- Highlights: Lake views, marsh, wildlife
- Distance: 5.9 mile loop
- Elevation change: 134 feet
- Difficulty level: Easy/moderate
- Trailhead Parking: 8687 Roaring Springs Road, Gloucester VA
- Website: Beaverdam Park
- Beer Pairings: Oozlefinch—Lazy Sunhaze IPA & Tail-on Collision IPA
The Hike:
This was a fun, easy hike with great views of the Beaverdam Reservoir. The park has over 13 miles of trails along the reservoir and through the woodlands. This hike begins on the 3 mile hiking trail and returns on a section of the multi-use trail. The trail is well marked and loops around a small inlet.
The trailhead is accessed from the parking area near the outdoor classroom. The green-blazed hiking trail is close to the lake for much of the hike and provides many wildlife viewing opportunities. We spotted several blue heron and egrets on our hike. The hiking and multi-use trails merge for a short section and then the hiking trail branches off to the left. Follow the green blazes. The hiking trail again joins with the multi-use trail for a small bridge crossing and then branches off the the left staying close to the lake.
The hiking trail ends at 3 miles when it reaches a junction with the multi-use trail. Turn right on the blue-blazed multi-use trail. Be prepared to share this section of the trail with bikes and horses. The elevation changes are more frequent and the lake views are more obscured by the trees. The multi-use trail joins the hiking trail for the bridge crossing and then splits off to the left. Follow the blue blazes. The trail briefly rejoins the hiking trail near the parking area. We went to the right at this point to remain on the hiking trail as we liked the lake views. Either way, both trails return to the parking area and your vehicle.
Hike Photos:
Click on an image below for an enlarged view.
Beer Pairing:
Oozlefinch Brewing has a great location in Fort Monroe, near Hampton. They brew lots of small batches of a wide variety of beers. Many of their beers are fruity sours which are not our favorites. But with nearly 20 different beers on tap, they have something for everyone. We really liked Lazy Sunhaze, a hazy New England style IPA made with caliente and cashmere hops. It was not bitter with a fruity aroma from the hops. Tail-on Collision is a West Coast IPA made entirely with Mosaic hops. It scored 61 IBUs with a slightly bitter finish.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe and be responsible.