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Philpott Park is nestled on the shores of Philpott Lake in the rugged foothills of Virginias Blue Ridge Mountains. The clear water and natural shoreline make Philpott Lake a unique place for visitors to enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. Natural Features: Philpott Lake covers 2,900 acres and has 100 miles of shoreline. The lakes steep, rocky banks meet beautiful mixed forests of oak, maple, hickory, pine and cedar. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl are commonly viewed. Recreation: The lake provides visitors with great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Many miles of hiking and biking trails surround Philpott Lake, allowing visitors to get out and explore this scenic area. Facilities: The park features an overlook where visitors have spectacular views of Philpott Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers one group camping area and one day-use group picnic shelter. Amenities include flush toilets, showers and drinking water. A boat ramp, playground, and hiking trail are on-site. The Powerhouse, Dam and Visitor Center are located in the park. Nearby Attractions: The lake is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, which includes 5,300 acres of public recreational lands.
From HWY 220, take the Bassett, VA exit onto State Highway 57 West. Stay on 57 West for approximately 6 miles to Philpott Dam Road. Look for brown Philpott Dam sign, turn right and go one mile to the Philpott Park entrance.
This place is truly a part of my life, going all the way back to my childhood. Many mornings and afternoons were spent heading to the park and walking with my Dad up to the top of the dam. On warm days, we could even look over the edge and see huge catfish basking in the sun near the surface of the water! The main parking lot below the dam is a trailhead for most of the trail in this part of the park, but I always suggest heading to the top of the dam first! A great place to go walking, partake in some light hiking, or even fishing! Legend has it that there are fish that live near the dam as big as a grown man! The picture below is the Philpott Dam on 5-22-20 spilling over for the first time since it was built!
Very beautiful and was an some to see how massive this dam is. There is nature and trails as well.
Like a scene from a hobbit movie, clean, natural, pristine. Hungry trout! Very fast moving water. Not really for children but if you must, put their pfd on them the moment they leave the vehicle please
The dam is worth stopping by to see. You can access it from the Franklin County side or the Henry County side but I only know how to get there from the Henry County side. I think that people planning to fish there use the Franklin County side. It isn't marked on Maps but just before you get to the dam, there is an access to the Smith River for kayaking and hiking. Look for the big blue sign just as you are entering the parking lot for the dam. The kayak access is a little steep and rough. This is the first available put-in after the dam and the water coming in is cold, creating a mist as it begins its route down the river. The hiking trail for the Smith River Trail system intersects the kayak access.
Nice area behind the dam on the Franklin County side. Fishing , large flat grassy area, picnic tables and benches, restrooms and raft/kayak/canoe launching areas.
