We had an incredible time with Brian on the Smith River. He took the time to teach the beginners…read morehow to navigate their kayaks and educated us on wildlife along the way. Our crew had a blast! Professional, knowledgeable, and patient!

Spent a few days last week with Brian from Smith River Outfitters on the Smith River. This guy know…read morefly fishing and the Smith River. I was impressed with his knowledge of where to fish, what to use, and the habits of the wildlife on the river. Also find out the his company also does float trips and rental several different types of water craft for river use. It's not often one that a client gets the owner of the business as a guide, I was fortunate. If you decide to fish the Smith call his company and ask for him. He will put you on fish, keep you entertained and provide memories for a lifetime. Check out his web site the pictures are the real deal. I will fish with him again.

This area recently opened. It has a gravel parking area (handicapped spot is paved), with concrete…read moresteps leading down to the Ararat river. Two wooden beams down the middle of the steps for boat access.

Good food from Cascade Cafe Friendly service…read moreNice Wifi Interesting things to shop for and look at. Outdoor services available. Fishing, boating etc.

We're from northern VA and to some in other parts of VA, we might as well be from DC. That being…read moresaid, lifestyles vary greatly throughout regions. I called and made reservations through Tangent Outfitters a month ahead of our stay in Pearisburg and when we neared the time of our arrival our plans changed and I called to change dates. In northern VA, we call, we text... maybe I left one too many messages; it's just the way I think the world works- but I could be wrong. Unfortunately, when the day arrived for our kayaking trip, we had immense rain and as city folks, we didn't feel comfortable and called to cancel our reservations, again, maybe that was the one too many calls. Shawn's response was, "ah, I'm over it. If you want to come great; if you don't..." at first I wanted to believe that he was referring to the rain- 'being over" one of the rainiest springs we've experienced in VA, but after some thought, I'm pretty sure he was referring to my calls. Being patient is important, especially in business. The Pearisburg/Pembroke/Blacksburg area is beautiful and we hope to be back soon, but I'm not sure if I'd make another call to Tangent Outfitters.

You can park at the lower or upper access, I recommend parking at the upper if you aren't paddling…read more It is about a two mile walk that doesn't loop. The trail is very sandy in some parts so be prepared for that, I also recommend wearing bug spray. We had a blast walking out onto the rocks. You can also play in the river, bring a picnic or go fishing.

Josh is awesome! Got me into fishing when we deployed together. Extremely knowledgeable when it…read morecomes to fresh water fishing. Expect good conversation and some bass action!! Highly recommend to relax and enjoy the sport

Been out a few times with Josh. His fishing knowledge of the local and surrounding area is second…read moreto none. Always good fishing, always good conversation. A must if you are in the area.

Went here for a guided fishing session and it was amazing! Ranger reynolds was great in showing us…read morehow to fish and introduced me to a great activity. I caught a boue gill and i am awesome! There is so mych more here and i am looking forward to exploring more

Lovely spot for a two mile hike. Gentle path, a little rooted, but no steep hills. Lots of shade.read more

My first time fly fishing and could not have asked for a better experience! Matt is an excellent…read moreinstructor and extremely knowledgeable. He put us right where we needed to be every time. I learned so much in one day that I can't wait to put those skills to use again.

From the owner: Guided Fly Fishing Trips on the Smith River in Bassett Virginiaread more

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.