Virginia State Parks are known for great hiking trails, now Claytor Lake State Park has a new hike for you. A new self-guided tour has been developed for the park, the Virtual Then and Now History Tour. You can visit tour points to see what is in place today, versus the images from the past.

I have always loved looking at old photos and videos, I find that a glimpse of the past can be inspiring in many ways. I don't even care if I know the people or places, they are just fun to see. I have viewed this tour several times and each time I see something different and find a new place I would like to go to in the park.

Take a Hike Back in Time

The Virtual History Tour shares photos and video, along with map points so you hike to the actual locations pictured

This historical “hike” back in time can be done in person, or can be viewed from the comfort of your campsite, cabin or yurt by clicking Claytor Lake Then and Now History Tour on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Chief Ranger Ryan Stubblebine was excited about the project because "There was so much historical information that park staff didn't know about that we've learned through our collection of photos and historical material. I thought it was really cool to see how much things have and haven't changed over the years. I didn't want the information we had to get lost or forgotten and felt it needed to be shared with and enjoyed by our visitors."   

Claytor Lake State Park beach in 1967

Park Naturalist John Duncan helped go through old photos found at the park and they brought back great memories for him. After talking to park visitors about the photos, many had the same fond memories and shared stories of visiting the park over the years. Their stories provide the park with additional information they might not have otherwise. In hopes that you, or someone you know, might be able to share memories, we include the photo below. This photo is the oldest of the Howe House that the park has in their archives and the child in the photo is unknown. The photo was taken at the Howe family's 2,000 acre Crescent Falls Cattle Ranch. Can you help us out with the identity? Please call the park office at 540-643-2500.

Do you know the identity of the child in this photo?

John also shared an interesting story about the Christian Chimney, which was built around 1785. It was the only remaining structure above the surface of the lake when the lake reached full pond in 1940. It was a landmark for fishermen and boaters, until it was removed and rebuilt in 1989 on land near the park office. Now visitors can visit the chimney as it stands, read the plaques describing its importance and then click on the virtual tour link to see it standing proudly above the water's surface. See slides 31, 32 and 33 in the virtual tour. An interesting story came from sharing the photo of the chimney in the lake - the photo shows an electric street light attached to the chimney, which was unexplained. A visitor, after seeing the image, told the story about the first park manager running into the chimney with his boat as he returned from a night of fishing. Park maintenance staff installed the light soon after!

There are so many stories that Virginia State Parks hold and Claytor Lake State Park is excited to share a few stories with you in our Virtual Then and Now History Tour. We hope you will come to the park and enjoy finding the map points on the tour and seeing what was once in place versus now. 

There is so much to do at Claytor Lake State Park. Stay in one of our cabins or yurts and spend the day enjoying the tour.