A unique feature of the dam at Lakeshore Trail to circle the entire lake. This bridge was added years after the dam was built.
The terrain is very steep on the north-east side of the dam. So steep that wooden steps were built to give hikers full access to this trail. These steps were recently repaired to continue safe and comfortable access for our hikers.
The winter is a great time to hike the trail. With the leaves gone from most of the trees, you can see deep into the woods. It is so quiet, you can hear wildlife all around.
Anytime of the year, you can look out over the lake from the narrow foot bridge and see the concession stand and the beach area.
Turn around and look to the other side of the dam and you can see the continuation of Holliday Creek. It flows into the Appomattox River in about a quarter of a mile.
But be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart. There is about a 60 foot drop off.
The Lakeshore Trail is a bit of a walk (6.3 miles). The dam is about half-way, so there are no shortcuts. But it’s a lovely hike any time of year. You might be lucky enough to see an osprey or a bald eagle. You are likely to see river otters, white tail deer and many birds.
Through the first of February, Holliday Lake will be lowered a few feet. It’s low enough now that no water flows over the dam. This gives a beautiful view of the handiwork of the young men who built the dam in the 1930s.
So come on out to Holliday Lake State Park and enjoy those refurbished steps along the Lakeshore Trail. The park is open from daylight until dark every day of the year.