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Submission
With vast fields of wildflowers that attract countless butterflies, birds, and other wildlife, the Hidden Valley Recreation Area is appropriately named due to its secluded and hidden feeling. Drawing visitors for hundreds of years, the valley is a historic location with an antebellum era mansion. Stocked with trout, the Jackson River flows through the valley, and movie buffs will recognize the area as the setting for the movie Somersby.
In Warm Springs, VA, at the intersection of State Rt. 39 and US Rt. 220, take State Rt. 39 west 3 miles to State Rt. 621. Turn right onto Rt. 621 (McGuffin Rd.) and go 0.9 miles to another campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Hidden Valley Rd. and go 1.5 miles to campground on left.
So beautiful out there and relaxing, i want to bring a kayak there next time. Lots of people camp there as well. Also looks like a safe place, since police patrol there. The ride up to the lake is adventurous, but can be tight with passing a car from the opposit direction.
Great place to hike, bike,or walk. Several trails are available around the dam. And beautiful view!
This is a beautiful lake hidden away in the mountains. We saw several people in kayaks fishing or just out for a scenic ride. There is a boat ramp and a rustic camping area here. Through out the park the wild flowers are splendid- along the road going to the park, around the parking areas, at the boat ramp, on the sides of the path on the dam. I went in late July and I saw lots of different types of butterflies.
As you go toward the lake on Hidden Valley Lake Road, the first parking area with a covered billboard is the trail head to the rock climbing area. The next parking area with a covered billboard is the trail head for Brumley Mountain Trail- this is mile marker 0 and the Channels are 10 miles away. I did not hike this trail but I went up to the beginning- this part is a narrow footpath. If you continue down Hidden Valley Lake road you will see the lake through the trees. The next turn to the right is the boat ramp. Continue around Hidden Valley Lake Road to the camping area and then to the dam.
