Winter Hiking at Holliday Lake State Park

Don’t let the cooler weather keep you inside. With a few basic preparations, you and your family can enjoy winter hiking at Holliday Lake State Park or any state park in Virginia. Most parks are open every day of the year for day-use from dawn until dusk. Here at Holliday Lake State Park there are several trails ranging from our Saunders Creek Trail at .2 mile to our Lakeshore Trail at 6.3 miles. You can also access the 10.2 mile Carter Taylor Multi-Use Trail that leaves the park and goes onto the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. Start small with one of our shorter hikes, especially if you have young children. Work up to the Lakeshore Trail where you can enjoy the view from the dam built in the 1930s. With the leaves gone, the views of the lake and topography of the area are spectacular. A little bit of planning can ensure that you and your family have a winter wonderful experience.

Prepare for you hike

Plan your route. Know the length of the trail and the difficulty rating. Start with an easy, short hike and work your way up to a longer hike like the Lakeshore Trail. Our Dogwood and Northridge Trails are both short and easy. Either would be a great starting point.

Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return.

Take a simple first aid kit. Don’t go overboard, but a few bandages and some antibacterial cream can be helpful. Other good ideas include: gauze and tape, anti-itch cream, pain reliever, tweezers, a pocket knife, and an emergency foil blanket.

Dress in layers and bring rain gear. It’s no fun being cold or wet, especially if you’re a mile from the car. Each child can carry a small backpack with his/her rain jacket.

Carry plenty of water. Dehydration is a common problem in winter as well as in warmer months. Nothing is better than water to combat this. A thermos of a warm beverage (coffee, hot cocoa) left in the car can be a nice reward for completing your hike.

Bring high-energy snacks like granola bars, fruit, or trail mix. A short break with a quick snack can help to perk up tired children and adults. Again, each child can carry his/her own.

Provide some motivation for children. A game of “I Spy” will entertain younger children. Older children might enjoy keeping a wildlife journal. Geo-Caches and Letter Boxes aboundalong our trails.Something to look forward to is also a way to keep everyone interested. While hiking the Lakeshore Trail, the dam is about half-way.

Trail Don’ts

Don’t litter. Use the pack it in, pack it out rule.
Don’t approach animals. This includes ALL animals encountered on the trail-stray dogs to bears. If you see a dangerous wild animal remember: don’t panic, keep your distance, back away slowly. Never run, crouch down, or play dead.
Don’t travel alone.
Don’t walk off the trail. Wandering off trail not only causes erosion issues, it can get you lost.
Don’t drink unpurified water from the lake or creeks. Bring enough water with you.

For more information about hiking with your family or about ourtrails, call Holliday Lake State Park at 434-248-6308. Sections of the Lakeshore Trail will be closed for short periods of time for trail maintenance this winter. While you’re at Holliday Lake State Park, stop by the Park Office gift shop to do some Christmas shopping. We have Virginia State Parks souvenirs, Holiday Lake 4-H Center cookbooks, unique local gifts, T-shirts and more. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

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