(434) 374-2210
1192 Occoneechee Park RoadClarksville, VA 23927
Latitude: 36.626101
Longitude: -78.524101
Occoneechee State Park is on Virginias largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, also known as John H. Kerr Reservoir. The park features 18.1 miles of trails that allow the guest to experience the history of the Occoneechee Indians and plantation life in the 1800s. The Commonwealth of Virginia began leasing the land for recreational use from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1968.
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Virginia State Parks Calendar
Big Oak Nature Trail
The Big Oak Trail is a 0.8 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail, that is accessible from the main park road as well as close to campground B. This trail winds through groves of large, mature oaks that are as much as 200 years old. An excellent trail for birdwatching and admiring the majestic trees for which it is named.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 0.8
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Campground B Connection Trail
Campground B Connection Trail is a .2 mile, moderate difficulty connector trail that takes hikers from the Plantation trail up a small hill to the road near campground B. This trail is notable for the unmarked graves of several slaves that probably once served on the plantation. The site is now marked with an interpretive sign and serves as a reminder of this area’s storied past.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 0.2
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Mossey Creek Trail
The Mossey Creek Nature Trail is a .7 mile, easy, hiking and partial multi-use trail, that is accessible from the Plantation Trail, the Warrior’s Path Trail, and from the main park road. The trail takes users through wooded areas of loblolly pine, sweet gum, oak and ash trees while it crosses Mossey Creek a few times with the help of several bridges. An excellent trail for observing the area’s wildlife, the keen observer may spy a variety of animals including a well disguised frog or toad before it hops away.
Blaze Color: Blue
- Length: 0.7
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Plantation Trail
Old Plantation Trail
The Old Plantation Interpretive Trail is a 1.2 mile, easy hiking loop, that is accessible from the terrace gardens and provides access to the campground B trail and the Mossey Creek Trail. The trail winds through the woods, passing the remains of several structures that once made up William Townes’s Occoneechee Plantation. Along the trail, hikers will encounter the family cemetery. Behind the home was once an extensive, five-terraced garden. Although most of the original plants died long ago, the boxwoods that once lined the path have grown tall.
Blaze Color: Red
- Length: 1.2
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth, Gravel, Terraces
Panhandle Multi Use Trail
The Panhandle Multi Use Trail is a 7.5 mile, or 15 mile round trip, moderate difficulty trail that is available for use by hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Before heading out on the trail please be aware that when the lake rises to 304 feet, the park closes the trail. In addition, the trail may be closed to horses at different times throughout the year due to wetness. Please check the trail head notice boards or at the Park Office for trail conditions before you go. The trail is accessible from several locations including trailer parking areas across from the Visitor Center and at the end of the Wildlife Management Area road.
Blaze Color: White
- Length: 7.5
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Gravel
Tutelo Birding Trail
The Tutelo Birding Trail is a moderate difficulty hiking trail that winds through numerous habitats and affords the opportunity for viewing a variety of birds. The trail begins on the main park road and winds between wildlife enhancement plots before entering the woods. Hikers will pass through mixed hardwood/pine forest, cross a small stream, and emerge from the woods at an observation platform that overlooks both open field areas and pine forest. Common birds to be watching for include eastern bluebirds, wild turkeys, cardinals, red tailed hawks, various warblers, and many others.
Blaze Color: Red
- Length: 1.1
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Warrior’s Path Trail
The Warrior’s Path Trail is a .4 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail that connects the Mossey Creek Trail and the parking lot near the boat ramp. This trail is mostly wooded and includes a connector to the Panhandle Trail which is open to mountain bikers.
Blaze Color: Orange
- Length: 0.4
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth