7. Douthat Lake
About 100 miles west of Charlottesville, Douthat Lake is located within Douthat Lake State Park, a historic recreational area that families have flocked to since 1936. The 50-acre lake is stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout during fee season (the first Saturday of April to June 15 and again from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31), so it’s an especially good time for kids to toss a line with the fish biting. In the summer, fees and trout stocking are suspended. Travelers can traverse the more than 40 miles of hiking trails in the state park or enjoy the unguarded beach for swimming (open May through October). Cabins, lodges and campsites are available within the state park. Otherwise, the Red Lantern Inn, housed in a 100-year-old building in downtown Clifton Forge, offers casual accommodations.
8. Fairy Stone Lake
Fairy Stone Lake is located within Fairy Stone Lake State Park, about 50 miles south of Roanoke and close to Philpott Lake. The 168-acre reservoir is named after the “fairy stones” or uniquely shaped rocks found in the area. The stones have an unusual three-dimensional cross shape, though some are just single brick form. According to legend, they are good luck, so if you find one while visiting, be sure to pick it up and pocket it. The lake itself is popular for kayaking and canoeing, and rentals are available in the state park. Guarded beach swimming is available for a fee, and there are 10 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. You’ll find sunfish, largemouth bass and crappie to fish for here. Accommodations include cabins, lodges, yurts, tent campsites and RV sites with electricity and water. Martinsville is about 15 miles southeast and budget lodging in town includes the Comfort Inn near Martinsville Speedway.