Crystal-clear water. A gentle breeze. A view of the surrounding mountains. Does this sound like an idyllic day trip destination? If so, load up the car and head to Lake Moomaw in western Virginia. With beautiful blue water and a maximum depth of over 150 feet, it's one of the deepest, cleanest lakes in Virginia. Come with us as we dive into what makes this place so special.
Nestled alongside the Jackson River in the Alleghany Mountains, Lake Moomaw is a beautiful 2,530-acre cold-water lake.
It's perhaps most famous as a swimming hole. As you can see, the water is refreshing, clear, and absolutely stunning!
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The lake was created by Gathright Dam for the purpose of both flood control and recreation. The idea for Lake Moomaw was born shortly after WWII; however, the project was not completed until the early '80s.
For a fun excursion, park at the main area and enjoy the Lake Moomaw Greenwood Point Trail, a nearly 6-mile trek that offers stunning views of the water.
Have you ever visited Lake Moomaw in Virginia? What did you think? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you! Before embarking on your adventure, be sure to take a look at our outdoor essentials packing list.
For more to explore, check out our list of the best day trip destinations in Virginia:
Nothing says summer like an outing with the whole family. But, it can sometimes be a challenge to find that perfect family-friendly destination. Luckily, you don't have to search too far in Virginia. Today's feature destination, Windsor Castle Park, is one that all ages will admire. Let's explore it, shall we?
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Welcome to Smithfield's Windsor Castle Park! Nestled on the banks of the Pagan River and Cypress Creek, it's a picture-perfect destination for a summer outing.
The park's eponymous feature is the historic manor house that once belonged to a parcel of land deeded in 1637.
In addition to touring the historic grounds, enjoying the park's trail system, renting kayaks, enjoying a picnic, and visiting the dog park, there's one feature that is perhaps the most unique: the nature playscape.
So whether you have just an hour or an entire day to spend at this park, you'll quickly discover that there's no shortage of meaningful activities to enjoy here.
Have you ever been to Windsor Castle Park in Virginia? What did you think of this unique nature-inspired playground and other fun outdoor attractions? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more information, check out the Windsor Castle Park website.
Looking for some of the best places to visit in Virginia in the fall? Well, you're in luck, as there is truly no state more beautiful in the fall than Virginia. The splendor of the fall foliage, the crispness in the air, the bountiful fall harvest -- what's not to love about autumn? From orchards to hardwood forests, coastal trails, and mountain tops, these destinations will elevate your appreciation for Virginia's most colorful season.
For breathtaking scenery at every turn, countless overlooks to admire, and miles upon miles of Blue Ridge Mountain beauty, look no further than the Parkway. It's beautiful in any season, but fall in Virginia is perhaps the most impressive time to drive this famed 469-mile route. Check out these gorgeous photos of the Blue Ridge Parkway for some inspiration.
Similar to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive offers some of the best mountain views on the East Coast. This scenic drive cuts through Shenandoah National Park, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing along the way. Skyline Drive is one of the best places to visit in Virginia in the fall and tends to be very popular, so you might want to consider visiting during a weekday or early in the morning. Learn more about Skyline Drive and its gorgeous scenery.
Mabry Mill is the most photographed place along the Blue Ridge Parkway, most especially during the fall in Virginia, and it's no mystery why. This historic mill can be found at Milepost 176.2 of the Blue Ridge Parkway and makes for the perfect place to not only stretch your legs but also grab a quick bite at the adjacent restaurant. Find out what's in store for your belly at Mabry Mill Restaurant.
Some of the most famous Virginia hikes to enjoy in the fall are Old Rag and McAfee Knob, but we would argue that Humpback Rocks is every bit as epic. This short yet intense hike packs a mean punch and offers some truly stunning views from the top. It's a great place to visit in Virginia in the fall. Get more info on this trail and other beautiful hikes in Virginia.
If you are looking for things to do in Virginia in the fall, but aren't necessarily looking for an intense hike, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum makes for a lovely day trip destination. Located on the JMU campus, this woodland sanctuary and botanical garden is a wonderful place to learn about Virginia's flora while also finding a few moments of solitude. Learn more about visiting this arboretum and other beautiful gardens in Virginia.
There's something positively mystical about Great Falls Park in the autumn. Shared between Virginia and Maryland, this stretch of property along the famous Potomac River has attracted naturalists, kayakers, and hikers for decades. No matter your choice of adventure, this is one of the best places to visit in Virginia and you'll love spending your time on -- or at least near -- the water. Learn more about visiting Great Falls.
During the fall in Virginia, the only thing more beautiful than abundant fall foliage is abundant fall foliage reflected right back at you. Walking along the banks of Sherando Lake, that's the exact experience you can look forward to. Located in Lyndhurst, Virginia, this recreation area is often referred to as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spend a beautiful afternoon admiring the foliage here or opt for a night or two of camping. Read more about camping at Sherando Lake.
If you're traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway and craving a place to stretch your legs, it doesn't get much better than the Yankee Horse Ridge Trail. This short-and-sweet pathway follows an old logging railroad route and leads to a dazzling waterfall. There's even a picnic area where you can enjoy a packed lunch in the woods, making it a lovely place to visit in Virginia in the fall. Learn more about walking along Yankee Horse Ridge Trail.
This 35-mile multi-purpose trail stretches between Abingdon and Whitetop, traversing the Mount Rogers Wilderness. Along the way, bikers and hikers alike will enjoy the splendid scenery. An awesome thing to do in Virginia in the fall, the added allure of foliage and perhaps even a pumpkin patch or two will truly put you in the spirit of the season. Get yourself more acquainted with the Virginia Creeper Trail.
If you've yet to hike the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River, now's the time! Crabtree Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Virginia, and there's no time like the fall to enjoy its stunning beauty. Hike all the way to the top of the falls and admire the view from above. Or, continue on and conquer some of the Appalachian Trail. Either way, it's one of the best places to visit in Virginia in the fall. Get all the details before you head out on the hike to Crabtree Falls.
Like Great Falls Park, Westmoreland State Park is also situated on the Potomac River, but it's in Virginia's Northern Neck. Offering 1.5 miles of waterfront property, this beautiful park is famous for its Horsehead Cliffs and recreational opportunities. Hike, fish, bike, camp...there's no wrong way to enjoy the beauty of Westmoreland State Park during the fall in Virginia. Discover more about the beauty of Westmoreland State Park.
Did you know that the Grand Canyon of the South was right here in Virginia? It's located on the Kentucky border and promises to impress just about anyone. Admire stunning fall foliage for as far as the eye can see as you peer out over the 1,000-foot gorge. It's truly one of the most amazing places to visit in Virginia in the fall. Find out more about what you can do in a visit to Breaks Interstate Park.
If getting high-altitude, panoramic mountain views is your favorite thing to do in Virginia in the fall, head straight to Grayson Highlands State Park. The crown jewel of the Virginia Highlands region, this sprawling state park is truly magical. From Mount Rogers -- the tallest of Virginia's peaks -- to the roaming wild ponies, there's so much to love about this state park. You might even consider camping here. But be sure to bundle up as temperatures are much colder here than in other parts of the state. Read more about what you can expect from Grayson Highlands State Park.
What better way to admire fall in Virginia than to view it from above? The breathtaking bridge, once part of a railway, stretches over the Appomattox River at 2,400 feet long and 125 feet tall. The trail continues for 31 miles, but the bridge is the most magnificent stretch. Learn more about High Bridge Trail State Park.
Nothing celebrates fall like a taste of local wine. That's exactly what you'll find at Veritas Vineyard, a beautiful property located in Afton, Virginia. One of the best places to visit in Virginia in the fall, sit outdoors while sampling a flight of wine and a charcuterie plate while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Check out what's in store for you during a visit to Veritas Vineyard.
Looking for a stunning place to visit in Virginia in the fall for a getaway? Look no further than the Omni Homestead Resort, which has been welcoming travelers since 1766. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, this beautiful resort is famous for its use of healing and naturally heated mineral water. Whether you're soaking in the pool or you opt for a spa treatment, you'll feel completely rejuvenated by your visit. Learn more about the hot springs at Omni Homestead Resort.
Hungry Mother State Park is a popular summer destination. But if you head here during the fall in Virginia, you can look forward to a less-crowded park with breathtaking fall color. This park offers miles upon miles of hiking trails as well as cabin rentals for families looking for a longer stay. Learn more about visiting Hungry Mother State Park.
At 366 feet long, the Buchanan Swinging Bridge is one of the longest and most famous of its kind in Virginia. There's something thrilling about crossing this historic structure and peering out over the water below. The landmark is especially dramatic in the fall when you can enjoy cooler weather and a stroll through charming downtown Buchanan. Read more about the Buchanan Swinging Bridge, one of the coolest things to do in Virginia in the fall.
Last, but not least, we arrive at Carter Mountain Orchard near Charlottesville. It's perhaps the quintessential fall destination, with apple picking, cider donuts, and an array of fall beverages to sample. You can take a seat at an outdoor picnic area, enjoy the scenery, and fill up on all of your favorite seasonal treats. It's really one of the best places to visit in Virginia in the fall. Read up on everything available at Carter Mountain Orchard.
How many of these picturesque destinations have you visited to explore Virginia in the fall? Which are you adding to your bucket list? Tell us about your experiences and picks in the comments below!
