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?"

Answering that question has been a primary focus this winter. We have worked hard to develop the many untapped sources of fun that were just waiting to be enjoyed. We think you will be excited about what we've come up with...

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 daily 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 will be guiding half-day, professionally outfitted, float trips on the New River for only $7.50 per person. Normally, this trip would cost $25 per person for non-hotel guests. 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.

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.

Giles County enjoys some incredible geology. Get up close and personal with our special Climbing and Caving trips led by professional guides from Montgomery County Parks and Recreation and Radford University. These specially scheduled trips are available for a small fee of only $35. Check our Community Calendar to see when trips are available.

Beginner Kayaking Weekends are also on our agenda. This two day course is your chance to try whitewater kayaking without the expense of buying all of your own equipment. This course will be focused on first-time beginners and is designed to bring you back for more. All equipment, instruction, and transportation are provided. All participants must be able to swim. Registration & payment are required in advance of your visit. $85 per person.

Group kayaking trips will be run during certain weeks this summer. Also professionally guided and designed for beginners, these are full- day expeditions and require all participants to be able to swim. Registration & payment are required in advance of your visit. $40 per person.

Professionally guided, group rafting trips floating below the awe inspiring White Cliffs of the New River near Eggleston and Pembroke will be run on a 'by-demand' basis, e-mail us for pricing and availability.

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.

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. This coming summer we will be preparing some special area just for family sledding fun. 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.

• Individual lessons with certified instructors available if booked in advance, e-mail us to set up your private lesson