As improbable as it may seem, hiding a sixty-acre lake and a narrow valley at 3,600 feet elevation is nearly accomplished near the crest of Brumley Mountain in Washington County. The beauty of this high country lake and the ruggedness of the surrounding area make Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area a worthy find.

Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area is located in Southwest Virginia’s Washington County, and is bordered by Russell County along the area’s northwest boundary. This 6,400-acre property is mostly forested mountain land with the exception of a number of small openings, developed and maintained to enhance wildlife habitat. Two thousand feet at its lowest elevation, the area’s highest elevation exceeds 4,000 feet, indicating the rugged steepness of the area. Logged in the early 1900s when much of the area was virgin forest, the predominate forest is now mature, mixed hardwood. Hidden Valley Lake is situated at the head of the valley, from which flows Brumley Creek.

Hunting

Sunday Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands in Virginia »

A variety of game is available on the area. Deer, bear, turkey, squirrel and grouse are the most widely hunted species. Regulations for deer and bear vary from the general regulations for Washington County. Habitat quality for early-successional forest species like grouse and deer is poor.

Fishing

Hidden Valley Lake invites anglers to fish for smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, northern pike and walleye.

Other Activities

With its network of closed roads, Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area is excellent for hiking. Here, also, is the opportunity to view wildlife and photograph some of this area’s unique mountain scenery.

Facilities

There is a boat launching ramp and parking on the north side of Hidden Valley Lake, accessible through Low Gap from Route 690.

Directions

Access to the area is from U.S. Route 19, between Abingdon and Lebanon, on State Route 690. Consult map for greater detail.

Images by: Lynda Richardson/DWR