Beyond the shores of Buggs Island Lake there are many opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast, including golfing, hiking, hunting, visitor/educational centers and picnicking.
Golf
Education
Hiking
Hunting
Picnicking
Programs
Visitors
Golf
photo by Justin Eubank
Golf Kinderton Country Club – 799 Kinderton Drive, Clarksville, VA 23927 offers an eighteen-hole golf course designed by Donald Ross, putting green, driving range and club facilities. (434) 374-8822.
Hiking
Hiking Occoneechee State Park – 3.1 miles of walking trails wind through woodlands and past scenic lake views. A one-mile interpretive trail takes visitors to the terraced gardens of the Old Plantation grounds. The park also features a 15-mile multi-purpose trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Located on US Highway 58, approximately 1/10 mile east of Clarksville. For more information call 434-374-2210.
Liberty Hill Nature Trail (foot traffic only) – The trail is located on the south side of Kerr Dam and ample parking is available. The 1.6 mile trail is a self-guided interpretive trail and is white blazed. Liberty Trail meanders through mixed hardwoods, an old cemetery, and descends to river which overlooks Buggs Island as well as the back side of the Dam. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 434-738-6101.
Tailrace Park and Wildlife Observation Platform – A Watchable Wildlife Area, located immediately below Kerr Dam. A short 0.1 mile, wheelchair accessible nature trail and platform offers excellent viewing of migratory Bald Eagles from December through March. Picnic and restroom facilities are located nearby, benches are provided for viewing the Dam, Tailrace, and Buggs Island. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 434-738-6101.
Robert Munford Trail(non-motorized use only) – Seven miles one way. Trailheads located end of Taylor’s Ferry Road and end of Greenwood Road, at Eagle Point. Take 58 West out of Boydton, turn left on Jefferson street (756), then left onto Taylor’s Ferry Road (705).Taylor’s Ferry meets Greenwood Road and turns to dirt at Greenwood Baptist Church. White blazed trail along reservoir shoreline through lowland hardwoods and upland mixed oak, pine, and hickory stands. The trail is named for an important resident of early Mecklenburg County and the trail passes his gravesite. Evidence of pre-dam era life including cemetery,foundations, ice storage structures, rock and rubble walls. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 434-738-6101.
Wildlife Management Areas – See hunting for information regarding area wildlife management near Clarksville. These areas offer various trails for multiple uses.
Hunting
Hunting Occoneechee State Park– Panhandle Area provides public hunting for those with a valid state hunting license; you must register at the area’s access gate. Located on US Highway 58,approximately 1/10 mile east of Clarksville. For more information call 434-374-2210.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Management Areas – The US Army Corps of Engineers manages areas to improve and protect habitat for various wildlife species. These areas are available for many uses, including hunting (in season), nature viewing, foot, horse and bike travel. Some of the dirt and gravel roads are open to vehicles. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 434-738-6101.
Dick Cross Wildlife Management Area – Nationally known for hosting bird dog field trials, the Dick Cross Wildlife Management Area (formerly Elm Hill) is also a major wintering area for waterfowl, popular dove hunting area, and home to a diverse resident upland wildlife population. The entire management area serves as a refuge for various waterfowl and no hunting for waterfowl is allowed. From U.S.Route 58 near Boydton, between South Hill and Clarksville take State Route 4 south. Go about five miles to the management area entrance.
Programs & Education
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries – Wildlife Management Area Visitor/Education Centers Occoneechee State Park Visitor Center – The center features Native American history, “The Occoneechee Story,” a living hut and artifacts. Also within is a year-round gift shop featuring Native American merchandise, t-shirts, hats, souvenirs, postcards and educational material.
Occoneechee State Park Interpretive Programs – Interpretive programs are offered from May to September. Please contact the park for specific dates, times and locations within the park. A fee is required for some programs. 434-374-2210; occoneechee[at]dcr[dot]virginia[dot]gov
Visitor Assistance Center for the Corps of Engineers – located adjacent to the John H. Kerr Dam, next to North Bend Park. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 4:30 pm. It is closed for holidays. Specific programs and times may be obtained by calling the Visitor Assistance Centerat 434-738-6143
Joseph S. J. Tanner II Environmental Education Center – just down the road from the Corps of Engineers visitor center at the intersection of Mays Chapel Road and VA Route 4 (which leads across the Dam). The Tanner Center is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Thursday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Specific programs and times may be obtained by calling the Visitor Assistance Center at 434-738-6143
The Powerhouse – located down the hill from the Corps of Engineers visitor center in the Tailrace Park area, is currently closed to the public.
Corps of Engineers Interpretive Programs – available to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day at the Tanner Center, North Bend Park and Rudd’s Creek Campground. Special programs can be scheduled throughout the year for groups and schools. For more information, or to set up a program, call (434) 738-6143 ext. 151.
Picnicking
Occoneechee State Park – two shelters that can be rented from 8 a.m. to dusk (all day), or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to dusk (half day). Call 1-800-933-PARK to reserve. Shelter users may use the volleyball area, and the park lends volleyballs as well as horseshoes. The shelters are available for rent from the first weekend in March through the first weekend in December. Located on US Highway 58, approximately 1/10 mile east of Clarksville. Fee.
Rudds Creek Recreation Area– Picnic area with shelter. Reservations accepted for shelter. Located on US Highway 58, 8 miles east of Clarksville.434-738-6827. Fee.
Longwood Recreation Area– Picnic area with shelter. Reservations accepted forshelter. Located on US Highway 15, approximately 7 miles south of Clarksville. 434-374-2711. Fee. Buffallo Springs Wayside– Picnic area and gazebo. Artesian Well. Historic site. Located ¼ mile off US Highway 58, approximately 7 miles west of Clarksville. No Fee.
