High Knob Lake Loop

Overview. This is a beautiful walk in the woods. While a short hike, there is some modest challenge in terms of elevation as you make your way around the lake below. If hiking in the summer, plan to share the area with swimmers at the beach and swimming area complete with bathhouses.

Route Type | Loop
Total Distance | 1.3 miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate
High Knob Lake Loop Trail Map | US Forest Service

Trailhead. Turn off VA-619 at the High Knob entrance, you’ll take some paved roads into the recreation area until bottoming out at the lake parking lot. [map]

Trail navigation. Take the roadbed from the south end of the parking lot to reach the loop. You’ll pass the bathhouse on the right. Continue out toward the lake and pick-up the loop trail on the right side about 40 yards short of the lake. From there, follow the yellow blazes around the lake and enjoy your time in the woods. As you come around the eastern edge of the lake, you’ll see the dam that appears to be the original CCC construction. Continue around until reaching the beach before retracing your steps to the parking lot.

CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes can be found in the area. Stay alert on the trail, and if you see one, give it a wide berth or wait for it to move off the trail.

CAUTION - Bears. There are plenty of black bears in the area, so it pays to take appropriate precautions including bear-safe food storage, carrying bear spray (especially when hiking alone), and knowing what to do when you encounter a bear. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]