So you may be asking yourself, "with the lake being down - what else is there for me and my family to do up at Mountain Lake?"

View the video, 'Mountain Lake - an outdoor playground'
Produced and shared with us courtesy of The Roanoke Times

Answering that question was a primary focus this winter. For 2010, recreation on the mountain is under the management of Mountain Lake Hotel. We work closely together to provide educational, family-oriented programs for our guests. Mountain Lake holds 2,600 acres of unspoiled wilderness for you and your family to enjoy.

Go back to a simpler time and immerse yourself in nature; we've got plenty for you to do!

There will be several types of guided trips available this year with your hotel package. There will be free daily guided mountain bike rides (includes free rental of a Gary Fisher hardtail mountain bike). Our Conservancy naturalists will be leading guided wilderness hikes to help you learn about the flora and fauna particular to Mountain Lake.

For those that want to get wet, or just spend some time afloat enjoying incredible scenery we can arrange professionally outfitted, float trips on the New River. The New River is a designated 'American Heritage River' and our particular stretch through Eggleston and Pembroke is some of the most scenic among its entire length. There are many different outfitters on the New River and we can help point you in the right direction!

• Tangent Outfitters
• Canoe The New
• New River Canoe Livery
• New River's Edge

Tubing is a nice way to enjoy the river and New River Junction is setup to provide a really nice day afloat without a paddle on the New River in McCoy just 20 minutes from the resort. This is a favorite with local students and an experience you'll never forget.

Picnic hikes on local sections of the Appalachian Trail to scenic overlooks will also be scheduled. Our kitchen can set you up with a box lunch for about $8 and the guided hike is free.

Join expert ornithologists Jerry Via and Bill Akers for bird walks along our Conservancy trails. Learn about species particular to Mountain Lake like the Dark-eyed Juncos & Scarlet Tanagers. Listen for and observe the Red-Tailed Hawks. Binoculars can be signed out at the Conservancy Visitor's Center for free.

Naturalist Programs with The Mountain Lake Conservancy will be on offered all season:

• Rare Wildflowers of Salt Pond Mountain
• The History and Cycles of Mountain Lake
• Hiking the Vistas: Bald Knob, Bear Cliffs & Old Golf Course
• Nature Scavenger Hunt
• The Mystery of Mountain Lake
• Off the Mtn Trips to Cascades, War Spur & Wind Rock, Glen Alton

Feeling kind of lazy and just want to relax with a glass of wine while soaking in another beautiful evening on top of the world? Then our new ‘Bottom of the Lake’ Wine and Cheese Cruise is just for you. $10 hotel guests, $15 for day-use visitors, must be 21. 2 glass limit per person.

See our rates for Day Use and Group Recreation Activities

Is winter recreation your thing? We have miles of trails that were designed especially for back-country skiing. You are welcome to come during the winter months and go snowshoeing and sledding as well. With our 4,000 feet of elevation and north facing slopes we have winter fun when everyone else is just kicking sticks. Need help with rental support? E-mail us and we will try to point you in the right direction.