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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Visiting This One Mountain Lake In Virginia Is Like Experiencing A Dream

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve in Virginia offers a stunning high-altitude lake with various recreational activities.

Published May 25, 2019

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

If you've ever spent time near a high-altitude lake, you can attest to the fact that these natural attractions are magical. The air seems clearer, the water bluer, and you can't help but be inspired by the scenery. There are a few such places right here in Virginia, and today we'll introduce you to one of the most extraordinary of them. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve features a breathtaking lake with picturesque blue waters and recreational opportunities for everyone. Here's more on why visiting this one mountain lake can only be compared to a dream.

Tucked away in the mountains of southwestern Virginia, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve encompasses over 12,000 acres of hardwood forests, hiking trails, and beautiful landscapes.

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Experience280625 / TripAdvisor

The crown jewel of the reserve is the 630-acre reservoir. The water lends itself to all sorts of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and paddle boating.

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Gilad A / TripAsvisor

Of course, you might also be tempted to pack a picnic, find a seat in the shade, and enjoy the serene mountain setting.

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Gilad A / TripAdvisor

While the reserve is just 8 miles from downtown Roanoke, you'll feel as though you've discovered a little slice of paradise all your own.

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Note: Stand Up Paddleboarding at Carvins Cove requires a SUP Certification Badge.

Visitors are required to get a day pass for $3 upon entry. You might be tempted to upgrade to a yearly pass, just $25, considering Carvins Cove is beautiful in any season.

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Gilad A / TripAdvisor

No matter your adventure, you'll soon discover this corner of Virginia is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventurers of all kinds.

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Address: Carvins Cove Road, Salem, VA 24153.

For more information about visiting Carvins Cove, be sure to click here. Have you experienced this beautiful attraction recently? If so, be sure to share your experience there with us!

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

There’s A Gorge In Virginia That Looks Just Like The New River Gorge, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Breaks Interstate Park in Virginia, known as the Grand Canyon of the South, offers stunning geological formations and abundant wildlife.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

The New River Gorge is one of the most iconic wonders on the East Coast, located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Yet you don’t have to cross state lines to experience a natural wonder in Virginia that’s equally striking. In our opinion, Breaks Interstate Park in Dickenson County, looks a lot like the New River Gorge, and if you’ve never visited, it’s high time you planned a trip. So, come with us to see one of the most unique gorges in Virginia that will literally blow your mind.

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Millions of years ago, upon the formation of the Appalachian Mountains, a wave of earth and rock was created. Today, at the westernmost point of these ancient formations, you'll find Breaks Interstate Park.

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Nothing short of a natural wonder and a geological phenomenon, this region of Virginia is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The 1,000-foot gorge, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the South, is the result of the Russell Fork River.

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

The giant sandstone cliffs, known as the Towers, ascend above the canyon, creating a stunning visual effect. Even photos, as beautiful as they are, can't quite do justice to the view!

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

If it's your first time visiting the Breaks, be sure to check out Breaks Overlook, an iconic view of the landscape. It's especially stunning when the fog rolls in.

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Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Overlooks Trail is another gorgeous view of the park. Just look at those stunning colors!

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Breaks Park

And while Breaks Interstate Park is famous for its canyon, the abundance of wildlife here is equally as mesmerizing.

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During certain times of the year, visitors are invited to see Virginia's Elk Restoration Zone.

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Have you ever visited Breaks Interstate Park? What was your experience at this look-a-like gorge in Virginia? Feel free to share your adventures with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more unique destinations to visit, be sure to check out our list of natural wonders in Virginia.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/natural-wonder-va/

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Sand Dunes Hiding In Virginia

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Virginia offers a stunning and unexpected landscape with tall sand dunes and diverse wildlife.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

When you think of sand dunes, you likely picture New Mexico's White Sand Dunes National Park, or perhaps the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado. You may not have realized that Virginia also has a collection of sand dunes, and it's just as spectacular. To view this wild, rugged, and somewhat unexpected landscape, head to Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Cape Charles. Prepare to be amazed by the untouched beauty of some of the coolest natural wonders in Virginia!

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Virginia's most visited beaches are popular for a reason: they're easy to access, offer amenities such as restaurants and boardwalks, and often have the buzz of crowds.

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Yet there's something special about the quieter, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and today's feature destination certainly qualifies.

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Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve is comprised of 298 acres along the Chesapeake Bay in Northampton County.

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Patrick Kerr / Google

The dunes are among the tallest natural points on Virginia's Eastern Shore!

It's a stunning gem of a beach on Virginia's Eastern Shore, made all the more spectacular by the presence of 50-foot sand dunes for which the area is named.

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The preserve, which is maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is open to the public, yet it's absolutely vital to respect both nature and wildlife here.

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As you can imagine, the beach, dunes, and maritime forest make up an important habitat for countless plants and wildlife, including tiger beetles and migratory songbirds.

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Visitors will find a small public parking lot as well as three hiking trails for safely exploring the area.

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If you do plan to visit, be sure to leave only footprints in the sand!

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Bill Dyas / Google

Did you know about this unexpected wonder hiding in Virginia? Have you visited Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area in Cape Charles? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For related content, check out our natural wonders road trip through Virginia. And be sure to take a look at our road trip essentials!

Love all things Virginia? Check out this amazing footage of Shenandoah National Park:

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