Julian Price Park

Paddling Julian Price Lake

Julian Price Lake on the Blueridge Parkway
Julian Price Lake on the Blueridge Parkway

Julian Price Lake is a small lake in Julian Price Park off the Blueridge Parkway. We have often stopped here on our travels on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but had never paddled it until 2009. We actually visited the lake twice in 2009--once to hike around it and once to paddle it.

It's a great place to paddle because paddlers are the only boaters allowed on the lake. So you don't have to worry about getting run over. If you don't have your own boat, you can rent one at the launch site.

Reflections in Julian Price Lake
Julian Price Lake, Blueridge Parkway

Rhododendron with bee

The rhododendron were well past their peak when we were there--a few still had flowers but not many. It would be a beautiful place when all the rhododendron were in bloom. We'll try and get there next year in late June or early July when the rhododendron are in full bloom. It's also a beautiful spot in the fall when the fall colors are in full glory. But even without the rhododendron or fall colors it's still a nice place to paddle.

Bridge on Julian Price Lake
Bridge at Julian Price Lake
Julian Price Lake Dam
Julian Price Lake Dam

We had to cut our paddle short because of rain. Something that seem to happen fairly often. Even with the rain we had a great time. We were lucky to get off the lake and get Nessie back on the minivan before the heavy rain started. It was a really heavy rain. We were glad to be in the nice dry car.

Heron
Heron