Description
Elevation: 3374 ft.
Hale Lake is popular among anglers who come to these quiet mountainside waters in search of a good day of fishing. The Hale Lake Trail, a 2/3-mile loop trail is a pleasant hike around that lake, occasionally veering away from the shoreline and into the surrounding hardwood forests. Birders will probably find this site most productive during migration. In spring, it should be easy to spot several species of warblers and flycatchers. In fall, the lake is likely to invite migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Wood Duck breed in the area and can occasionally be seen on the lake. White-tailed deer and Wild Turkey roam through the surrounding woodlands, and might be found approaching the lake to quench a thirst.
The eastern red-spotted newt is just one amphibian species in Hale Lake. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR
Quiet coves on the eastern end of the lake are amphibian breeding grounds in spring. Look for the large American bullfrog tadpoles and eastern red-spotted newts hiding among the submerged vegetation.
Notes:
- Only 4WD/AWD vehicles with high clearance should attempt SR-672/Blue Springs Rd west of the lake.
Wildlife Sightings
45 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Hale Lake:
- Turkey Vulture
- Broad-winged Hawk
- Eastern Wood-Pewee
- Eastern Phoebe
- Blue-headed Vireo
- Blue Jay
- Carolina Chickadee
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- Red-breasted Nuthatch
- American Robin
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Jun 2026 | 20 | Brian Bockhahn |
| 13 Jun 2026 | 20 | Julie Thomson |
| 2 Apr 2024 | 7 | Lisa Mease |
| 2 Apr 2024 | 7 | DWR Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail Team |
| 26 Jun 2023 | 9 | Andrew Rapp |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Birdability Report Available
Other Amenities: Hiking Trails
Accessibility Considerations
This location has a Birdability Site Review available
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
GPS Coordinates: 36.760151, -81.249606
From Independence, head north on US-21/N. Independence Ave, turn left onto SR-658/Comers Rock Rd, continue straight onto SR-672/Blue Springs Rd, in approximately 2.3 miles, turn right onto FR-57/Hales Lake Rd, and the parking area will be on the right in approximately 0.6 miles.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Daily, sunrise-sunset
Contact Information:
- U.S. Forest Service Mount Rogers National Recreation Area District Office, 276-783-5196
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.