SHERANDO LAKE GROUP PICNIC SHELTER

Overview Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter, also known as the Williams Branch Group Picnic Shelter is a part of the Sherando Lake Recreation Area. The recreation area is often referred to as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a very popular destination where families enjoy picnicking in the shade and relaxing on the sandy beach. Recreation The 25 acre Lower Lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated areas with a sand beach, accessible ramp to the water's edge and a beach bathhouse with changing and shower facilities.

Fishing and boating are also available outside the designated swimming area in the lake. Fishing is in stocked trout waters during the spring and fall seasons. Visitors will need to have the appropriate Virginia Fishing license, National Forest stamp and trout stamp.

Boats with gasoline motors are not permitted on the lower lake - electric troll motors, canoes, kayaks, or similar boats only. A hand-carry ramp is available for access to the lake adjacent to the parking area. Fishing only is available at the 7 acre Upper Lake.

This lake is also stocked during the spring and fall seasons and the appropriate licenses are required. Boats are allowed, but there is no launch access - hand carry only. Parking is available at a small area below the group camp area and a walking trail will lead you to the lake.

Swimming is not allowed in the upper lake. Hiking trails surround the area offering everything from a short walk around the lake on the Lakeside and Cliff Trails to a day hike up the mountain on the White Rock Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For the more adventurous hiker, more challenging day hikes and backpacking trips are available by heading up the Blue Loop Trail to the Torry Ridge Trail to Bald Mountain and beyond.

Bald Mountain used to be the location of a fire lookout tower. Facilities The Group Picnic Shelter (also called Williams Branch Picnic Shelter) was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1936.