Outdoor Adventures
South Holston Lake
Just a 20 minute drive outside of Abingdon’s town limits, South Holston Lake stretches over miles of open water, surrounded by pristine mountain ridges. About 60% of the shoreline is bordered by the Cherokee National Forest, and much of the shoreline is undeveloped, making it one of the most scenic lakes in Virginia. (The 7580-acre reservoir straddles the VA/TN border.)
The lake offers plenty of amenities for visitors, including boat, kayak and jetski rentals, an aqua park, stand up paddleboarding, fishing and even scuba diving.
Check out our directory listings for information on The Sportsman’s Marina, Painter Creek Marina, and Friendship Resort and Marina, as well as numerous outfitters and gear shops that offer guided fishing trips and fishing gear.
South Holston Loop Trail
Straddling the border between Tennessee and Virginia, the brick red shores of South Holston Lake offer endless surprises including migrant shorebirds, nesting cliff swallows, and bald eagles soaring high overhead. The area’s history is highlighted along the Virginia Creeper Trail, an exemplary rails-to-trails project leading from downtown Abingdon onto the scenic slopes of Whitetop Mountain in the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area. Such a high diversity of habitats results in prolific wildlife and numerous opportunities for the wildlife enthusiast. The open fields and rolling hills that surround South Holston Lake resound with the songs of indigo bunting and eastern kingbird, which are easily encountered along the Virginia Creeper Trail. Wood duck, muskrat, green heron and painted turtle can be found in the deepest recesses of South Holston Lake’s swampier sections. Climbing upwards away from the heat, visitors will encounter cool, clear streams teaming with trout as black-throated blue warbler sing overhead and Louisiana waterthrush chip from stone to stone. Careful exploration is sure to unveil further treasures and add to the memorable experiences.



Contact Info
- South Holston Lake
- 851 South Holston Dam Road, Bristol, TN 37620
- (276) 676-2282
- Website