Lake Keokee Loop Trail, a moderate trail that loops a 92-acre impoundment, is a single-path foot trail located at the Lake Keokee recreation area. Lake Keokee is known for its high-quality fishing, particularly bluegill, sunfish and largemouth bass. The loop trail encircles the lake and much of the recreation area. While we rate this trail as moderately difficult, it’s on the low end of the moderate scale and not particularly challenging. Parking capacity at the trail head is generous (20-25 vehicles). While restrooms are located at the trail head, they were inaccessible for our visit. The trail is located on George Washington and Jefferson National Forest land and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. The closest towns are Appalachia, VA and Big Stone Gap, VA.
| Type | Difficulty | Distance | Time | Max Altitude | Altitude Gain | |
| Loop | Moderate | 4.1 miles | 2 hrs. 50 minutes | 2,326 | 78 |
Trail Head Coordinates: 36°51’16.8″N 82°51’46.9″W
GIS Mapping Files: CSV GPX KMZ
What to Expect
This loop begins on either side of the trail head’s parking area. We opted to start the hike from the northwestern access point. From the trail head, you will begin your approximately four-mile trek around the lake (the advertised loop trail distance is 3.7 miles, but our hike clocked in at 4.1 miles). The trail, located 10 miles from the Town of Appalachia, is well-marked with signage and yellow tree blazes. The recreation area is rich with plant life to admire as you make your way around the lake, but be mindful of vegetative overgrowth, as well as patches of Poison Ivy. Our visit to Lake Keokee followed a few days of rainfall, which resulted in marshy conditions around the foot path in certain areas. We recommend waterproof hiking boots for this trail.
At the .77-mile mark, don’t veer west onto the widened foot path you encounter. Instead, head across the concrete pad to reach the yellow blazes and continue south along the loop trail. At the 1.1-mile mark, continue southeast across the reservoir to continue along the lake bank.
At 1.35 miles, you will approach a stream crossing and patches of beautiful mountain laurel. This was by far our favorite section of the trail. Later, at the 2-mile mark, you will snake around more mountain laurel. The forested scenery here is easy on the eyes, but remember to remain sure-footed along the path, as it’s more technical than initial stretches of Lake Keokee Loop Trail. You will reach another stream crossing at the 2.1-mile mark before beginning the second half of your journey.
Lake Keokee is home to abundant wildlife, including fish, birds and woodland animals. You are sure to encounter bullfrogs, squirrels, deer and, if you happen to be a birder, keep an eye out for the Great Blue Heron. On the day of our visit, we even encountered a large black bear near the trail head. The recreation area is definitely a wildlife lover’s treat.
Lake Keokee Loop Trail was an unexpectedly fun adventure for our family. While it might not make our personal top ten, the recreation area is definitely a treat for wildlife and fishing enthusiasts.
