Sherando Lake Recreation Area, located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains off Route 664 approximately 11 miles south from I-64, is the perfect place for spending a relaxing day with family. Known by locals as “The Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” the area is comprised of two lakes: the lower lake, which covers an area of about 25 acres, and the upper lake, which has an area of about 7 acres.
The land area that stretches along the connecting stream between the two lakes contains most of the areas improvements, which include shaded play areas, bathhouses, showers, and more than 70 picnic tables and grills. The area even boasts a covered shelter as a refuge from a sudden rain. Most of the original improvements were made during the depression era of the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Bring a picnic lunch or some fresh victuals for cooking over one of the many grills provided. Enjoy a refreshing swim followed by sunbathing on the sandy beach. Small children can enjoy splashing in the safe wading area. Fishing from designated areas on the banks of both lakes is popular with visitors, and many are the tall tales of the gigantic trout, bass, bluegill, and catfish that somehow “got away.” During the Spring and Fall seasons, fishing is available in the stocked waters of the upper lake. Of course, the proper licenses are required. If you have your own canoe or other non-powered boat, you can enjoy cruising about either the lower or upper lakes, or rent them at Cabin Creekwood.
For the more athletically inclined family members, several hiking trails, accessible from the recreation area, circle both the upper and lower lakes rewarding hikers with spectacular panoramic views of the area and surrounding mountains, including one trail offering a 2.5 mile climb up to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
For the many who find that one day is not enough time to fully embrace the beauty of the area, overnight camping is available at one of 65 campsites, on a first-come-first-serve basis. Some sites have electrical hookups, and all campers have access to the campground’s flush toilets and fresh water. For those not interested in camping, a stay at our fully-furnished Virginia Rental Cabins will keep you close, yet give you many of the comforts of home. On many summer evenings, visitors can enjoy the various programs offered at Sherando’s outdoor amphitheater.
Regardless of whether you spend a few hours, a full day, or a weekend at the Sherando Lake Recreation Area, you and your family will leave there with special pleasant memories of the natural beauty of one of the most popular areas in the George Washington National Forest.