The Expedition
Escape the chaos of the beach or campground and experience the solitude of the park's northeastern frontier. I was lucky to be a ranger at LASP so there is an easy way and a hard way to complete Expedition Pigeon Run. Knowledge of the trail system is a plus. The shorest distance between two points may not be the smartest or easiest route.
Latitude and longitude are for muggles, embrace the UTM.
Expedition Factoids
- Straight Line Loop Distance- 2.24 km
- Actual Loop Distance- At least 2-3 times straight line!
- FTF-dorsie
- Toughest Leg- ???
- Total Time To Complete-???
Expedition data is incomplete. Please add your findings for the missing factoids in your log.
Park Information
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. In 1971 Lake Anna was created to serve as a water coolant for Dominion 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. On summer weekends, interpretive programs on the nature and history of the area complement exhibits and displays in the visitor center.
Lake Anna State Park has rental cabins, camping, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnicking, a guarded swimming beach, a children's play area, a boat ramp, a food concession stand, a bathhouse and a children's and handicapped fishing pond.
PARKING FEES ARE REQUIRED YEAR ROUND. Better idea, purchase an annual park pass!
Note: Day-use parking areas near the beach and picnic areas fill up rapidly when the summer weather is nice on weekends and holidays. When this happens, park staff close the park road to additional traffic until enough parking spots have been vacated. Park closure may remain in effect until 4 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience.
