After Labor Day our beach closes, but there's still lots to do here at Holliday Lake State Park. September and October give us plenty of warm days to get outside and enjoy nature.

Holliday Lake is the park of the month for September, so why not come check it out! Here are just a few things to do here:

• See the spillway of the dam. The lake was made in the 1930s by building a dam on Holliday Creek where three other creeks converge. Holliday Creek is the only creek that continues after the dam, but it flows into the Appomattox River just 1/4 mile past the dam. You can access the walk-way from the Lakeshore Trail. It's a 6.3-mile hike and the dam is pretty much in the middle, so there are not short cuts. But I promise it's worth the hike!

• Go fishing. There are lots of great spots along the shoreline to fish. Many anglers enjoy walking a short distance on the Lakeshore or Saunders Creek Trails to fish from the nice benches we have. Others like to go out in a boat. Either way, any day fishing is a great day!

• Play on the playground. We have two playgrounds. This one is designed with younger kids in mind. It's great for bringing the little ones out while older siblings are in school, make it a fun day just for them. 

• The other is for older kids and it's just as fun. It's great to come by after school and let the kids get out some of that pent-up energy before heading home for the evening. Either way, you'll have fun with the kiddos here.

• Visit our Butterfly Garden. It may not be in its prime, but there's still some butterflies and hummingbirds to be seen. It's not ready to be put to bed for the winter yet. Some of the flowers are still in bloom and it's a very peaceful place to sit and observe nature.

• Hike a short trail. We have several short trails in the park. Any of these would be perfect for a quick "I gotta get outside!" hike. Most of these are less than one mile and I find that just about right for a lunch-time walk or after work stroll.

• Rent a boat. We have boat rentals available through October from the office (weekdays) and the boat house (weekends). A leisurely paddle around the lake would be great on a lazy Saturday afternoon or a quiet Sunday morning. It's not a bad idea for a weekday either, it just might improve your office productivity.  In addition to canoes, we have kayaks, paddle boats and jon boats.

• Go camping. Our campground is open through the first weekend in December. Cooler weather and smaller crowds make this the perfect time to spend a night outdoors. We offer water and electric hook-ups and (this is important!) hot showers. While we don't often fill up this time of year, it's still a good idea to make reservations.

• Attend a welcome campfire program. These will be happening most Friday nights through the end of October. You'll hear a story or two about the park or area and then roast some marshmallows. It's a great way to get to know your fellow campers, area residents, and the park staff.

• Sit a spell. If none of the above strikes your fancy, just come sit by the lake and enjoy the view. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

So you can see there's still lots to do here. Come out to Holliday Lake State Park and enjoy the outdoors!

Holliday Lake State Park is located off Route 24 between Appomattox and U.S. 60 and from Routes 626, 640 and 692. For more information click here, or call the park office at 434-248-6308 or by email.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, four hours; Roanoke, two hours. Click here for a map.