Banister Lake

The Banister River bubbles out of the highlands of Halifax and Pittsylvania counties flowing southeast to meet the Dan River just above Buggs Island/Kerr Lake. Where the river enters the Town of Halifax, just after the US-501 Bridge, a small dam backs up the river into an idyllic lake at the edge of town. Here the glassy calm waters of the lake host pairs of belted kingfishers, joined by great blue herons haunting the quiet inlets. In the summer, wood ducks raise their broods along its shores as tree, barn, and cliff swallows forage over the water; and in winter, Canada geese come en masse along with other dabblers such as teal, mallards and northern shovelers.

A large cliff swallow colony makes its summer home under the US-501 bridge. Listen for their unique calls which sound similar to a dolphin’s. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR

The banks of the lake are thick with jewelweed and other inviting blooms, which attract an abundance of butterflies. Watch for irruptions of American snout in late summer and marvel in the iridescence of the numerous red-spotted purples. Although the lake can be seen well from the boat landing next to US-501, there is much more to be found by a canoe or kayak adventure.