Forget Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia's Crystal-Clear Appalachian Mountain Lake Is A Fishing And Boating Paradise

Virginia lakes tend to have a certain look to them, visually similar to many of the natural and manmade lakes you'll find throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Often, the deep green waters are darkened by layers of dirt and leaf litter that turn the water a brownish hue, not unlike tea. Dense clusters of trees are broken up by long stretches of sandy shoreline where, on hot summer days, families flock by the dozens to soak up the sun and sand — a familiar scene at well-known spots like Smith Mountain Lake. Natural or manmade, these are the lakes of Virginia that I grew up swimming in, and they look nothing like Lake Moomaw.

Even in pictures, Lake Moomaw looks closer to a tropical destination than a mountain hideaway. It's known for its strikingly clear, blue-green waters with a rare depth of clarity, set against the backdrop of 43 miles of undeveloped shoreline that looks similar to the forests of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. Part of the lake's unique look comes from its history as a canyon river that was turned into a dammed lake. 

Although situated between Bath County and Alleghany County in Virginia, much of the lake's western shore is less than 5 miles from the border of West Virginia. Out here, signs of civilization are relatively sparse — far quieter than the bustling resort docks of Smith Mountain Lake — the nearest town, Hot Springs, is about 15 miles east and features just the barest smatterings of amenities, including a grocery store. Both Roanoke and Charlottesville are roughly 100 miles away, making them the nearest cities with commercial airports offering a variety of domestic flights. While there is a world-class resort and spa close by, Lake Moomaw also has multiple campgrounds, ranging from sites with electric hookups and showers to no-frills, primitive options.

Lake Moomaw is the only recognized two-story fishery in Virginia, meaning that it is deep enough for both warm water and cold water fishing. This makes it an exceedingly sought-after destination for anglers. The lake has natural smallmouth and rock bass populations from the Jackson River that are also augmented by stocked populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and redear sunfish. Perhaps most notably, Lake Moomaw is known for being home to a variety of trout. While fishermen should take note of the lake's two trout per day limit, no trout license or National Forest Stamp is required for trout fishing here.

The lake is also ideal for boating, since there are no motor boat regulations, unlike at nearby Douthat Lake, located in a beloved state park in the Allegheny Mountains. Lake Moomaw offers numerous ramps where you can put in, but Bolar Flat Marina is among the most popular places to launch a boat thanks to its many amenities close at hand, including a fishing pier. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and even floating docks are available for rent and can be picked up at Coles Point Day Use Area, a popular shore for swimming. Likewise, Bolar Mountain Recreation Area provides ample room for swimming, with nearby campsites and trails leading to scenic outlooks.

While the water is the centerpiece of Lake Moomaw, you don't have to get your feet wet to enjoy a good time here. Lake Moomaw is known for a number of scenic trails, the most popular of which is the Bolar Loop Trail. A roughly 2.7-mile hike, the Bolar Loop Trail winds back and forth through the nearby foothills of the Allegheny Highlands, netting a total elevation gain of approximately 600 feet. While most say the trail is moderately challenging and can be popular during the height of camping season, hikers are rewarded with two scenic overlooks with views of the wooded islands that dot the center of the lake.

What you might not know about the area surrounding Lake Moomaw, though, is that it's well-known for its natural springs. Lake Moomaw is only about 15 miles from Hot Springs, Virginia, known for its world-class spas and farm-to-table food. Namely, the Warm Springs Pools, an upscale getaway that's been called "America's Oldest Spa," are one of the most popular attractions in the region. The springs are now a part of the renowned Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, but you don't have to be a guest to book a dip.