Description

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.

Note: To access the site, a Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.

Directions

Location: Albemarle Lake Rd/ Rt. 675, White Hall, VA 22901

From Charlottesville, travel west on Barracks Road. Barracks Road becomes Garth Road/Rt. 614. Continue on Garth Road to Albemarle Lake Road/ Rt. 675, approximately 0.5 miles before the town of White Hall. Look for a “PUBLIC FISHING LAKE” sign at the intersection of Albemarle Lake Road; turn left and follow the signs to the lake.

From the Route 240/250 junction near Crozet, take Route 680 and 810 to White Hall, then east on Route 614. Turn right on Route 675 to the lake.