CAVE MOUNTAIN LAKE GROUP PICNIC SHELTER

About CAVE MOUNTAIN LAKE GROUP PICNIC SHELTER

Overview Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and welcomes visitors to enjoy the rustic beauty and peacefulness of the area. Easy access from the interstate and close proximity to historic Lexington and Natural Bridge State Park make Cave Mountain Lake an ideal destination.Recreation The 7 acre lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area which includes a sand beach. Fishing for youth only (ages 15 and under) is open April 1st through June 15th, then fishing is open to anglers of all ages with a valid Virginia fishing license for the remainder of the season. There are several piers around the lake for better fishing access. A number of opportunities for photography, birding and wildlife viewing are available along the trails and water's edge. Hiking trails surround the area, offering everything from a short walk around the lake to an all-day hike along the nearby ridges. The Panther Knob Trail starts beside the group picnic shelter and skirts the edge of the lake to the dam. Visitors may also enjoy a day hike or backpacking trip on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the James River Face Wilderness or the Thunder Ridge Wilderness.Facilities The picnic shelter is a historic structure that does not support accessibility standards. Parking is available in the day-use parking area and the shelter is reached via a foot bridge and along a gravel path. The shelter can accommodate up to 50 people. The picnic shelter reservation fee covers access to Cave Mountain Lake for the reservation holder ONLY. All other guests are responsible for the appropriate Day-Use Fee. These fees can be paid onsite. Amenities include electricity for lights and small appliances, a fireplace, eight picnic tables under the shelter with more nearby, a double pedestal grill, trash cans and a drinking fountain with a spigot. Flush toilets and showers are available at the beach bathhouse which include showers and changing areas. T

How to Get There

From I- 81 North, take Exit 175 just south of Natural Bridge, Virginia. Go north on U.S. Highway 11 toward Natural Bridge (left turn facing the Exxon station). From Natural Bridge, follow Route 130 East at the intersection with U.S. Highway 11 (right turn at the Natural Bridge parking lot). Continue on Route 130 East for approximately 4 miles to Natural Bridge Station. Turn right onto State Route 759 and continue for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto State Route 781. The entrance for Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area is approximately 1.6 miles ahead. Turn left into the recreation area and continue to the beach area parking. The group picnic shelter is across the foot bridge to the right of the main path to the lake. From I-81 South, take Exit 180 and continue south on U.S. Highway 11 to Natural Bridge. In Natural Bridge, take a left onto Route 130 East and continue 4 miles to Natural Bridge Station and continue following the directions above.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to CAVE MOUNTAIN LAKE GROUP PICNIC SHELTER

Heading to CAVE MOUNTAIN LAKE GROUP PICNIC SHELTER? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)