Otter Creek Lake (aka Otter Lake) is a 7-acre lake located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Amherst County. This is a popular tourist area, so expect traffic and moderate amounts of people Spring through Autumn — especially on weekends.
This lake does not attract a large amount of waterfowl. However, at least ten species of ducks have been seen including Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal. Great Blue Heron and Green Heron are often seen. Little Blue Heron and White Ibis have made rare visits here. Spotted and Solitary Sandpiper are regular in Spring. Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs have been seen on a few occasions. Belted Kingfishers are often present year-round. Tree, Barn, Northern Rough-winged, and Cliff Swallow are frequently seen feeding over the lake.
The Otter Lake Loop Trail takes off from either end of the parking lot. This approximately 1-mile long loop trail is rated as “Easy to Moderate” with a few short strenuous climbs. This trail passes through mixed hardwood-coniferous forest as well as a small wetland. Birds encountered along the trail depend on season. In Spring and early Summer, you may find Acadian Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Worm-eating Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, Northern Parula, Pine Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Spring and Autumn migrants may include Tennessee, Hooded, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Chestnut-sided, and Cerulean Warbler as well as Ovenbird and American Redstart.
Rare or uncommon birds that have been found here include White Ibis, Little Blue Heron, and Least Flycatcher
Accessibility: The only facilities available at this lake are a handicap access fishing pier and parking. Anglers are prohibited from using live bait or boats. Restrooms and picnic tables are located at the nearby James River Visitors Center- a short drive south on the parkway.
The lake can be accessed by turning north on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Rt. 501 in Big Island, Virginia. The lake will be on your right just after crossing the James River or from Rt. 130 by turning south on the parkway and continuing for about one mile to the lake.
Owner/Manager: National Park Service
eBird Hotspot: Otter Creek Lake
—Mike Boatwright, March 2021