Lake Anna State Park

Virginia State Parks Calendar

Big Woods Trail

The Big Woods Trail is named for the area known as ‘Big Woods’ during the 1900s. This trail passes through dense hardwood forest where the area’s prime timber was frequently logged. The last logging operations were done here in the 1950s, so much of what you see today is ‘new’ growth timber. This moderate difficulty, 1.2 mile multi-use trail, is a connector between the Glenora and Turkey Run trails. There are some changes in elevation that may present a challenge for bikers and hikers. This trail passes by a small cove where observant users may spot signs of beaver activity.

Blaze Color: Silver

• Length: 1.2
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Surface: Earth, Boardwalks

Cedar Run Trail

The Cedar Run Trail is an easy .8 mile multi-use trail that is a short loop off of the Turkey Run Trail. The trail is also accessible from the Big Woods Trail. While cedars may be seen along this trail, pawpaw, holly, tulip poplar, sweetgum and wild blueberry plants are all represented. The trail runs mainly through wooded areas, however the greatest reward is the view of Lake Anna near the midpoint of the trail.

Blaze Color: White

• Length: 0.9
• Difficulty: Easy
• Surface: Earth, Boardwalks

Fisherman’s Trail

Fisherman’s is a .9 mile, easy hiking trail that connects picnic areas A and B. The trail meanders through hardwood forest along the lake, frequently coming right to the water’s edge in shallow coves where waterfowl and the occasional beaver may be seen, particularly at sunrise or sunset. As its name suggests, this trail is ideal for the sportsman looking for a shady spot to cast a line.

Blaze Color: Orange

• Length: 0.8
• Difficulty: Easy
• Surface: Earth, Gravel

Glenora Trail

The Glenora Trail is a 1.1 mile, easy trail, that is the southern extension of the Sawtooth Trail. The trail is also accessible from the Big Woods Trail. This multi-use trail passes through majestic hardwood forest of oak and maple alongside green meadows with views of Lake Anna. The Glenora Trail leads to a site once known as Pigeon Plantation, a 3,000 acre enterprise named for Pigeon Run, a small stream that bordered the property. The estate was named Glenora following the Civil War and was a popular place for wealthy Southern aristocrats to gather and socialize. The original smokehouse built in 1832 remains on the site. The trail continues south until it reaches the lake.

Blaze Color: Green

• Length: 1.1
• Difficulty: Easy
• Surface: Earth

Gold Hill Trail

The Gold Hill Trail is a 3.1 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use loop that is accessible from the Pigeon Run trail. The trail passes through wooded areas and follows a cleared power company right-of-way over a series of rolling hills. This trail is located in the north of the park and is a wonderful destination for those seeking peace, quiet, and solitude. Observant visitors will spot evidence of placer and shaft mining along the trail. Mining activity here earned this part of the park the name ‘Gold Hill’ during the late 1800s. This trail accesses a marked side path that branches off of the northern leg to an abandoned gold mine. Due to safety concerns and potential mine shaft collapse access to this leg is prohibited.

Blaze Color: Black

• Length: 3.1
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Surface: Grass, Earth

Mill Pond Trail

The Mill Pond Trail is a .9 mile, easy multi-use trail that is accessible from the trail head parking and the Pigeon Run Trail. The trail passes through wooded areas and then arrives at a brief clearing. From the clearing, the trail is open only to hikers, others must continue on the Pigeon Run Trail or return to the parking area. The Mill Pond Trail continues on to the site of Hailey’s Mill, a gristmill that stood alongside Pigeon Run from 1857 until June 1889, when it was destroyed by a the same storm that caused the infamous Johnstown Flood. Today one can see remnants of the mill dam that once extended from the bank near the trail to the opposite side of Pigeon Run.

Blaze Color: Blue