Lake Albemarle

Elevation: 548 ft.

Lake Albemarle is a moderate-sized lake that is probably most popular among local anglers. Hardwood forests with scattered pines surround much of the lake, with some marshy edges that attract a great deal of wildlife. This site’s most spectacular birding occurs in the fall and winter for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. In the winter, look for bufflehead and hooded merganser. During migration, you may also find an osprey or even a bald eagle. In the summer, resident wood duck hide in coves, while green heron and belted kingfisher hunt from water’s edge. River otter are likely to take residence in these waters, as well. Dragonflies such as slaty and widow skimmers, common green darner, prince baskettail, and eastern amberwings patrol the lake. Blue-ringed and powdered dancers as well as other damselflies lurk in the weedy grasses along the banks.

Notes:

• To access the site, a Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
• Please be mindful of the property lines while exploring Lake Albemarle; adjacent properties are privately owned.