(434) 248-6308
2759 State Park RoadAppomattox, VA 24522
Latitude: 37.395945
Longitude: -78.640327
Deep in the heart of Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake State Park is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill is a popular activity in the 150-acre lake within the park. The nearby state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries delayed-harvest trout stream allows anglers to fish for brown and rainbow trout. The park also features excellent hiking trails and one multi-use trail open to hikers, bikers and equestrians. Swimming is a popular summer activity at the park’s life-guarded beach where the “Critter Hole”play area is a favorite of young visitors. Park facilities include a 30-site campground, a large shaded picnic area, two picnic shelters, two playgrounds, a boat ramp, a seasonal concession stand and campstore, and canoe, rowboat and paddle boat rentals. Interpretive and environmental education programs also are available for school and scout groups. This park is just minutes from the famous Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, the site of General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant in 1865.
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Virginia State Parks Calendar
Carter Taylor Trail
The Carter Taylor Trail is a 12 mile, moderate difficulty, loop trail through the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest with about one-half mile of the trail passing through the state park. This popular trail takes hikers, bikers and horseback riders through a pleasant mix of scenery including a variety of forest and rolling fields. Portions of these woodlands were the route of General Lee’s retreat during the final days of the Civil War. Hunting is permitted in the State Forest so visitors are advised to take precautions during the season.
Blaze Color: Red
- Length: 12
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Natural
Dogwood Ridge Trail
The Dogwood Ridge Trail is a 0.7 mile, moderate loop that starts and ends at the trail head just northwest of the day use area. The trail is a liesurely walk through a hardwood forest of hickory, yellow poplar, red oak, beech and pine trees near the picnic area. This trail has a few more inclines to climb than others in the park but is still quite manageable.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 0.7
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Lakeshore Nature Trail
The Lakeshore Nature Trail is a 6.3 mile, difficult hiking trail, that encircles most of Holliday Lake. This beautiful trail closely follows the lakeshore for most of its route. Accessible from the Saunders Creek Trail, the day use area and from the Northridge Trail, this trail passes through a loblolly pine plantation, hardwood forest, a variety of wetlands and past the Holliday Lake 4-H Educational Center. A series of wooden walks, stairways, and observation blinds add interest while easing navigation around some of the trails obstacles. To return to the trail head, hikers must pass through the 4-H Center.
Blaze Color: Blue
- Length: 6.3
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalks
Northridge Trail
The Northridge Trail is a .38 mile easy hiking trail that connects the picnic area, from near the restrooms, to the Lakeshore Trail. The trail winds through the woods, following the high ground with minimal changes in elevation.
Blaze Color: White
- Length: 0.38
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Saunders Creek Trail
The Saunders Creek Trail is a .1 mile moderate difficulty trail that connects the campground to the day use area and the Lakeshore Trail. The trail passes through a wooded area and provides a quick access to the lake and beach area.
Blaze Color: Orange
- Length: 0.1
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalks
Sunfish Aquatic Trail
The Sunfish Trail is a one mile long self-guided aquatic trail. As one of the cleanest lakes in Virginia, Holliday Lake State Park is one of the few parks that offer such a unique small boat experience. The tour leads boaters around the western side of Holliday Lake and points out how plants and animals live in this picturesque community. Whether piloting your own boat or one of the park’s rental craft, the ten stations will take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Stop at the park office for a copy of the guide to this interesting and unusual water trail.
- Length: 1
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Water
Amphitheater
A small, simple amphitheater is located near the Carter Taylor trailhead. It consists of a few benches around a platform. Call Park (434) 248-6308 for more details.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (434) 248-6308
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 23.9332 -78° 38.4233
Camping Area
The park has 30 campsites with electrical and water hookups. These are located in northern part of the park not far from the Carter-Taylor trailhead. Campsites offer picnic tables and outdoor grills. A full bathhouse with soda machine and a dump station for RVs is also located within the campground. 8 of the 30 campsites accommodate RVs up to 30′ in length. The remaining 22 campsites are just right for smaller RV’s, pop-ups, and tents.