Lake Anna State Park

Big Woods Trail

The Big Woods Trail is named for the area known as 'Big Woods' during the 1900s. This trail passes through dense hardwood forest where the area's prime timber was frequently logged. The last logging operations were done here in the 1950s, so much of what you see today is 'new' growth timber. This moderate difficulty, 1.2 mile multi-use trail, is a connector between the Glenora and Turkey Run trails. There are some changes in elevation that may present a challenge for bikers and hikers. This trail passes by a small cove where observant users may spot signs of beaver activity.

Blaze Color: Silver

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Cedar Run Trail

The Cedar Run Trail is an easy .8 mile multi-use trail that is a short loop off of the Turkey Run Trail. The trail is also accessible from the Big Woods Trail. While cedars may be seen along this trail, pawpaw, holly, tulip poplar, sweetgum and wild blueberry plants are all represented. The trail runs mainly through wooded areas, however the greatest reward is the view of Lake Anna near the midpoint of the trail.

Blaze Color: White

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Fisherman's Trail

Fisherman's is a .9 mile, easy hiking trail that connects picnic areas A and B. The trail meanders through hardwood forest along the lake, frequently coming right to the water's edge in shallow coves where waterfowl and the occasional beaver may be seen, particularly at sunrise or sunset. As its name suggests, this trail is ideal for the sportsman looking for a shady spot to cast a line.

Blaze Color: Orange

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Glenora Trail

The Glenora Trail is a 1.1 mile, easy trail, that is the southern extension of the Sawtooth Trail. The trail is also accessible from the Big Woods Trail. This multi-use trail passes through majestic hardwood forest of oak and maple alongside green meadows with views of Lake Anna. The Glenora Trail leads to a site once known as Pigeon Plantation, a 3,000 acre enterprise named for Pigeon Run, a small stream that bordered the property. The estate was named Glenora following the Civil War and was a popular place for wealthy Southern aristocrats to gather and socialize. The original smokehouse built in 1832 remains on the site. The trail continues south until it reaches the lake.

Blaze Color: Green

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Gold Hill Trail

The Gold Hill Trail is a 3.1 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use loop that is accessible from the Pigeon Run trail. The trail passes through wooded areas and follows a cleared power company right-of-way over a series of rolling hills. This trail is located in the north of the park and is a wonderful destination for those seeking peace, quiet, and solitude. Observant visitors will spot evidence of placer and shaft mining along the trail. Mining activity here earned this part of the park the name 'Gold Hill' during the late 1800s. This trail accesses a marked side path that branches off of the northern leg to an abandoned gold mine. Due to safety concerns and potential mine shaft collapse access to this leg is prohibited.

Blaze Color: Black

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Mill Pond Trail

The Mill Pond Trail is a .9 mile, easy multi-use trail that is accessible from the trail head parking and the Pigeon Run Trail. The trail passes through wooded areas and then arrives at a brief clearing. From the clearing, the trail is open only to hikers, others must continue on the Pigeon Run Trail or return to the parking area. The Mill Pond Trail continues on to the site of Hailey's Mill, a gristmill that stood alongside Pigeon Run from 1857 until June 1889, when it was destroyed by a the same storm that caused the infamous Johnstown Flood. Today one can see remnants of the mill dam that once extended from the bank near the trail to the opposite side of Pigeon Run.

Blaze Color: Blue

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Old Pond Trail

The Old Pond Trail is a .2 mile, handicap accessible trail that loops around the fishing pond near the Visitor Center. The trail is accessible both near picnic shelter 1 and the covered handicap accessible fishing dock. This is an interpretive trail that is supplemented by a guide published by the Friends of Lake Anna State Park. Copies of the guide are available from the Visitor Center or the park office.

Blaze Color: Blue

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Pigeon Run Trail

The Pigeon Run Trail is a 1.5 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail, that is accessible from the park office, the Sawtooth Trail, and the Mill Pond Trail. The trail follows the main park road, then through the woods, until emerging along the northern part of Pigeon Run. Some parts of this trail are steep and may be challenging for horses and bikes, earning this trail a moderate difficulty rating. The stream known as Pigeon Run was named for the many passenger pigeons that once inhabited the area but are now extinct.

Blaze Color: Purple

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Railroad Ford Trail

The Railroad Ford Trail is a 1.5 mile, easy, hiking trail that follows an abandoned railroad grade through areas of hardwood forest to the end of a peninsula with outstanding views of Lake Anna. The railroad was originally built here in 1916 to carry lead and zinc ore from the nearby mines for use in ammunition during World War I, interpretive signs provide interesting information on this unique aspect of the area's history. The trail loops back along the edge of Lake Anna and is accessible from the Old Pond Trail and the camping area.

Blaze Color: Red

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Sawtooth Trail

The Sawtooth Trail is a 2.5 mile, easy trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It is accessible from the trail head parking lot, the park office, and from the camping area. The trail connects to the Pigeon Run Trail and the Glenora Trail. Running north-south though the central portion of the park, the trail passes through forested areas where users may see deer, squirrels, and a variety of flora and fauna. Along the trail you may spot the remains of a well built to supply water to a steam powered sawmill erected nearby. The sawmill was one of many that moved here to harvest the abundant timber of the area once known as 'The Big Woods.'

Blaze Color: Tan

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Turkey Run Trail

Turkey Run is a 1.2 mile easy/moderate trail that is mainly multi-use. It is accessible at the trailhead parking, at either end of the Cedar Run and at the Big Woods Trail. South of the Big Woods Trail access Turkey Run is for hikers only. This small section of the trail leads hikers to the chimney and ruins of what used to be the Taylor home.

Blaze Color: Yellow

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Camping Area

Camping opportunities have expanded greatly in recent years with the construction of the campsite area. This is accessible from a road that branches off of the main park road near the park office. The camping area has 46 campsites clustered in two groups. Sites 1-17 are for primitive camping while 18-46 allow RV water and electric hookup. Campsites have picnic tables, fire pits with grills and a place to hang lanterns. The camping area also has a dump station for RVs in addition to two comfort stations with restrooms and vending machines. The comfort station closer to the RV camping has showers and is building laundry facilities.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Check-in is 4 P.M. Check-out is 3 P.M.
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 06.6916 -77° 49.5599

Picnic Areas

There are 2 main picnic areas in the park. Picnic area A is located on the main road at beachfront. It has many picnic tables, a playground and outdoor grills. The beach and boat ramp are nearby as well as vending and restrooms. Picnic area B is accessible off of the main park road prior to the beach. It offers many picnic tables, a playground and outdoor grills that overlook the lake. Vending and restrooms are provided. The Fisherman's Trail runs through the woods along the lake shoreline and actually connects area B to area A.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 06.9466 -77° 49.9050

Picnic Shelters

Picnicking area includes drinking water, grills and restroom facilities. Three picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are reserved by calling the Reservation Center, 1-800-933-PARK. Parking fees are not included in the shelter rental.Shelters 1 & 2 are small (Capacity: 50 people) and Shelter 3 is large (Capacity: 50-75 people). Shelter 3 is ADA Accessible.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Full Day
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:N/A

Cabins

There are 10 cabins in the park situated around a paved loop accessible from the cabins' road which forks off of the main park road near the park office. The cabins are close to the lake and guests may use the docks situated around the cabins area and are allowed to keep a boat on a slip there. Cabin 10 is ADA accessible. Cabins have picnic tables and charcoal pedestal grills.

• Season/Hours: Year Round/N/A
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 06.7999 -77° 48.6916

Boat Ramp

A boat ramp is located here in the park and is available for public use. Overnight guests may use this ramp free of charge. Motor boating, water skiing and jet skiing are popular water sports here.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 06.8100 -77° 50.1483

Fishing Pond

A 1.5-acre fishing pond designed for children and handicapped persons only is located near the visitor center. All adults fishing require a Virginia freshwater fishing license.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 06.7283 -77° 49.8666

Lake Fishing

Lake Anna offers many places to enjoy fishing. Visitors may fish from boats launched from the parks boat ramp. In addition many of the trails that go around the edge of the lake offer spots where one can easily cast a line into deep water and try their luck at catching bass, crappie, bream and other freshwater fish. All adults fishing require a Virginia freshwater fishing license.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 06.8100 -77° 50.1483

Beach

A small guarded beach is located on the waterfront just east of picnic area A. overnight guests may use it for free and other guests can use it for a small fee. Wristbands for the beach may be purchased at the snack bar located just north of the beach. Beach goers are reminded to pay attention to the marked depth areas and not to go out deeper than their swimming ability permits. The park does not give refunds for inclement weather or other things beyond the parks control that could close the beach.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 06.7699 -77° 50.0100

Visitor Center

The Park's Visitors Center is located off the main park road at the beachfront near the handicapped fishing area. Inside are displays about the local wildlife and history such as the gold mining and iron making that once took place in the area. There is also a small gift shop where guests may buy souvenirs and mementos of their visit.

• Season/Hours: All Year/11:00 AM - 5:00 P.M. (weekends/holidays)
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 06.7383 -77° 49.8933

Snack Bar

The park's snack bar, which is near the swimming beach, offers hot dogs, chicken tenders, french fries, ice cream, soft drinks, etc. It's open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

• Season/Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 06.7933 -77° 49.9900

Gold Mine Gift Shop

Don't miss the Gold Mine Gift Shop, located in the visitor center, open 11 A.M. - 5 P.M., Memorial Day through Labor Day.

• Season/Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day/11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 06.7383 -77° 49.8933

Play Area

The Toddler Train playground equipment is designed for ages 2-5 and is conveniently located to the playground for ages 5-8 in picnic area A. The Toddler Train playground equipment is a project of the Friends of Lake anna State Park.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 06.7766 -77° 49.9633