Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter

About

The Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter is a historic day-use facility within the Sherando Lake Recreation Area, often called the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, the shelter still features original CCC-constructed tables and benches. The covered structure includes four picnic tables, a double pedestal grill, and a fireplace, with additional picnic tables scattered in the surrounding area. The shelter is located a short walk from the spring-fed 25-acre lower lake, which offers a sandy swimming beach, accessible ramp to the water's edge, and a beach bathhouse with changing and shower facilities. Fishing for stocked trout is available with appropriate Virginia licenses. Non-motorized boats and electric trolling motors are permitted outside the swimming area. Surrounding hiking trails range from easy lakeside walks to challenging day hikes connecting to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Torry Ridge Trail. The recreation area is approximately 8 miles south of Lyndhurst via State Route 664, with the Blue Ridge Parkway just 3 miles up the mountain.

Directions

From I-64, take Exit 96 just east of Stuarts Draft. Go south on State Route 624, which becomes State Route 664 at Lyndhurst. Continue south on State Route 664 approximately 8 miles to the entrance to the Sherando Lake Recreation Area on the right. The gatehouse is approximately 0.5 miles ahead. If the gatehouse is closed, continue through the recreation area toward the lower lake. The service road entrance to the group picnic shelter is to the left in the sharp curve before you reach the beach parking area.