Swimming

Swimming Areas

• Clinch Ranger District

  The Clinch Ranger District, located in the Cumberland Mountains section of the Appalachian Plateau in southwest Virginia, has mountainous terrain, deep valleys, and fresh bodies of water where visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities. The district has four campgrounds, four lakes, and plenty of rivers and streams for whitewater kayaking and fishing. In addition, it has over 100 miles of multi-use trail. Some popular landmarks are High Knob Tower and Birch Knob Observation Tower, both of which provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors, if they are lucky, can spot elk, wild turkey, and eagles among its rich, biodiverse ecosystem. The closest towns to the district are Pound, Clintwood, and Norton, Virginia.  

• Eastern Divide Ranger District

  Recreational areas and opportunities within the Eastern Divide Ranger District.

• Craig Creek Recreation Area
• Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District

  Explore recreational opportunities in the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District of the National Forest by activity type below.  

  Also check out adventures specific to Rockbridge county at our partner's website: Rockbridgeoutdoors.com 

• Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area
• Sherando Lake Recreation Area

  Sherando Lake Recreation Area is known locally as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Families enjoy picnicking in this shaded and woody area, while relaxing on the sandy beach of a 25-acre spring-fed lake. Access to multiple trailheads and rustic architecture provide numerous points of interest for families to enjoy.

• James River and Warm Springs Ranger District

  Visitors to the James River and Warm Springs Ranger District have opportunities to visit two wilderness areas located among the Alleghany Mountains in the western section of Virginia and  336,464 acres of mountains and valleys. The district has over 240 miles of multi-use trail and over 300 miles of roads. One of its most popular recreation destinations is Lake Moomaw, one of the largest lakes in Virginia, with 43 miles of undeveloped shoreline, campgrounds, and day use areas, including 3 boat launches. There, visitors can go both cold and warm water fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping. The closest town to the district is Hot Springs, Virginia.

• Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

  Bolar Mountain Recreation Area at Lake Moomaw offers visitors a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides opportunities for plenty of activities, including camping, 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.

   

• Coles Point Day Use Area

  Coles Point at Lake Moomaw boasts picnic shelters, two fishing docks, two boat ramps and a swimming beach. Opportunities abound for hiking, photography, nature study, birding and viewing wildlife. Coles Point is perched along the shores of the southern end of Lake Moomaw, providing convenient access to boating, fishing, swimming and relaxing on the beach. The picnic area has an open field for games like Frisbee and soccer.  

  The 1-mile Morris Hill Bike Trail is popular among hikers and bikers. The 3-mile Fortney Loop Trail is open to hiking along a path with several switchbacks.

• Lee Ranger District

  Recreational opportunities in the Lee Ranger District.

• Trout Pond Recreation Area
• Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

  The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area offers unique recreation opportunities in a 5,000ft high area with large rock formations, mountain balds, and spruce-fir forests. Within Mount Rogers, there are four wilderness areas, 400 miles of trail, eleven campgrounds, three rental cabins, and beautiful scenic roads, such as the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway and road to Whitetop Mountain. Mt. Rogers is home to 60 miles of Appalachian Trail and 18 miles of the Virginia Creeper Trail. Motorcyclists and cyclists can enjoy the beautiful Iron Mountain Trail, and horseback-riders can enjoy the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, one of the marque saddle trails in the region. In addition, visitors to Mount Rogers have the opportunity to go hunting, trout fishing, bird watching, sight-seeing, swimming, cross country skiing, and nature-viewing of animals such as wild ponies.  

   

• Beartree Recreation Area

  Relax at this popular, yet peaceful recreation area beside Beartree Lake complete with campsites, a picnic area, nearby trails and a scenic lake. Campsites are popular with tent campers since there are no hookups, but RVs are welcome and easily accommodated. Group sites are available with reservations.

  There are 35 camping units in Chipmunk Circle and 35 camping units in Beaver Flats that are available for tents and RVs. Some sites are available for reservations while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each unit has a parking spur, lantern post, fire grill and picnic table. Bathhouses with toilets, warm showers, sinks, and drinking water are provided. Four walk-in tent clusters and 4 paved RV clusters are available in Group Loop for reservation. A trailer waste disposal station is located near the campground’s exit. Recreation vehicles up to 40 feet can be accommodated in some units.

• Beartree Lake Trail (Forest Trail #4563)
• North River Ranger District

  Recreational opportunities in the North River Ranger District.

• Brandywine Recreation Area

  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.

• Todd Lake Recreation Area