Beaverdam Reservoir Hike

Beaverdam Reservoir Hike

The Beaverdam Reservoir is located in Loudoun County VA, and is a partnership between Northern Virginia Regional Parks and Loudoun Water. There are over 600 acres of parkland available for hiking, fishing, and non-motorized water sports. Swimming and wading is prohibited. There are three main access points, from the National Recreation and Park Association building area, the end of Mt. Hope Rd, and at the end of Reservoir Road on the western side of the reservoir.

The main hiking circuit described below is 7.7 miles and circumnavigates the reservoir.

Keep an eye out for Box Turtles that are very prevalent in the park. We came across six of them when hiking the circuit in October.

• Mile 0.0 – Start the hike from the National Recreation and Park building and follow the connector trail down to the reservoir and intersection with the blue blazed perimeter trail. There is a small creek on the left.

• Mile 0.2 - Stay right on the blue blazed trail as it follows the banks of the reservoir This area has some of the nicest views, and is also a popular with people fishing. The blue perimeter trail will follow also service road, pass around a reed filled wetland area, and cross a small stream before arriving at the parking area at the end of Mt Hope road.

• Mile 1.2 - The continuation of the blue blazed perimeter trail is at the top end of the parking area to the right of the informational signs, not directly ahead. Look for the blue blazes to verify you are on the correct trail. The trail continues around the reservoir, then joins the service road for the dam.

• Mile 2.9 - Turn left on the service road and pass around the rear of the dam. Climb the grass embankment on the left where the service road veers right. At the top of the embankment rejoin the service road and perimeter trail.

• Mile 3.9 - The trail veers left reentering the woods.

• Mile 4.1 - Pass around a closed gate and a third parking area at the end of Reservoir Road. The blue blazed perimeter trail re-enters the woods on the other side. The perimeter trail uses several access roads and passes back through the powerline clearcute. Follow the perimeter trail signs.

• Mile 6.3 - Cross the reservoir feeder stream and souther point of the hike.

• Mile 7.4 - Cross the largest of the reservoir feeder streams.

• Mile 7.5 - Arrive back at the start of the loop and turn right back towards the National Recreation and Park building.

• Mile 7.6 - Arrive back at the National Recreation and Park building and parking area.