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Twin Lakes State Park, centrally located in Virginia's Piedmont region, provides visitors from all over the Commonwealth with a variety of lakefront activities in a secluded setting. Swimming, camping, fishing, canoeing and hiking are popular activities. The park is home to Cedar Crest Conference Center, a perfect facility for group meetings, family reunions, wedding receptions and company picnics. Call (434) 767-2398 for details.The land for Twin Lakes State Park was initially bought from struggling farmers by the federal government during the Great Depression. Two parks, Goodwin Lake and Prince Edward Lake, were founded in 1939 and until the early 1960s were run as two racially segregated parks. The parks merged in 1976 and became Twin Lakes State Park in 1986.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Water Recreation
Activities At This Destination: Hiking, Biking, Boating and Water Sports, Camping, Fishing, Gifts and Shopping, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Picnicking, Swimming, Educational Activities, Canoeing and Kayaking and Cabins and Lodges
The Beaver Point Trail is a 1 mile, moderate difficulty trail that runs along the east bank of one of the narrow extensions of Prince Edward Lake. This trail is accessible only from the Otter's Path Trail. The trail dead-ends at the tip of the peninsula, so a full hike will be two miles long. Hikers will encounter thickets of mountain laurel and areas of fresh water marsh on their journey to the point. Use caution as portions of this trail are very steep for short distances. The narrow path and overhanging plants are a haven to ticks so users should use bug repellent with DEET and check for ticks after completing this hike.
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The Between the Lakes Trail, also known as the connector trail, is .25 mile, moderate difficulty trail that runs between Goodwin Lake and Prince Edward lake. The trail passes through the 18 acre Between the Lakes Nature Area that lies astride the isthmus between the lakes. The trail is accessed from the beach area of Goodwin Lake and the Otter's Path Nature Trail that encircles Prince Edward Lake.
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The Dogwood Hollow Trail is 1 mile, moderate difficulty loop that takes users through a heavily wooded ravine or hollow. The trail may be accessed from near the park office. In addition to a variety of trees including Virginia's state tree, the dogwood, hikers may also see some interesting mushrooms and animal life such as the white-tailed deer.
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The Goodwin Lake Nature Trail is a 1.5 mile moderate difficulty interpretive trail that encircles Goodwin Lake, taking users through the wooded environment of the west end and then passing through the recreational area along the east end. This trail has several stops with signs identifying and describing plants and animals that users might encounter along the trail.
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The Otter's Path Nature Trail is a 4 mile, moderate difficulty loop that primarily follows the shore of Prince Edward Lake and is accessible from the Connector Trail, the Conference Center, Cedar Crest Road, and from the prince Edward Lake boat ramp area. The trail provides access to the Beaver Point Trail. This trail includes some significant changes in elevation and is the longest, as well as the most challenging, trail in the park. Among some of the plants seen on this and other trails in the park are the sassafras, sweet gum, oak, loblolly pine, cedar and seasonal wildflowers. Animals such as the elusive otter, the white-tailed deer, beaver, blue and green heron, and a variety of reptiles may often be seen along the lake shore.
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Prince Edward-Gallion Multiuse Trail is an 8 mile moderate trail that goes through the state forest available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Users are likely to see a variety of trees in this oldest Virginia state forest and will also see a variety of typical woodland wildlife. Users should be warned, this trail does not loop. Those who access it off of Hwy 613 should be prepared to travel 8 miles each way for a total of 16 miles. Users should be cautious of rough terrain and overgrown vegetation, plus the ticks that can be hiding around it. A State Forest Use Permit is required to bicycle or horseback ride on the trail. The trail is closed except on Sundays from early November through mid-January due to hunting.
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Boating is allowed on both lakes and only paddles, oars and electric motors may be used. A public boat launch is available for each lake.
Boating is allowed on both lakes and only paddles, oars and electric motors may be used. A public boat launch is available for each lake.
The parks main campground has 33 sites all with electricity and water hookups. Four of the sites are longer and allow for RVs. Three of them are large enough to drive through. Campsites have picnic tables and outdoor grills and the area has a bathhouse a slop sink and a dump station. Vending machines are located nearby as is the park office.
Six cabins, one lodge and one cottage are located off of Cedar Crest Road and are available for rent. Cabins 1 through 6 have screened front porches with rocking chairs. A picnic table, lantern hanger and pedestal grill are next to each cabin. Cabins 2, 4, and 6 have a view of Prince Edward Lake while others do not. One set of linens and towels per person are provided, however linens are not changed daily. Also included are a refrigerator, electric stove, automatic drip coffeemaker, microwave oven, toaster, an AM-FM clock radio and place settings for eight people, as well as dish detergent, dishtowels and a basic set of pots and pans.
A seventh cabin called the Martin Cottage is located above cabins 1, 3 and 5 near the lodge. It has two bedrooms with a maximum occupancy of four. One bedroom has a double bed, the other has two single beds. No rollaway beds are available at this park. This cottage features a large living room, front porch with rocking chairs, a back deck, a picnic table, a pedestal grill and a full kitchen. The kitchen has a refrigerator, electric stove, automatic drip coffee maker, toaster, place settings and dinnerware for six, a basic set of pots and pans, dish detergent, dish towels and an AM/FM clock radio. One set of linens and towels, which are not changed daily, are provided per person.
The lodge has four bedrooms with two sets of bunk beds in each (sleeping 16 total; no bed rentals), great room (suitable for meetings), kitchen with pantry, common bathroom, back deck, patio tables to seat six, heating, air conditioning and carpet. A charcoal grill is also available. The lodge has a TV and DVD player. Also included: refrigerator, electric stove, toaster, automatic drip coffeemaker, microwave oven, AM/FM clock radio, place settings for 18, and one set of linens and towels per person provided (linens are not changed daily).
The parks main picnic area is along Goodwin Lake near the contact station in the parks day use area. It offers picnic tables, outdoor grills and restrooms. The area also has a playground and offers access to the beach and boat rental area.
Two shelters are available for rent. They can be rented all day from 8 A.M. to dusk.Shelter 1 overlooks Goodwin Lake and is near a playground. It can accommodate 60 people under the shelter. Additional seating is available around the shelter if vacant. Shelter is handicapped accessible for handicap parking and an adjacent walkway.Picnic shelters are available for rental by calling Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK (7275).
Two shelters are available for rent. They can be rented all day from 8 A.M. to dusk.Shelter 2 is close to the swim area on Goodwin Lake, this unique shelter is made from rough cedar trunks and cedar beams. It can accommodate 25 people under the shelter. Additional seating is available around the shelter if vacant.Picnic shelters are available for rental by calling Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK (7275).
The parks two lakes offer many opportunities for freshwater fishing from either shore or from a small boat. Some fish found in the lakes include largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish. A valid Virginia freshwater fishing license is required to fish in the lakes.
The Cedar Crest Conference Center is a unique feature of the park. Located on Prince Edward Lake and accessible from Cedar Crest Road. The largest meeting room in this air conditioned facility is Doswell Hall which holds up to 100 people. The Hurt and Latham rooms each hold up to 35 people. This building also has a nice dining area. The center also offers the services of an event planner free of charge.
The Beach Concessions/Snack Bar features premium, hand-dipped ice cream, fountain drinks and various hot food items. There are diner-themed tables and booths for patrons to sit, relax and enjoy their meals. There is also a small gift shop stocked with various sundries, snacks, candy, mementos, camping supplies, fishing tackle, swim gear, games, books and clothes. Visitors wishing to use the lake, the beach or watercraft do so here. The facility also offers restrooms and private shower stalls.
High Bridge Trail State Park is a multi-use trail ideally suited for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Its centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 160 feet above the Appomattox River. The bridge was built in 1853 as part of the South Side Railroad. The High Bridge played a significant role during Lee's retreat in the final days of the American Civil War, and was the site of two battles in April 1865. Except for High Bridge itself, all 30 miles of this linear park's trails are open. Work on access to the bridge continues, but the bridge can be seen from certain sections of the trail. The bridge is slated to be open to the public in late 2011. Visitors are strongly encouraged to be sure to bring plenty of drinking water. No drinking water is available on the trail.
Cedar Crest Center: A Scenic Location for Family CelebrationsJosh Ellington, Park Manager Twin Lakes State Park
Cedar Crest Center located at Twin Lakes State Park offers event planning to make your next family gathering stress free.
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Welcome to Cabin #6 at Twin Lakes State ParkShellie Anne
Welcome to Cabin #6 at Twin Lakes State Park. An insider's view to another cabin at another park!
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Week cabin stays are still available for summer!Shannon Johnson, State Parks Marketing and Visitor Services Manager
Virginia State Parks offer cabins and lodges that vary in size and style. Summer cabin stays book up fast but week-stays are still available for those looking for the perfect summer getaway or staycation close to home.
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State Parks Weather Integration Thanks to Park UsersNancy Heltman
The fight to desegregate public facilities extended to state parks and nearly meant the end of Virginia's state parks.
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