Not far from the hustle and bustle of city life in the state’s capital you can find a jewel of a state park, Bear Creek Lake, our park of the month for October.

Benches at the dam on Bear Creek Lake are a perfect place to rest while hiking
on the Channel Cat Loop Trail

When Bear Creek Lake State Park opened in 1940 as a forestry wayside it only offered boat rentals and swimming. After it became a state park in 1958 the park grew tremendously. Today it has 49 campsites, a group camp, bunkhouse, 12 cabins, one lodge and a meeting facility.

 A view from the lake of one of the 12 cabins found in the park

Built by carpenters, farmers and unskilled laborers the 40-acre lake proves to be the main attraction. Visitors come from all over to fish for largemouth bass, crappie, bream and channel catfish. Kayakers and canoes find it provides for a leisure paddle and the views are beautiful in all seasons.

Fishermen enjoy the challenge of catching a variety of fish on the lake

The lake is also a venue for educational opportunities by providing young park visitors a place to explore what lies beneath its surface. During the summer months the beach is open for swimming which is a favorite for families of all sizes and ages. Shelters along its shore are available for family reunions, outdoor weddings and picnics.

Kids enjoy an educational program on the shore of the lake

The park is surrounded by a strand of trails systems; some park and some Cumberland State Forest. Trails within the park are for hiking only. For the off-road cyclist and horseback riders the park provides access to a 15.8 miles Cumberland Multi-Use Trail. Access is also available to the Willis River Trail which winds through the Cumberland State Forest.

The park's boat dock is home to canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and paddle boats

Bear Creek Lake State Park is nestled in the heart of Cumberland County, the park is about 4.5 miles northwest of the town of Cumberland. From U.S. Route 60, go west on Route 622 and south on Route 629 to the park entrance. For directions, click here.

Note: Those coming from the west and using GPS may be directed through a gravel-covered section of Oak Hill Rd. through the Cumberland State Forest. They should instead continue on Route 60 East through the Cumberland Courthouse area and then turn left on Trents Mill Rd. (Route 622) to reach the park's main entrance.

Drive Time: Northern Va., three hours; Richmond, one hour; Roanoke, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours.