Description

Nestled in the heart of the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, this state park offers access to Holliday Lake, its facilities, and its associated wetlands and woodlands. Follow the hiking trails through miles of diverse habitats and wildlife. Large numbers of chipping sparrows congregate in the open spaces near the parking area singing alongside a resident pair of northern mockingbirds, rowdy blue jays, American crows, and a number of migratory birds.

Out on the 119 acre lake, the rattle of belted kingfishers can be heard regularly as they streak back and forth across the lake. Watch for waterfowl such as wood ducks and blue-winged teal that drop in from time to time. It is also worth scanning the treetops on the far shore for the occasional eagle, eastern bluebird or perhaps a flock of cedar waxwings. Deeper in the woods, the largest woodpecker, the pileated, along with the smallest woodpecker, the downy, can be heard singing in the treetops. Scan the underbrush which can be filled with gray catbirds and migrant Swainson’s thrushes along with local Carolina wrens. Insects in the area are at their best during warmer weather when the lake can be alive with dozens of eastern amberwings, eastern pondhawks, slaty skimmers, prince baskettails, and several other dragonfly species.

Directions

Physical Address: 2759 State Park Road, Appomattox 24522

State Park Rd/SR 692 follows for about 2.5 miles through woodlands, past an intersection with SR 614 and a small residential area, to an outcropping on the lake.

From I-64 near Charlottesville, take exit 121 for SR 20 toward Charlottesville/Scottsville and turn left onto SR 20 S. After 37 miles, turn right (southwest) onto SR 631/Troublesome Creek Rd and continue for 3.8 miles. Turn right (west) onto US 60 and continue for 4.6 miles before turning left onto SR 24 W. In 7.2 miles, turn left (south) onto SR 636/Francisco Rd and follow for 2.3 miles. Slight right onto SR 640 and, in 1.8 miles, turn left onto State Park Rd/SR 692.