Lake Anna State Park, Virginia

Paddles dip into the glass-still water, small ripples shattering the once mirror-like images of the adjacent shoreline into a kaleidoscope of mosaics. “Oh look, everyone,” exclaims the leading paddelist, reassuring everyone of her unwavering need for attention. “Look at the fish below! Aren’t they gorgeous?” For the lagging kayakers, her words come across as hollow interjections. After All, her aggressive strokes had made quick work of the wary fish, now hidden beneath the algae enveloped rocks below.

Words to the wise: don’t be the obnoxious kayaker. Lake Anna State Park is inundated by the area’s namesake lake and, as one could imagine, is a popular hydrophilic outlet for the amphibious camper. Canoe and kayak launching sights are plentiful, nestled alongside the healthy population of game fish that stock the fauna heavy lake. And, for those of us who aren’t too keen on getting our feet wet, be sure to explore the nearly fifteen-miles of hiking trails that comb the well manicured shoreline—but do so without making a ruckus.