Description
Elevation: 1239 ft.
This small roadside lake appears as an oasis for wildlife in the midst of farmland. The lake is mostly open with a few clumps of cattails. The open water is home to mallards that are joined by other waterfowl during migration and in the winter. Belted kingfishers can be seen fishing around the lake’s edges. During late summer, large flocks of swallows gather to feed over the lake and skim its surface for water. Look out for barn, bank, tree and northern rough-winged swallows as well as chimney swifts as they spiral over the water. The lakeshore is also home to a few resident reptiles. Eastern painted turtle, bullfrog, and the occasional northern water snake frequent the banks. Dragonflies patrol the lake edges and species such as eastern amberwing and common green darner are numerous.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Silver Lake:
- Canada Goose
- Gadwall
- Canvasback
- Redhead
- Bufflehead
- Common Merganser
- Mallard
- Ring-necked Duck
- Lesser Scaup
- Red-tailed Hawk
193 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Feb 2026 | 6 | Harold Jones |
| 2 Feb 2026 | 10 | William Leigh |
| 1 Feb 2026 | 10 | Tim Showalter Ehst |
| 1 Feb 2026 | 5 | Sharon Landis |
| 1 Feb 2026 | 9 | Harold Jones |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 2328 Silver Lake Rd., Dayton, VA 22821
From I-81 in Harrisonburg, take Exit #247 for US 33 West. Travel along US 33 for 5.3 miles west of Harrisonburg to Rt. 701. Turn left on Rt. 701 and follow it for 2.2 miles to the lake on the right.
Site Information
Managed By:
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.