Bark Camp Recreation Area is situated on a 45 acre lake that is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. A three mile shoreline trail circles the lake, offering outstanding views. Highlights include an open air amphitheater overlooking the lake, a short hike to an interesting geological formation called “Kitchen Rock,” and outstanding universally accessible fishing piers and picnicking facilities. This recreation area bosts 34 campsites, 9 of which have electric hookups.
Hanging Rock Picnic Area is named for the large rock outcrop formed millions of years ago from seismic activity along the Hunters Valley fault. Fossils are visible in the large boulders strewn across Little Stony Creek. The Hanging Rock Picnic Area also serves as the eastern trailhead for the Little Stony National Recreation Trail.
The High Knob Recreation Area was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930’s. This remote and private location offers cooler summer temperatures due to its higher mountain elevation.
Cascades Day Use Area is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in southwest Virginia. It features shady picnic spots, a native trout stream, and a 4-mile scenic loop trail. The main attraction is the scenic 66 foot Cascade Falls, a dramatic waterfall located two miles from the parking area.
Visitors to Fenwick Mines will find trails to hike, ponds to fish, and a picnic shelter (complete with horseshoe pit) that’s perfect for spending a great Sunday afternoon with friends and family. A one mile, wheelchair accessible trail will lead you through wetland, stream, and forest habitats providing lots of opportunities to see wildlife.
Pandapas Pond is a pastoral, 8 acre pond located just outside the town of Blacksburg. It sits on the Eastern Continental Divide and is surrounded by a forest of hardwoods and rhododendron. Visitors will enjoy strolling the one-mile wheelchair accessible trail that encircles the pond. A wooden boardwalk separates the pond from a small wetland area that is abundant with dragonflies, turtles, songbirds, and waterfowl. Horses and bicycles are not permitted on the trail around the pond; however they may use the 17-mile Poverty Creek Trail system that can be accessed from the upper parking lot.
Roaring Run is a popular get-away for escaping the summer heat. It features shady picnic spots, a native trout stream and a 1 ½ -mile scenic loop trail that follows Roaring Run Creek to a cascading waterfall. History buffs will enjoy seeing the historic iron furnace that operated prior to the Civil War.
White Rocks Campground is in a secluded forest setting with cool summertime temperatures and great wildlife watching opportunities. A small creek meanders through several campsites and a nature trail traverses through the woods. Area highlights include Mountain Lake Wilderness, Mountain Lake, Glen Alton Day Use Area, Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Potts Rail Trail, Appalachian Trail, and multiple hiking opportunities.
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is a great destination for visitors looking for a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides plenty of activities, including boating, fishing and hiking, as well as volleyball and a playground. The recreation area sits on the northern end of Lake Moomaw, a manmade lake covering 2,530 acres along the Jackson River. The lake's average depth is 80 feet and it has 43 miles of wooded shoreline. Bolar Mountain boasts 11 miles of hiking trails that lead to two impressive scenic overlooks: Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook.
Kelly Bridge Trail begins in the parking lot next to the boat launching ramp on Coles Point. This is a trail to the universally accessible Kelly Bridge fishing pier. The tread is poured concrete, about 50 inches wide, and is accessible to wheelchairs. The fishing pier is a wheelchair accessible fishing platform and is the only one of its kind in the Alleghany Highlands area. The pier was named for the old steel Kelly Bridge that crossed the Jackson River before Lake Moomaw was formed. The construction of Gathright Dam was originally authorized in 1947. Construction did not begin until 1965 and was completed in 1981 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. When the dam was completed, Lake Moomaw was formed, and today it is 2,530 acres with 43 miles of shoreline and an average depth of 80 feet. The formation of the lake created a great fishing opportunity for the area. The lake contains trout, crappie, channel catfish, sunfish, yellow perch, black bass, and chain pickerel. A state fishing license is required when fishing from the pier. No trout stamp or National Forest stamp is required. There is a $3 day use fee to use the Coles Point parking area, May 1 thru October 1. Coles Point is sometimes flooded in early spring, and then lake levels during the late summer are well below the pier. Fish habitat structures, in the form of Christmas tree bundles, tire bundles, and concrete shapes have been installed in the vicinity of Kelly Bridge pier to improve the angler’s experience.
Morris Hill is a peaceful, rustic campground for groups of family and friends. The family campground is a family-friendly destination perched on a ridge above Lake Moomaw. Kids can have fun at the playground while older generations sit back and relax in the shade. The group sites accommodate up the 25 guests with space for up to eight tents. The convenient location near Lake Moomaw and sandy swim beaches, a fishing pier, boat ramp, and hiking and biking trails makes Morris Hill a popular spot.
Natural Features: The campground sits on a ridge overlooking Lake Moomaw. It is about a half-mile from the south end of the lake. Lake Moomaw, which flows from the Jackson River, is a cold-water 2,530-acre lake with an inviting swimming beach.
Morris Hill is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests which spans across Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. These forests protect 40 species of trees that are mostly Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds.
Recreation: An inviting swimming beach at Coles Point attracts many visitors. About less than a mile from the campground is a fishing pier where anglers seek brown and rainbow trout, bass and crappie. Back Creek is also nice for trout fishing. Hikers enjoy the Morris Hill Bike Trail and Fortney Loop Trail.
Facilities: Family Campground: Most sites will fit any size RV. Campsite amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, a playground and drinking water. Group Sites: There is no water or electricity. Two fully accessible vault toilets, picnic tables and a group grill are on each group site. Coles Point Boat Ramp, the nearest boat ramp to Morris, is less than two miles away.
Nearby Attractions: Head downstream of the Jackson River for fly fishing, canoeing, rafting and kayaking. A half hour east of the lake is Hot Springs, Virginia, a quaint village known as a rural resort town.
The Walton Tract Canoe Access Point is located on a former dairy farm along the Cowpasture River. In addition to canoeing, there are opportunities for fishing and hiking. Follow the hiking signs for access to the Beards Mountain Trail which can be reached by crossing a swinging bridge.
Known for its family friendly atmosphere, Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area is a must do trip. Enjoy hiking the Pig Iron and Charcoal trail and learn how iron was made. Spend the day fishing from a stocked trout stream, grilling out at one of our picnic spots, or taking a stroll across the swinging bridge to view the historical cabin. Stay the night at one of our charming campsites and have some fun roasting marshmallows around an open campfire.
Explore recreational opportunities in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area:
The US Forest Service partners with the Friends of Mount Rogers, a non-profit organization that promotes the appreciation and enjoyment of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area through educational and interpretive programs, visitor center assistance, and volunteer efforts. Learn more by visiting the Friends of Mount Rogers website.
Relax at this popular, yet peaceful recreation area beside Beartree Lake complete with campsites, a picnic area, nearby trails and a swim beach. Campsites are popular with tent campers since there are no hookups, but RVs are welcome and easily accommodated. Group sites and a large picnic shelter are available with reservations.
Located on the 10-acre Brandywine Lake, this wooded recreation area affords access to multiple hiking and mountain biking trails, a swimming beach, and a campground with an onsite host.
A popular scenic viewing area for fall foliage, this winding 0.5 mile interpretive trail meanders along the top of Shenandoah Mountain. Relive the events of April 1862 through the letters of Captain Shepherd Pryor, a member of the 12th Georgia Regiment, to his wife. This is also a popular access point to the gently rolling Shenandoah Mountain Trail, and Ramseys Draft Wilderness.
Hone Quarry Campground is within one mile of Hone Quarry Reservoir. Nearby trailheads lead to popular rock climbing areas. Highlights of the campground include a picturesque stream, a hike to a nearby 15-foot waterfall and an adjacent group picnic shelter that is non-fee and is available first-come first-served.