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Featured Hike: Turtle Island Trail

By Shellie AnnePosted January 21, 2013

Winter is a great time of year to be outside, no mosquitoes, no snakes, no ticks, no sunburn, no sweat, no crowds, no problem! Here we are at Smith Mountain Lake State Park hiking the Turtle Island Trail.

Here is the parking area with trail map

Here is the parking area with trail map for Turtle Island Trail

Although situated on the second largest body of freshwater in the state, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is not just for water enthusiasts. In addition to a full range of water related activities, including swimming, fishing and boating, the park offers miles of hiking trails, housekeeping cabins, camping, picnicking, a visitor center and interpretive programs.

We went to Smith Mountain Lake State Park for our First Day Hike this year, the weather was iffy, but once on the trail we forgot all about the weather and it turned out to be a fantastic family hike! Take advantage of some of the interpretive signage along the way to learn more about the forest there.

The lake levels are down due to the drought, but the water views and scenery were still spectacular. I recommend this hike, it says moderate due to elevation changes, but the trail was soft and wide most of the way, and not difficult at all!

Turtle Island Trail

The Turtle Island Trail is a 1.3 mile, moderate difficulty trail that is accessible from the Opossum Trot Trail, Striper Cove Trail and from a small trail head parking lot. This interpretive loop trail passes through pine forest with some moderate changes in elevation. The trail crosses a bridge to the aptly named Turtle Island, a small island that was once the top of a hill before the lake was formed. The interpretive signs on the trail describe the surrounding ecosystem as well as the abundant flora and fauna found within the park. A small bird blind for wildlife observation is located nearby. This trail has several terraced steps that may prove difficult for those trying to go uphill on bicycles.

Turtle Island Trail is a lovely hike in any season

The trail was covered with fallen leaves and very comfortable for the hike

Junie B loved every minute!

The scenery was grand on the way to Turtle Island

The hikes reward was this big rock exposed due to the low water level

There are 13 hiking trails ranging from half a mile to three miles long. Trails meander through the park’s various features, including hardwood forests, pine forests, secluded coves and picturesque vistas. They are open year-round during daylight hours.

See a Park Map of the trails here (PDF) (PDF). Learn more about the trails at this park from Virginia Outdoors website here.

Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, approximately 40 miles (approx. 1 hour drive) from both Lynchburg and Roanoke and 140 miles from Richmond. Click here for a Google Map.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, VA 24104-9547; phone, (540) 297-6066; email, smlake. Learn more about park offerings by calling 1-800-933-PARK or email resvs.

COME OUT TO SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE STATE PARK AND ENJOY THE SCENERY!

PARKS

Smith Mountain Lake State Park