The Lake: Natural Rhythms
As in 2006, the lake level continued to drop in 2007 due to the severe drought affecting Southwest Virginia.  A combination of a lack of rainfall, and the lake bottom’s unique geological features together has created a dramatically lower lake level as of February 2008.  The Mountain Lake basin is made up of four different rock substrates and their corresponding fault lines. The lake is fed entirely by springs and ground water from the surrounding mountaintop and basin at nearly 4,000 feet above sea level. 

It's remarkable a lake even exists here when you think of the implications of it lying on a lot of cracks at the top of a mountain.  Unless we have an extremely wet spring, the lake levels will not this rise year.   We don't worry however; extensive studies have shown that this natural fluctuation of water levels is cyclical in nature.  It has done this before we were here and will continue long after we are gone.

This event is a perfect opportunity to witness unique geology, observe the ancient lake bed, and ponder artifacts left from our resort’s past while bearing witness to a unique process unlike any found elsewhere in the world.

Due to the soft lake bed being exposed frustrating easy access to the shoreline; we are not promoting fishing, boating or swimming in the lake this year, however; you are still welcome to fish in the lake.

Recreation:  

Classic yard games:

• Badminton
• Bocce
• Croquet
• Horseshoes
• Lounging in the hot tub
• Mini Soccer
• Outside Checkerboard
• Sunbathing by our heated pool
• Tennis
• Volleyball
  

Communing with nature:

• Archery
• Fitness Trail and Exercise Stations (Lower Jungle Trail) perfect for jogging and walking
• Disc Golf
• Fishing (limited this year to shoreline access)
• Indian Trail self-guided Nature Walk
• Shoreline Discovery Walk
• Tee-pee for storytelling, star-gazing and campfires

Activity Barn:

• Billiards
• Cable TV
• Dance Floor
• Foos Ball
• Movie Theatre
• Ping-Pong
• Table Shuffleboard
• Video Game

Sign up at Conservancy Recreation Office to enjoy:

• Hayrides
• Mountain Biking, hard tail mountain bikes – full-suspension available for additional fee
• Wilderness Hikes

Mountain Bike Rides

• Regularly scheduled half day
• 11 Gary Fisher hard-tails
• 4 full-suspension bikes available for additional fee
• Free for hotel guests (hard tails only)

Wilderness Hikes

• Regularly scheduled half day
• Free for hotel guests
• Naturalist Led Educational Programs
• Programs vary from week to week

Picnic Hike

• 10 minute shuttle to local section of the Appalachian Trail 
• Short hike to scenic Wind Rock
• Bring a box lunch and enjoy a picnic

Bird Walks

• Join expert ornithologists Jerry Via and Bill Akers
• Learn about species particular to Mountain Lake
• See songbirds, Dark-eyed Juncos, Scarlet Tanagers, Warblers, & Finches
• Listen for and observe the Red-Tailed Hawks

Step Off the Beaten Path: Special Programs

New River Sampler Canoe Trip with Tangent Outfitters

• Regularly scheduled half day
• 12 person limit per day
• Includes proper instruction on how to handle your canoe
• Only $7.50 for hotel guests

Naturalist Programs

• Programs vary from week to week.
• Available programs will include
• ‘Reptiles and Amphibians’
• ‘The Universe and Beyond’
• Check our Community Calendar online to current schedule
• More programs are being planned

Climbing

• Professional guides from Montgomery County Parks and Recreation
• Local trips to our awe inspiring rock faces overlooking the New River
• They will ‘put you on belay’ and allow you to reach heights you’ve never dreamed

This introductory course will teach you about safety, care of equipment, uses of the equipment, and techniques of climbing. Pack your lunch and spend a day experiencing the outdoors. The course includes instruction, equipment including 5.10 Climbing shoes and transportation.  Although this is an introductory course, it can be custom modified to fit your needs and skill levels. Registration & payment are required in advance of your visit. $35 per person

Caving

• Professional guides from Montgomery County Parks and Recreation
• Local trips to our incredible local caverns throughout the season.
• They will equip you to crawl into the unknown to discover magnificent formations deep underground. 

Participants will learn about cave formation, preservation, exploration, and ecology within the wild cave. Wild caves are caves that are not commercialized for the public. We will inspect underground life such as local species of bats and invertebrates. Participants will be provided with caving gear. AGES: 10 & up (Must be at least 4’10”)

This is a technical cave trip which requires some physical exertion such as climbing over obstacles and pulling oneself up and over rock formations. Registration & payment are required in advance of your visit. $35 per person

Beginner Kayaking Weekend
Try whitewater kayaking without the expense of buying all of your own equipment.

Day One - After we get you acquainted with your kayak and the rest of you gear, we will immediately get to work so that you feel in control of your boat.  The first day of instruction will take place in calm, user-friendly water.  We will practice getting in and out of the boat and focus on balance, body mechanics, strokes, turns and leans.  Learning to “wet exit” and practicing the “eskimo rescue” will help you find a comfort zone in your kayak even when you are upside down!  A day of practice will help you build a perfect foundation of smart paddling habits that are grounded in good technique.

Day Two - We start putting the basics we learned on Day One to work on a scenic 8 mile Class II section of the New River We will review paddling skills you have learned and introduce new ones that will allow you to maneuver you kayak more efficiently.  You will use the river to focus on the dynamics of current, peel-outs, eddy turns, steering and balance, and bracing in current.  (all equipment, instruction, and transportation are provided) 

Registration & payment are required in advance of your visit. $85 per person

Group kayaking trips

• Montgomery County Parks and Recreation will guide these floats and handle all the details
• Bring your bathing shorts, some sunscreen, and a smile!

Spend a full day on the river, learning the basics of whitewater kayaking.  The first half of the day will be spent learning the correct strokes and proper techniques on flat water.  The second half of the day we will travel about three miles down stream and apply what we have learned to work for you on the water.  This is a great instructional class! All participants must be able to swim. Registration & payment are required in advance of your visit. $40 per person

Group rafting trips

• Professionally guided by Tangent Outfitters & New River’s Edge
• Scenic and historical floats below the white cliffs of the ancient New River
• Call for pricing

‘Bottom of the Lake’ Wine and Cheese Cruise

• Sip your wine at the bottom of the lake
• View the interesting geological features of our dry lake bed
• Enjoy the wild flowers springing up as the water goes down
• $10 hotel guests, $15 for day-use visitors, must be 21

More programs are being planned

• Check our website’s Community Calendar for the latest

Day-trippers: Activities for day-use guests not staying with hotel

Mountain Bike Rentals

• Hard tails $20 half day / $35 full day
• Full Suspension $40 half day / $70 full day
• Mountain bikes are available to rent on the property year-round.
• Custom trail maps available for purchase
• Guided rides available, customized to meet your level of enthusiasm

Naturalist Programs

• Our naturalists have wide and varied backgrounds
• Check our Community Calendar online for current schedule
• Come by the Conservancy Visitor’s Center for all the details

Winter Recreation

• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Rental support – we can point you in the right direction
• Individual lessons with certified instructors available if booked in advance