Virginia
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Clearest Lake In Virginia, Hidden Valley Lake Is Almost Too Beautiful To Be Real

Hidden Valley Lake in Virginia offers clear waters, high elevation, and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect spot for solitude and nature appreciation.

Published Nov 16, 2020

Written by 

Beth

Virginia has no shortage of natural beauty, and yet we are constantly in awe of some of our state's pristine hidden gems. One of them is aptly named Hidden Valley Lake. Tucked away in the mountains, this high-elevation lake also boasts some of the clearest water in Virginia. It's a splendid place to spend some time in solitude and reflection, and being there will undoubtedly restore your appreciation for the great outdoors.

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There's a breathtaking lake tucked in the Virginia mountains that calls to all kinds of nature enthusiasts: hikers, anglers, and wildlife lovers.

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aaron hearl / AllTrails

You can access the lake via a 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that leads to and around the water.

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Krisann Hart / AllTrails

Hikers should note that a significant portion of the trail is hiking along a gravel road.

You can also drive to the lake and park in the designated parking lot. Visitors who plan to use this road to get to the lake will need some kind of an access permit.

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Sophia / Google

To learn more about the permit requirements, be sure to visit the Restore The Wild Membership Card website.

The lovely lake, which is approximately 60 acres, is almost magical in its pristine beauty. To start, the waters are tranquil and clear. Secondly, it's located at a higher elevation of 3,808 feet.

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Travis Maxfield / Google

These unique factors mean wildlife and natural beauty are abundant. In addition to fish — namely smallmouth bass, rock bass, walleye, and bluegill — there are also birds of prey, black bears, great horned and barred owls, and beautiful monarch butterflies.

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Debbie Hodge / Google

Visit in any season and you'll find that being near the lake is a transformative experience. It's not too crowded, so it's a perfect place for solitude.

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Ashley Schreiber / Google

As is the case with any outdoor space in Virginia, be sure to leave no trace!

Have you had the chance to explore Hidden Valley Lake Wildlife Management Area in Virginia? If so, we'd love to hear about your experience! For more information about planning your visit, it's helpful to refer to the Virginia Department of Wildlife website and the AllTrails hiking guide.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

There’s A Gorge In Virginia That Looks Just Like The New River Gorge, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Breaks Interstate Park in Virginia, known as the Grand Canyon of the South, offers stunning geological formations and abundant wildlife.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Beth

The New River Gorge is one of the most iconic wonders on the East Coast, located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Yet you don’t have to cross state lines to experience a natural wonder in Virginia that’s equally striking. In our opinion, Breaks Interstate Park in Dickenson County, looks a lot like the New River Gorge, and if you’ve never visited, it’s high time you planned a trip. So, come with us to see one of the most unique gorges in Virginia that will literally blow your mind.

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Millions of years ago, upon the formation of the Appalachian Mountains, a wave of earth and rock was created. Today, at the westernmost point of these ancient formations, you'll find Breaks Interstate Park.

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Nothing short of a natural wonder and a geological phenomenon, this region of Virginia is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The 1,000-foot gorge, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the South, is the result of the Russell Fork River.

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

The giant sandstone cliffs, known as the Towers, ascend above the canyon, creating a stunning visual effect. Even photos, as beautiful as they are, can't quite do justice to the view!

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

If it's your first time visiting the Breaks, be sure to check out Breaks Overlook, an iconic view of the landscape. It's especially stunning when the fog rolls in.

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Overlooks Trail is another gorgeous view of the park. Just look at those stunning colors!

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Breaks Park

And while Breaks Interstate Park is famous for its canyon, the abundance of wildlife here is equally as mesmerizing.

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

During certain times of the year, visitors are invited to see Virginia's Elk Restoration Zone.

Have you ever visited Breaks Interstate Park? What was your experience at this look-a-like gorge in Virginia? Feel free to share your adventures with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more unique destinations to visit, be sure to check out our list of natural wonders in Virginia.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/natural-wonder-va/

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Sand Dunes Hiding In Virginia

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Virginia offers a stunning and unexpected landscape with tall sand dunes and diverse wildlife.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Beth

When you think of sand dunes, you likely picture New Mexico's White Sand Dunes National Park, or perhaps the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado. You may not have realized that Virginia also has a collection of sand dunes, and it's just as spectacular. To view this wild, rugged, and somewhat unexpected landscape, head to Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Cape Charles. Prepare to be amazed by the untouched beauty of some of the coolest natural wonders in Virginia!

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Virginia's most visited beaches are popular for a reason: they're easy to access, offer amenities such as restaurants and boardwalks, and often have the buzz of crowds.

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Len Richardson / Google

Yet there's something special about the quieter, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and today's feature destination certainly qualifies.

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Patrick Kerr / Google

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve is comprised of 298 acres along the Chesapeake Bay in Northampton County.

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Patrick Kerr / Google

The dunes are among the tallest natural points on Virginia's Eastern Shore!

It's a stunning gem of a beach on Virginia's Eastern Shore, made all the more spectacular by the presence of 50-foot sand dunes for which the area is named.

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Len Richardson / Google

The preserve, which is maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is open to the public, yet it's absolutely vital to respect both nature and wildlife here.

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Stephen Linenfelser / Google

As you can imagine, the beach, dunes, and maritime forest make up an important habitat for countless plants and wildlife, including tiger beetles and migratory songbirds.

Visitors will find a small public parking lot as well as three hiking trails for safely exploring the area.

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Bill Dyas / Google

If you do plan to visit, be sure to leave only footprints in the sand!

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Bill Dyas / Google

Did you know about this unexpected wonder hiding in Virginia? Have you visited Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area in Cape Charles? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For related content, check out our natural wonders road trip through Virginia. And be sure to take a look at our road trip essentials!

Love all things Virginia? Check out this amazing footage of Shenandoah National Park:

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