Lake Anna State Park

Overview

The land in Lake Anna State Park used to be known as "Gold Hill" and contained the Goodwin Gold Mine. Gold was first discovered in 1829 with mining reaching its peak in the 1880s. The last gold to be found in the area was in a zinc mine during the 1940s. In 1971 Lake Anna was created to serve as a water coolant for Virginia Power's nuclear plant. In 1972 work began on the acquisition and development of a water oriented state park. Lake Anna State Park opened in 1983. While boating and fishing on this beautiful lake are major attractions, these are only some of the park's offerings. Lakefront picnic areas and wooded hiking trails are also popular. During the summer, interpretive programs on the nature and history of the area complement exhibits and displays in the visitor center. Lake Anna State Park has thirteen miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, a guarded swimming beach, a boat ramp, a food concession stand, a bathhouse and a children's and handicapped fishing pond.