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    Brackens Fish Hatchery

    5.0 (1 review)

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    3 years ago

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    Claytor Lake State Park - Claytor Lake Medium Cabin's New Floors

    Claytor Lake State Park

    4.3(32 reviews)
    30.3 mi

    This park is one of those ones that feels like a private to public site; the majestic house at the…read morelakefront has been turned into a visitor center. The visitor center has a room or two of exhibitions on hydrology and wildlife but is not anything big. I came seeking a New Year's hike and expecting some scenery while being unsure if the amount of trails available would be enough. I managed to spend a solid two hours circumnavigating the place. In summer, swimming and boating are more likely the activities du jour, and it appears to be an excellent place for such activities. While the park looks close to the highway on the map, it feels like being at a park and there isn't any road noise. Like most VA state parks, they do charge for parking (waived for New Year's Day).

    Don't let all my NJ posts fool you. I was born and raised in southwest Virginia and most of my…read morefamily still lives there. Although I am forever grateful that my parents moved us out of the area when we were younger - especially when I get a peek at the local electoral maps - my heart remains in the mountains. Can't say my brains remain here though because it took until today to realize Claytor Lake was 1) a state park and 2) gorgeous and amazing. All these years I just thought it was nowhere special that my cousins would go fishing. And to think I road trip all the way to NH and Maine every year and could have just driven 7 miles from my grandmother's for an equally rewarding experience. I had cabin fever today at my granny's and caught the local Outdoors magazine write up about Claytor Lake. There's camping?? Swimming?? Trails?? I watched a few videos on YouTube then got in the car to see for myself. Need to know: -There's a booth at the entrance - closed after 4pm. $7 parking fee for most paid by the honor system with cash or check or by card through the QR code during after hours. There are 4 campgrounds - I only saw Campground D open and it was overwhelmingly being used by those with RVs, teardrops, and campers. These are NOT wooded lots, rather gravel pull-ins and you'll likely be very close to your neighbor. A lil too close for me but I can see it not being a huge deal since everyone had campers to sleep in. I took a drive through this campground to see if I would feel comfortable and I didn't see any displays that would make me think I wouldn't (you picking up what I'm putting down?) Trails and paved paths galore. I saw one trail today but didn't get to explore much. Apparently the only shoes I packed for this trip were Crocs. Paved paths snake through the park and are accessible for those with mobility devices. The "lake" was created by damming the river. The water is clear by the shore. We love clean river water! Tons of shelters, grills, benches. There is something for everyone! Not sure if shelters are first come first serve or if you need to book them in high season - check the website. There's a gift shop but it was closed. I was bummed because you know I love stickers! I am counting down the days until I can return in the warmer weather. I would not be opposed to camping here or swimming once they reopen the beach for the season. I also look forward to exploring the trails. Fantastic solo outing. What a gem in my little country corner of the world.

    Photos
    Claytor Lake State Park - Claytor Lake Medium Cabin Living Room

    Claytor Lake Medium Cabin Living Room

    Claytor Lake State Park - Claytor Lake Medium Cabin Kitchen and Dining Area

    Claytor Lake Medium Cabin Kitchen and Dining Area

    Claytor Lake State Park - Hmmmm. On my picnic table? Oh man!

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    Hmmmm. On my picnic table? Oh man!

    Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company - Mtn2Island standup paddleboarding with the very patient instructor @ Claytor Lake State Park

    Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company

    5.0(5 reviews)
    30.7 mi

    We found Mountain 2 Island Paddleboarding through Claytor Lake State Park (exit 101 off I-81)and…read morechecked out their website. They offer lessons and paddleboard rentals. Lessons are cheaper when you bring more people with you. When we gave them a call no one answered, but someone called right back. The man was extremely nice and answered all of my questions. They were also pretty flexible with reservations days and times which I thought was great. Mtn2Island is next to the Claytor Lake State Park visitor center. You have to pay the $5 dollar Park entrance fee (for park maintenance people, totally worth it!) Transactions were completed through Square using iPads (love that). They fitted us for a paddle, gave us a lifejacket (he said VA law requires you have one with you), and then we got to it. They had the paddleboards down by the dock, and the Mtn2Island people put them in the water for us. The instructor, Issac, was very calm and extremely patient while my younger sister (who is in her 30s by the way) was in hysterics about getting in the water. Another young lady, Rachel, came down to help coax her into giving it a try. It took them about 30 minutes to get her to get in the water, but she did. It was definitely harder than I thought it would be and I don't recommend doing squats the day before because my legs were killing me after, but it was a lot of fun and I would do it again. The waves from the nearby boat made it difficult for me to keep my balance and about that time my sister fell in (she was wearing her life jacket and was totally fine), but she got back on her board and we made it back to the docks.

    We got lucky with our experience with Mountain 2 Island. We were camping at Claytor Lake and…read morewanted to rent a pontoon. We were lucky enough to be able to rent one of the last boats. We were expecting something that was run down but works. To our amazement we were given a brand new Bentley pontoon. It literally had 1 hr on the engine. Service was great. We were able to take our two pups on the water with us. We will be back and hope to use them again. Beautiful lake that we were able to explore thanks to Mountain 2 Island.

    Photos
    Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company - Group Outings

    Group Outings

    Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company - Pontoon Boat Rentals

    Pontoon Boat Rentals

    Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company - Board rentals

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    Board rentals

    Hungry Mother State Park - Inside my Yurt!

    Hungry Mother State Park

    4.8(28 reviews)
    21.3 mi

    We enjoyed a visit to the campground this week. Many activities to enjoy. Campground facilities…read morewere well maintained. Camp Host Patrick and Amy could not have been more helpful and friendly. They definitely made everyone feel at home. Hope to visit this park again

    Hungry Mother State Park is more than a 5 star review for me. It's beautiful. It's also my 30th VA…read moreState Park Visit! Hidden away in the mountains of southern VA, is a great lake with water that looked crystal clear! You can paddleboat, kayak, canoe and swim! The swim spot is more than twice the size of Lake Anna State Park. And surrounded by the beautiful mountains. I hiked the 6 miles around the lake with the stop off ay Molly's Knob. It's gorgeous! I had preplanned this trip to see these parks down here many months ago. While, I camped in a tent at Claytor Lake, I rented a Yurt for two nights here at Hungary Mother. I've never stayed in a Yurt before and I loved it! It was hot though, don't get me wrong. That Yurt was like a volcano tube all day and 1/2 the night. Luckily I was gone during the daytime and due to location, around 3am to 6am it wasn't very hot at all. LoL. Mountains make the difference! The Yurt was spacious and lovely. I'll rent again in the future. Employees were nice. Gift shop was amazing. Unlike most other state parks, this one had long trails. Like I said, one was 6 miles..usually, at other parks, they have .5 and .9 mile trails that you peice together to make a 6 mile trail. Those who've been, know what I mean. My favorite VA State Park is Sky Meadows. Perfect for me and only 25 min from my house. Hungry Mother is second place winner for me!! Love it!

    Photos
    Hungry Mother State Park - Cabin 14

    Cabin 14

    Hungry Mother State Park - Cabin 14

    Cabin 14

    Hungry Mother State Park - Cabin 14

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    Cabin 14

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    4.8(5 reviews)
    17.2 mi

    I checked in here at Mount Rogers National Recreation location because it was the only place…read moreresembling where I was going. I did actually stop here but the place was closed. They had bathrooms and pamphlets. Im posting my hike here. Mount Rogers is the highest peak in VA. And a good 20 min from here. From here to actual Mount Rogers was quite the experience . I have an Ecosport. The engine is about the size of a matchbox car. It was dicey getting there going around and up and down the mountains.. sheesh.. but it's worth it. I can say I have conquered the Mount Rogers! I hiked to the top. The highest peak in VA! Yay! I entered through Grayson Highland Park. (I've already reviewed that park) the hike to Mount Rogers was mostly via the Appalachian Trail and then spur to blue markers all the way up. The best part? There a beautiful forest near the top that has vibrant green moss all over the trees and ground and trail as well. One hiker I spoke with called it and Elf Forest and she's right. That's how it felt. Really beautiful and quiet and mysterious. I reached the top. I came back down The top was uneventful. Most of the scenery was on the way. A great adventure!

    I'm not a camper (I don't like dirt or bugs) and I'm not a hiker (same), but I can appreciate a…read morebeautiful view and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is chock full of scenery. Well managed forests and roadside pullouts and fantastic views of green valleys make my day. Plenty of opportunities for camping and hiking and maybe even fishing, if those are things that interest. [Review 20381 overall - 1440 in Virginia - 1359 of 2023.]

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    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

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    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Brackens Fish Hatchery - lakes - Updated June 2026

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