Summary
It is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers breathtaking views of nature.
There are several reasons to visit Claytor Lake, including fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and swimming. The lake is known for its large population of smallmouth and largemouth bass, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy camping in one of the many campsites located around the lake, or take a hike on one of the many trails in the area.
One of the main points of interest at Claytor Lake is the Claytor Lake State Park, which offers an array of recreational activities and amenities such as picnic areas, a swimming beach, boat rentals, and several hiking trails. Visitors can also check out the New River Trail State Park, which offers over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails along the New River.
Interesting facts about the area include that Claytor Lake was created in 1939 when the Appalachian Power Company built a dam on the New River. The lake covers over 4,500 acres and has over 21 miles of shoreline. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area.
The best time to visit Claytor Lake is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny, and water activities are in full swing. However, visitors can also enjoy the area during the fall when the leaves change colors and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Claytor Lake State Park
Seminole
Blackfoot
Monocan
Choctaw
Tutelo