Known locally as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sherando Lake Recreation Area is one of those places that rewards the people who know to look for it. Tucked into the George Washington National Forest at approximately 1,800 feet elevation between two mountain lakes, Sherando offers swimming, hiking, fishing, and quiet forest camping, all within a short drive of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
For guests staying at Love Ridge Mountain Lodging, Sherando Lake is just 5 minutes down the road, making it close enough to make it a morning swim, an afternoon hike, or a full day trip without any real commitment.
What Is Sherando Lake Recreation Area?
Sherando Lake sits between two lakes at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in the George Washington National Forest, featuring a seven-acre Upper Lake fed by the North Fork of Back Creek, and a 25-acre Lower Lake fed by springs, the North Fork of Back Creek, and Williams Branch, keeping the water refreshingly cool all summer long.
The area is managed by the US Forest Service and offers swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating. Boats with gasoline motors are prohibited; only electric trolling motors, canoes, and kayaks are permitted on the lower lake.
The lake at its best: calm water, green mountains, and all the time in the world to paddleboard.Swimming at Sherando Lake
The 25-acre Lower Lake has a designated swimming area with a sand beach, an accessible ramp to the water’s edge, and a beach bathhouse with changing rooms and shower facilities. There’s also a small island in the lower lake that swimmers can make their way out to.
The water stays cool well into summer thanks to the spring-fed inflow, which makes it refreshing on hot August days when the surrounding mountains are at their warmest. Both lakes are stocked with trout during spring and fall seasons, making it a draw for anglers as much as swimmers.
Best time to swim: Late June through early September. The beach area is busiest on summer weekends. Arriving on a weekday or early morning on weekends gives you significantly more space and quieter conditions.
The kind of summer afternoon that doesn’t need any other explanation…Hiking at Sherando Lake
Hiking trails range from easy lakeside walks on the Lakeside and Cliff Trails to challenging day hikes on the White Rock Trail connecting to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Lakeside Trail: An easy loop around the lower lake, mostly flat and suitable for all ages. A good warmup hike or a gentle way to spend an hour in the forest without committing to a full day.
Cliff Trail: A moderate hike with some elevation that rewards with views back over the lake and surrounding forest. Connect it with the Lakeside Trail for a satisfying half-day loop.
White Rock Trail: The most ambitious option, climbing from the lake up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and connecting to a broader trail network. For hikers staying at Love Ridge, this trail technically links Sherando Lake to the Parkway near the property, offering a satisfying full-day point-to-point option with shuttle logistics handled by Love Ridge’s guest shuttle service starting at $15 per trip.
Difficulty note: Trail conditions can vary; some fallen trees have been reported across sections of the lakeside trail after storms, so check conditions before your visit and plan accordingly. AllTrails typically has current reports.
Fishing at Sherando Lake
Both the upper and lower lakes are stocked with trout during spring and fall seasons. Visitors need an appropriate Virginia fishing license, National Forest stamp, and trout stamp. The upper lake is smaller and quieter, making it ideal for a contemplative morning with a rod than the more active lower lake.
Boating is permitted with electric motors, canoes, and kayaks. Paddle board rentals are also available during the main season, making it easy to get on the water without hauling your own equipment.
Best time to fish: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when the lake is freshly stocked. Early mornings before the swimming crowd arrives are ideal for a quiet session.
Freshly stocked and quietly waiting. Sherando Lake in early spring is a fisherman’s morning.What to Know Before You Go
Plan accordingly as there is no cell service at Sherando Lake. Download offline maps, confirm your reservation details before you leave, and let someone know your itinerary. The entrance gate closes at 10 PM and opens at 6 AM daily.
Firewood is not available at the park, so pick some up on your way in or use some complimentary logs from Love Ridge if you’re staying onsite. Day use visitors do not need a reservation but may encounter a day use fee during peak season. Check the US Forest Service website for current fee information before your visit.
Getting there: From I-64, take Exit 96 just east of Stuarts Draft. Go south on State Route 624, which becomes State Route 664 at Lyndhurst. Continue south on State Route 664 approximately 8 miles to the entrance on the right.
Sherando Lake by Season
Spring (April-May): The campground opens in early April and is arguably the best time to visit with wildflowers blooming along the trails, a freshly stocked lake, and lighter crowds than summer. The water is cold but invigorating for brave swimmers.
Summer (June-August): Peak season. Swimming is at its best, the beach is active, and the forest is in full green canopy. Weekday visits are significantly quieter than weekends. Water temperature in the lower lake stays refreshingly cool thanks to the spring-fed inflow.
Fall (September-October): Trout stocking resumes, the lake crowds thin out, and the surrounding George Washington National Forest turns to its famous fall colors, providing one of the best times to hike the Cliff Trail for the foliage views. The campground closes in late October.
Winter: The campground is closed, but day use access to the trails is generally available, weather permitting. The lake itself is closed for swimming, but a quiet winter walk around the shoreline on a clear day offers a different kind of peaceful beauty. Check conditions with the Forest Service before visiting off-season.
Early spring at Sherando when the trees are just waking up and the water is already calling.Where to Stay Near Sherando Lake
The Sherando Lake campground fills quickly on summer weekends and requires advance reservation through Recreation.gov. For those who want a more comfortable base with easy access to the lake, Love Ridge Mountain Lodging is approximately 5 minutes away by car, which is close enough to use Sherando as a day destination while sleeping in a real bed.
Love Ridge offers:
- Private cabins with full kitchens, fireplaces, and many with private hot tubs or jetted tubs…a great option for a relaxing post-swim evening
- Glamping tents for guests who want the outdoor feel with a comfortable bed and access to amenities
- Tent campsites for those who want to camp but prefer a property with hot showers, a full camp kitchen, and easy Parkway access
- Shuttle service from Love Ridge to nearby trailheads starts at $15 per trip
Direct Blue Ridge Parkway access means Sherando Lake, the Parkway overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail are all within a few miles of the property. Check availability and book at Love Ridge.
Key Takeaways
- Sherando Lake Recreation Area is in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA (about 5 minutes from Love Ridge Mountain Lodging)
- The 25-acre Lower Lake has a sand beach, accessible swimming, a bathhouse, and a small island to swim to
- Both lakes are stocked with trout in spring and fall. Fishing requires a Virginia fishing license, National Forest stamp, and trout stamp
- Trails range from easy lakeside loops to challenging hikes connecting to the Blue Ridge Parkway
- No cell service on site, so plan ahead
- Campground open early April through late October; day use access year-round weather permitting
- Love Ridge is 5 minutes away and offers cabins, glamping, and camping with shuttle service to nearby trailheads
Cloudy days at Sherando are still worth it!FAQ
Where is Sherando Lake in Virginia?
Sherando Lake Recreation Area is located near Lyndhurst, Virginia in the George Washington National Forest, approximately 5 minutes from Love Ridge Mountain Lodging and about 15 minutes from Waynesboro. From I-64, take Exit 96 east of Stuarts Draft and head south on Route 664 for approximately 8 miles.
Is Sherando Lake good for swimming?
Yes, the 25-acre Lower Lake has a designated sand beach with an accessible ramp, a bathhouse with changing rooms and showers, and a small island to swim to. The spring-fed water stays refreshingly cool through summer. The best swimming season is late June through early September.
Can you fish at Sherando Lake?
Yes! Both lakes are stocked with trout in spring and fall. A Virginia fishing license, National Forest stamp, and trout stamp are required. Only electric motors, canoes, and kayaks are permitted on the water, no gas motors.
Is Sherando Lake open year-round?
The campground is open early April through late October. Day use access to the trails is generally available year-round weather permitting, though swimming and beach facilities are seasonal. Check with the US Forest Service before visiting in winter.
Where should I stay near Sherando Lake?
Love Ridge Mountain Lodging is approximately 5 minutes from Sherando Lake and offers private cabins, glamping tents, and tent campsites, providing a comfortable base for exploring the lake, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail. Browse lodging options here.
Is there cell service at Sherando Lake?
No, cell service is unreliable at Sherando Lake. Download offline maps and confirm all reservation details before you leave.
Plan Your Sherando Lake Trip & Book Your Stay at Love Ridge!