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This colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound.
Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.
Location: Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd off of US 33, Hinton, VA 22831
From US-33 in Harrisonburg, travel west for 19.8 miles. Turn left on Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd. Continue 1.1 miles to a parking area on the left. Further along the road there are also multiple pulloffs. Use caution on this road; during winter months it may be impassable.
From the Previous Site on the North River Loop of the VBWT:
From Paul State Forest, continue north on Rt. 613 for approximately 3.9 miles to US 33. Turn left on US 33 West and follow it 12.1 miles to FR 227. Turn left on FR 227 and continue 1.1 miles to parking area on the left. Use caution on this road; during winter months it may be impassable.
The Seasonal Day Use Passes are available at George Washington & Jefferson National Forests District offices as well as the Sherando Lake, Cave Mountain Lake and Bolar Mountain entrance stations. The passes can also be purchased by mail from any of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests District offices. Please contact a District office to arrange purchase by mail.
It is a beautiful, natural area, but there is lots of trash, which defeats the purpose of having a great outdoor experience. No swimming and no camping signs have not stopped people from building campfires. Yes, you can fish and do kayaking.
Absolutely beautiful. Just remember there ia no camping until you drive pass the small bridge over the creek on the main road there. You'll get fined and kicked out in the middle of the night. No swimming either since the lake provides the drinking water to the locals. Small boats and fishing is allowed with a 6 per person limit @ 10" size (8/6/18).
Please clean up after yourselves. Leave no trace.
Excellent spot to stop in and walk around while enjoying the trails around the area.
Amazing spot, drive through and take it all in and stop and just relax. Honestly didn’t even hike just set up hammock and enjoyed the views. Be aware the road is some rough terrain.
