Adventure Outdoors Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 22

Mecklenburg County, VA Mecklenburg County features charming small towns to explore, but with over 100 miles of trails for hiking and riding plus a spectacular 50,000 acre lake with 800 miles of shoreline, it’s not sur- prising that so many visitors choose to spend their entire vacation outdoors! Home to the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway kayaking and paddling trail system, consisting of 3 rivers and 2 lakes, this un- spoiled wilderness adventure is just a short drive from major metro cities. Perfect for hours in a canoe with the kids or a weekend full of scenic fun with friends! Take off from one of the 17 public boat launches as you explore hundreds of miles of pris- tine and WILD waterways throughout Southern Vir- ginia. Looking for a place to lay your head? Consider one of 6 Lakeside campgrounds with over 600 campsites (about 80% of those are RV-Ready) or a secluded lakefront cabin or yurt located in peaceful Occoneechee State Park. The park has more than 18 miles of walking, cycling and eques- trian trails that meander through the forest and along the lake’s shore. Lakeside hotels, award- winning bed and breakfasts and lakefront rental homes are standing by for your reservation as well. After settling in, explore our delightful small towns and shops where you will find locally-produced goods and wares unlike anywhere else. Get out and explore our wineries, play a round of golf at one of 4 Golf Courses, rent a boat or a couple of Jet Ski’s for the day, take a scenic lake tour on a Sea Plane! Enjoy live music at one of our many festivals; take in a show at a historic theatre, stroll through a farmers market, ex- plore the dozens of historical sites and architecture that dot the landscape throughout Mecklenburg County.