Description
Elevation: 665 ft.
Stonehouse Lake provides easy access to more woodland than either Thrashers or Mill Creek Lakes. The banks are heavily wooded, making it perfect habitat for great blue and green herons, belted kingfisher, and the occasional pair of wood duck. Downy woodpecker, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, Carolina wren, and northern cardinal can all be heard singing deep in the woods, while American goldfinch and eastern kingbird patrol the fields on its periphery. The lake itself hosts numerous eastern painted turtles, with the vegetation along its banks holding several species of dragonflies and damselflies. Look along these edges for widow and slaty skimmers, eastern amberwing, eastern pondhawk, and common whitetail.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Stonehouse Lake Park (as reported to eBird)
- Red-headed Woodpecker
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Blue Jay
- American Crow
- Carolina Chickadee
- Tufted Titmouse
- Eastern Bluebird
- Hermit Thrush
- Dark-eyed Junco
- White-throated Sparrow
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Parking
- Picnic
- Restrooms
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
Maps & Directions
Location: End of Stone House Lake Rd/SR 830, Amherst, VA 24521
From US 60 in Lexington/Buena Vista, continue east and turn left (northeast) onto SR 610. Follow for 2.5 miles before turning left (north) onto SR 625. Then, just past Jerusalem Church, turn left (west) onto Stone House Lake Rd/SR 830 and follow down.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.