Bark Camp Lake

Elevation: 2734 ft., Bark Camp Lake is a 45-acre lake with a 3.25-mile lakeshore trail that traverses woodland forests, rhododendron thickets, and lakeside habitats. This site is connected to the preceding and subsequent sites via the Chief Benge Scout Trail. A three mile shoreline trail circles the lake, offering outstanding views. Highlights include an open air amphitheater overlooking the lake, a short hike to an interesting geological formation called “Kitchen Rock,” and outstanding universally accessible fishing piers and picnicking facilities. This recreation area boasts 34 campsites, 9 of which have electric hookups.

The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and is a great place to look for waterfowl in early winter. Most eastern warblers and several thrushes and tanagers can be found during migration. In summer, look for common nesting birds such as northern parula, American redstart, hooded, chestnut-sided, and black-and-white warblers, as well as blue-gray gnatcatcher, Acadian flycatcher, blue-headed and red-eyed vireos, and even the spectacular scarlet tanager. Near the parking lot, look for eastern bluebird and other open land favoring birds. This is also a good site to look for raptors and nocturnal birds of prey. Broad-winged and red-shouldered hawks nest here. Campers can be serenaded nightly by great horned, barred, and eastern screech-owls.

Notes:

• As with all Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail sites within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, please visit the Alerts webpage to check this location’s status before heading out.