Clear Creek Lake – Bristol

Description

Elevation: 1972 ft.

This medium-sized lake is surrounded by a well-maintained golf course. Area creeks drain into the lake and are lined with weeping willows and dense vegetation that holds a good assemblage of nesting birds.

Nature lovers only have to walk  0.5 miles northwest along Rt. 625 from the golf club’s parking area to find a fishing pier that provides access and a view of the north end of the lake. In addition to the golf club’s parking area, a small gravel lot is also located along Rt. 625 just past the fishing pier which can also be utilized for parking. This area provides access to  a wide variety of habitats. Birding here should be productive throughout the year, especially in winter when the lake offers prime habitat for migrant waterfowl and during times of low water, migrant shorebirds.

Interspersed within the golf course are small woodland lots whose edges attract sparrows and other songbirds. Numerous nest boxes support a healthy population of tree swallows in the spring and summer. Barn swallow and northern rough-winged swallow can also be found feeding over the lake, while the lake’s more secluded bays hold great egret, great blue and green herons.

Note: Please stay off the grassy areas/greens of the golf course.

Directions

Physical Address: 732 Harleywood Road, Bristol, Virginia 24202

From the Previous Site on the South Holston Loop of the VBWT:

From Washington County Park, return to Rt. 664, turn left and immediately right onto Rt. 663. Travel 0.8 miles on Rt. 663 to SR75. Turn left on SR 75 and continue 0.2 miles to Rt. 663. Turn right, go 0.4 miles to Rt. 665, turn left and then, after 0.2 miles, make a right onto Rt. 663. Follow Rt. 663 for 4.4 miles to Rt. 647. Turn left onto Rt. 647 and continue 0.2 miles to Rt. 808. Turn right and take Rt. 808 1.3 miles to US 11/ Lee Highway. Turn left onto US 11 and go 1.1 miles south to RT. 625. Turn right on Rt. 625 and continue 2.1 miles to Rt. 645. Turn right on Rt. 645 and go 0.1 miles to Harleywood Rd. Turn left onto Harleywood Rd.; the golf club parking area and access to the lake will be on the left after 0.1 miles.