You never know who you might encounter at Lake Anna State Park!

Beautiful Black Rat Snake

I have been very fortunate in my life I feel, to have friends and family look to me for advice, even though I still have much to learn myself!  From work and career issues to personal conflicts, and relationships, my “shingle” is always out. However, recently I had a rather strange conversation with a college student that I mentor. He was telling me that he took my advice and ended up getting poison ivy. I said what? He exclaimed that I said “sometimes taking the road less traveled is much more interesting”. So he went off the trail at Lake Anna State Park and got into poison ivy! I guess he took me a little too literally!  Ok, that is not what I meant. Please never go off the trail! 

Railroad Ford Trail that runs along the lake, Great Blue Heron on the point

There are reasons for clearly identified and marked trails that we should obey.

First for the safety of the hiker, cyclist or rider on horseback, if you stay on the trails you are less likely to encounter:; ticks, snakes, spiders and yes poison ivy, or at least you stand a better chance of avoiding them. Of course I seem to always to be the one clearing the spider webs off the trail, with my head, on horseback while trying not to turn into a "Ninja" and spook the horse! And, I know some of you love snakes and would like to get close up an personal, not a good idea, except when presented by a park naturalist.  

Another great reason to keep to the trials is for the health of the forests and flora.

A designated path keeps us from tromping down important plants and causing unnecessary erosion. Also, if you travel through plants that are invasive species, you can pick up seeds in your shoes and on your clothes thus spreading the “bad” plants. Fido’s fur can be a transient vehicle too for redistributing seeds. Once again it goes to show you how just about everything we do affects everything we do!

Station #19, that is not a bench for sitting!

Lake Anna State Park has fifteen miles of trails for you to enjoy.

12 miles that are multi-use trails for bicycles, hiking and equestrians. For a nice quiet walk through the woods and along the lake, I love the beautiful Glenora Trail and the Railroad Ford Trail that meanders partially along the lake. Both are about 1.5 miles. Railroad? A railroad in the park? Yes, that’s right there was a railroad that ran through the park. But, alas that is yet another blog! The trails at the park vary from easy to difficult for every level of fitness, including a fitness trail. The fitness trail has 20 stations that have instructions on how to use each site, all the while enjoying the beauty of the forest. Click here for more information about all the trails at Lake Anna State Park.

Unloading at the equestrian parking lot

If you and your horse would like to spend a day in the park, there is a very nice parking area just perfect for your horse trailer and truck. It is located near the park office and very convenient to the Sawtooth trail head, which is the beginning of the equestrian trial.

Getting a paddling lesson

Lake Anna State Park offers:

A seasonal swimming beach, snack bar, guided canoe and kayak tours and camping.

Year-round programs, boat launch, picnic area, fishing and cabin rentals are available. Click here to learn more about the cabins and camping.

The Visitor Center has an interactive exhibits, 3D movie theater and gift shop. Hours vary at the VC so please make sure to call ahead if you plan to stop by.

And please, enjoy the path most taken at a Virginia State Park.

Lake Anna State Park is located at 6800 Lawyers Rd., Spotsylvania, VA 22551, about 30 miles from Fredericksburg. 540-854-5503. Email here and click here for a Google map.