA .ORG
13
Within Virginia’s
larger cities,
find pockets of
uniqueness that
make you feel
like you’re in a
small town!
ROANOKE’S HISTORIC
GRANDIN VILLAGE
This walkable urban village is
eclectic and family-friendly at
the same time. Spend Saturday
morning at the Community
Market, dine on an outdoor
patio, shop independentlyowned boutiques and take in
a first-run or classic film at the
1930s Grandin Theatre.
RICHMOND’S
SCOTT’S ADDITION
One of the hottest, newly
revitalized neighborhoods in
the state capital. Warehouses
converted to breweries, cideries
and distilleries, bold street
murals, a cinema and a retro
bowling alley make this a
happening night scene.
Immerse yourself in Virginia’s Lake
Country at Virginia’s only lakeside
town. Buggs Island Lake, also known as
Kerr Reservoir, draws anglers to dozens
of fishing tournaments yearl