Exploring Virginia: Bear Creek Lake State Park

Bear Creek Lake State Park is located in Cumberland County, Virginia and is adjacent to Cumberland State Forest. The park features a large lake perfect for water activities, lodging options, and nature based opportunities. Due to its location, the park provides easy access to the state forest’s trails. There visitors can experience diverse tree species and habitats as well as potential wildlife sightings.

During the summer, it is known to reach capacity due to its popularity. The park seemed to have great amenities (concessions, beach, lakefront campsites) and plenty of activities for families (playground, boat rentals, fishing) for summertime fun in nature. 

We visited Bear Creek Lake State Park on a crisp morning in January so the park was quite empty compared to during the summer. Our favorite part was the proximity to Cumberland State Forest, Virginia’s second largest state forest. The forest provides a unique natural buffer around the park which adds to the park’s biodiversity. We felt the neighboring forest enhanced the park’s trails and created more environmental and nature based enjoyment as we winded through several unique ecosystems.

Things to do at Bear Creek State Park

Hiking: The park is home to 14 trails and connects with the state forest trails as well. We did the Cat Channel hike. The trail took us from the parking lot near the beach along the lake for a short bit. We then weaved through a campground, checking out the awesome lakefront sites (and planning our next camping trip).

We then looped up into a more forested portion of the park, near the boundary with the state forest. This portion was my favorite as we went from oak to pine forests, experiencing what felt like several different ecosystems or parks in just one hike. 

Water activities: The lake acts as an anchor for the park with a lot of the recreation centered around it. Whether you enjoy boating, fishing, swimming or hanging out on the beach or at your campsite, the lake is perfect for enjoying nature in the summertime. 

Enjoying Cumberland State Forest: The forest can be easily accessed by the park’s trails and provides an even more off the grid feel. Biking is also allowed in the forest whereas the park’s trails are for hiking only. The forest has a diverse oak population, over 121 miles of waterways and portions that are designated untouched and provide valuable habitats for wildlife.

Cumberland State Forest: a natural buffer

Bear Creek Lake State Park and the Cumberland State Forest were established around the same time in 1938/39. The land was previously farmland, evidence of which (such as piles of rocks from farmers clearing fields) can still be seen today. 

At the time the park and forest was established, the soil was of extremely poor quality due to over farming and there was little biodiversity or habitats for wildlife. The creation of the park and forest have completely changed this.

Protecting more nature not only provides recreational opportunities. More nature creates healthy environments, beaming with diverse species of plants and wildlife. 

Funding Virginia’s great outdoors

Protecting Virginia’s special places means more nature for Virginians to enjoy and more nature for plants and animals to thrive. Our state parks and other protected lands are critically important to Virginians and the environment. We need to better protect and better fund our great outdoors.

We are visiting every state park in Virginia so check back as our adventure continues!