A Gorgeous State Park In Virginia Offers A Picturesque Lake, Hiking Trails, And Recreation

Virginia is a state overflowing with natural beauty. You can hike to a swimming hole in the Blue Ridge Mountains, lie out by the beach in Northern Neck, or even explore caverns in Shenandoah Valley. Another well-kept Virginia secret is about an hour from Lynchburg and 90 minutes from Richmond, tucked away in Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest: Holliday Lake State Park. Though small in size, this Central Virginia gem offers a peaceful contrast to more crowded parks, with tall pine canopies, a 150-acre lake, and just enough amenities to keep you busy. Whether you're road-tripping from the city or making a longer trek into the state, it's an easy drive along U.S. Route 24.

Most people arrive by car — the closest train station is about 50 minutes away by car — but that's frankly a part of the appeal. It's remote enough to feel like a retreat, yet not so far that you'll lose a day getting there. The nearest major airport is in Richmond (2-hour drive), with smaller regional flights landing in Lynchburg (45-minute drive). From either, it's a scenic journey through the Virginia countryside dotted with old barns, family farms, and the occasional peach stand. Holliday Lake is ideal for a quiet weekend of hiking, swimming, and unplugging. There's no cell service in most parts of the park — something you can embrace with surprising ease when you get here.

If you only do one thing at Holliday Lake, make it the Lakeshore Trail. This 6.3-mile loop circles the water's edge and gives hikers a lovely sampler of the entire park. You'll pass through hardwood forests, over rustic footbridges, and along the occasional beaver dam. It's open year-round, but best tackled from late spring through early fall, when the foliage is lush and the trail is dry. Wear sturdy shoes — some parts of the trail can get muddy — and pack bug spray in the warmer months.

The lake itself is perfect for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. There's a designated swimming beach with canoe and kayak rentals at the water's edge. For those who love to cast a line, the lake is stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Just make sure you have a valid Virginia freshwater license. For more lakefront fun, add Lake Moomaw to your Virginia bucket list — it's an outdoor recreation lover's dream. Pack sunscreen, a picnic blanket, and plenty of snacks — there's a small camp store, but the options are limited. And don't you dare leave without snapping a photo of the pier at golden hour. It's easily one of the most serene spots in the park.

Don't expect luxury resorts here. Holliday Lake's campground offers a rustic experience with shady, forested sites for tents and small RVs, starting at $37 a night for Virginia residents and $43 for non-residents. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table, and restrooms with hot showers are a short walk away. Prefer four walls and a soft bed? Nearby towns like Appomattox, about 20 minutes away, offer motels and quaint bed and breakfasts, with average rates around $100 to $130 a night.

Summer weekends are the most popular time to visit, so book early if you're coming between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Fall brings crisp air, golden leaves, and quieter trails — arguably the best time for hiking and photography. If you go in the fall months, take the time to check out High Bridge in nearby High Bridge Trail State Park. Virginia's longest recreational bridge, it is the perfect vantage point to see the foliage. Winter is peaceful, though some amenities may close seasonally.

Whether you're pitching a tent, towing a kayak, or simply looking for a forest-bathed reset, Holliday Lake State Park delivers exactly what it promises: scenic simplicity, quiet recreation, and the kind of beauty that doesn't need a filter.