Rocky Rambles Out to Philpott Lake to Talk About the Many Things To Do At this Regional Gem

Philpott Lake has been a cherished gem and outdoor recreation haven in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains since the 1960’s. One visit to the Overlook, with it’s Million Dollar View, and you’ll agree!

I rambled out to talk with Park Ranger Brian Stewart to highlight the opportunities. Of course, I hope you enjoy the show. But, no show could give you the true sense of beauty and relaxation, or do service to the recreation opportunities that this beautiful little lake offers.

If you’re looking for a place to camp, picnic, swim, fish, boat. kayak, or otherwise enjoy some serenity and natural beauty, you cannot do better than take a visit to Philpott Lake. Just look at this Fall picture of Emberson Falls, on the upper portion of the lake.

In the show, there are a number of references to websites and other resources. Here are those references with links for you to follow.

Here is a Virtual Tour of Philpott Lake

In the show, I promised to give you the link to make reservations for camping and picnic shelters in the Corps-managed parks. Here is that link: Recreation.gov

Here is the link for reservations of the Philpott Marina Group Campground,  and for other information regarding the marina: Philpott Marina and Group Campground

We also discussed the volunteer program. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or if you are looking for volunteers, here is the link for the best resource I know: Workamper.com

We talked about the status of Jamison Mill Park, specifically the bridge reconstruction project and the efforts to lease the park to Franklin County. From talking with both the Corps and the County, it appears that the lease is on track for an early May turn-over, giving the County time to get Jamison Mill Park open before Memorial.

The bridge reconstruction is…well, here; see for yourself!

Philpott Lake is a beautiful little lake, a cherished gem, in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The seasonal pictures in the main show (above), the farthest horizon that you can see is the Blue Ridge Parkway. How cool is that!?!

Two recreation opportunities that we did not talk about in the show are the kayaking opportunities and hiking trails. Kayaking has absolutely exploded on Philpott Lake, easily the fastest growing recreation on the lake.

The hiking trails on Philpott Lake offer a great deal of diversity and access to the beauty  of the back country along the lake. The Dogwood Glen Trail, on the Franklin County (northeast) side of the lake also allows horses.  This trail runs from just below the dam, 3 miles up Stoneybrook Ln (mis-labeled in Google Maps as River Brook Rd), to Salthouse Branch Park, and can be accessed from either end. The largest trail system on Philpott Lake, with 6 miles of trail, is the Jamison Mill Park Trail System.

As always, I encourage you to get out and do your own ramblings. You couldn’t stumble upon a spot any prettier, with more recreation opportunities than right here at Philpott Lake.

As you go about your ramblings, make sure you are driving a safe, well-maintained vehicle.

Here’s your Defensive Driving Tip for the Week:

Fog can be terrifying when you’re behind the wheel of a car. Turn your headlights on, but use the low beam to cut under the fog. Remember, if you can’t see other vehicles, other drivers can’t see you either.

We’re all familiar with massive pile-ups on the highways. The most dangerous conditions that lead to such pile-ups is heavy fog conditions. Check the weather before you head out – a concept known as Know Before You Go. If heavy fog is forecast, be wary. If you find yourself in heavy fog, get off the road if at all possible.

Until my next post, here’s wishing you SAFE RAMBLINGS!