(804) 492-4410
22 Bear Creek Lake RoadCumberland, VA 23040
Latitude: 37.531773
Longitude: -78.271589
Bear Creek Lake was built in 1938 as a project of the Virginia Department of Agriculture through the State Forestry Division. Although this project was undertaken during the closing days of the Great Depression, the 100 men who built the lake were not members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They were simply carpenters, farmers and unskilled laborers seeking jobs. Along with the lake, these men built two pavilions, a concession stand and six fireplaces. The land was given to the Division of State Parks in 1940, and it was operated as a day-use recreation area. In 1962 the division added campgrounds and the area’s name was changed to Bear Creek Lake State Park.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Fishing, Kid-Friendly
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Circumferential Trail
The Circumferential or New Lakeside Trail is a 2.12 mile moderate trail that is accessible from the Lakeside Trail as well as from the Lost Barr Trail. It passes through hardwood forest around the edge of the lake and along the banks of two creeks that feed into it, eventually crossing these creeks via the fire road just outside of the park. Hikers should keep their eyes open for the large beaver dam that can be seen from Little Bear Creek. Keep a look out for frogs and aquatic turtles while on this trail.
Blaze Color: White
- Length: 2.12
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalks
Cumberland Multi-use Trail
This 14-mile loop trail weaves through the 16,233 acre Cumberland State Forest and Bear Creek Lake State Park. Trail heads are located at the Cumberland Forestry Center and Bear Creek Lake State Park. While hunting is not permitted inside the park, when outside of the park trail users are advised to wear blaze orange during the hunting season.
Blaze Color: Lt. Blue
- Length: 14
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Gravel, Natural
Lakeside Trail
The Lakeside Trail is a 1 mile moderate trail that is accessible from the Running Cedar Trail, the Pine Knob Trail, the concession/picnic area, and from the Willis River Trail. It mainly passes around the north part of the lake and through the picnic area. Like most other trails here, this one is fairly flat. Hikers should use caution however, as in some places the trail can be very narrow, close to the lake, and have many roots running over the path. A hiker who isn’t careful could end up in the lake! This trail provides access to the Quail Ridge Trail as well as to the Circumferential Trail.
Blaze Color: Orange
- Length: 1
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalks
Pine Knob Trail
The Pine Knob Trail is a .61 mile moderate trail that is accessible from the Cumberland Multi-use Trail and the Lakeside trail. This trail passes near the park boundary, partially running outside of the park. It passes through areas of tall narrow pines and later through areas of dense hardwood forest. The trail features minimal elevation change and connects the CMT access area to the Lakeside trail and to the concession stand area.
Blaze Color: Red
- Length: 0.61
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth and Grass
Quail Ridge Trail
The Quail Ridge Trail is a .4 mile moderate hiking trail that is accessible near where the Lakeside Trail crosses a long bridge and becomes the Circumferential or New Lakeside Trail. The trail takes hikers up a slight incline through the forest and out of the park. At the end of the trail hikers must turn around and return to the Circumferential Trail.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 0.4
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Running Cedar Trail
The Running Cedar Trail is a .25 mile moderate trail that is accessible across the park road from Campground C. It features some elevation change as it through a ravine which eventually levels out and soon after becomes the Lakeside Trail. On the trail you may find many different hardwood trees as well as examples of Sassafras, Tulip Poplar, and the Paw Paw.
Blaze Color: Blue
- Length: 0.25
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Willis River Trail
The Willis River Trail is a 16 mile moderate loop trail that exits the park and passes through the Cumberland State Forest where it intersects the Cumberland Multi-use Trail. An excellent loop hike of about 3 miles length is possible by taking the Lakeside Trail to the Willis River Trail then the Willis River Trail to the Cumberland Multi-use Trail, and upon returning to the park, using the Pine Knob Trail to return to the parking area. While traveling through the forest, you will observe several different and unique environments. Oak-hickory forests, stands of Loblolly Pine, and harvested areas attract many different forms of wildlife. White-tailed deer, wild turkey and bobcats are common residents of this productive and well managed natural resource.
Blaze Color: White