I recently visited Bear Creek Lake State Park.  The Cumberland State Forest surrounds the park and natural beauty is never far from the eye!

After entering the park, I was struck by the enormous beauty of the lake. It truly is a gorgeous wonder.

I visited the park along with my parents, Chris and Becky. My parents are not very fond of camping on the ground. Therefore, we spent the night in one of Bear Creek Lake’s cabins. The cabins were a great way to be immersed within nature, but still have modern amenities and comforts. The cabin was extremely spacious and had room for six people. There was also a kitchen with a coffee maker, microwave, fridge, sink, utensils and plates, as well as a stove. There were two bedrooms, a spacious bathroom with a shower, a dining area, and a common room equipped with a couch and a beautiful fireplace. The fireplace even had wood. There were also instructions, matches, and a starter log ready for use by cabin-goers. The cabin even had a yard with a picnic table and a wrap around porch.

This was the first time my parents had spent the night in a cabin at a Virginia State Park and they were honestly amazed. The price for one night in a cabin compared to our usual hotel visits when traveling amazed them. Considering the amenities, scenery, and size of the cabin, they both agreed the Virginia State Parks would now be their first choice for overnight stays.

One welcoming touch that is present in all of the Virginia State Parks' cabins is the cabin journal. Joe Elton, the director of the Virginia State Parks has written a welcoming message to all cabin-goers, found in the beginning of the journal. Cabin-goers then can leave a message for all to see in the notebook.  I enjoyed reading what past visitors had to say. If you leave your own message you can communicate with people you may never meet and leave your own unique mark.

When we first arrived my mother elected to spend the evening relaxing by reading inside the cabin and enjoying the views from the wrap around porch. My father and I, however, decided to go hiking around the lake.

As the sun began to set, we marveled at the reflections of the clouds and the trees on the lake. We enjoyed watching many campers fish around the lake and spoke to a few of them. I have always found the visitors and the staff at the parks to be so warm and welcoming.

Later I sat down on a bench and simply enjoyed the view. This summer I took summer courses at UVA and my visit to Bear Creek Lake was shortly after my last final. The serenity I found hiking the trails and simply marveling at the natural wonders was welcome refreshment for my overworked mind.

When the sun finally disappeared behind the trees, we headed back to the cabin. 

For the first night in a long time, I avoided Facebook and obsessively checking and responding to my emails. Instead I listened to the crickets, sat in a rocking chair on the porch, and marveled at the stars above. Then I read a book before nodding off into a peaceful slumber.

The park was quiet, calm, and beautiful and in today’s society I think it is important to remember to stop in order to do nothing. Social media and technology have hijacked our lives. Technology is a good thing, or else I would not be able to even share this blog. However, moderation is key. I think for our mental and physical health, it is important to remember to spend time outdoors in order to recharge.

After a restful slumber, I headed to down to the Lake to see the sunrise. I was amazed to see the fog rise above the lake and create a small cloud.

I enjoyed watching early morning visitors explore the lake. I was even fortunate enough to see what I believe was a heron restfully perched on a piece of wood protruding from the water.

To say my visit at Bear Creek Lake was wonderful, is an understatement. I truly enjoyed simply being at Bear Creek Lake. The lake and forests offered a peaceful serenity that fulfilled my need for peace, quiet, and reflection, or as Joe Elton famously says, I experienced “A healing tonic for the mind, body, and spirit.”

It was a long road home, and we didn't want to leave...

Bear Creek Lake State Park is located in Cumberland, Virginia, only an hour west of Richmond.