Description
Elevation: 1805 ft.
Hearthstone Lake is a 7-acre impoundment in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests managed for angling opportunities, while its woodland surroundings provide a relaxing setting to search for wildlife. The lake itself supports a variety of wetland-associated species. Look for great blue heron, wood duck, belted kingfisher and the occasional bald eagle. The nearby woodland supports anticipated songbirds with eastern wood-pewee and red-eyed vireo calling throughout the summer. Check the open areas around the lake for breeding field sparrows in summer. The lake is also worth checking for dragonflies. Widow skimmer, eastern pondhawk, eastern amberwing and common green darner all occur.
Wildlife Sightings
74 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Hearthstone Lake:
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Sep 2025 | 5 | Gray Richardson |
| 27 Sep 2025 | 5 | Hunter Richardson |
| 30 Apr 2025 | 33 | Rich Wood |
| 7 Oct 2023 | 9 | Mike Donaldson |
| 12 Jun 2023 | 14 | DWR Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail Team |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
Other Amenities: Hiking Trails
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Location: end of Tillman Rd, West Augusta, VA 24485
Coordinates: 38.39526, -79.16359
From Harrisonburg, travel south on VA-42 for 11 miles. Turn right onto State Rte 747 and continue as it twists and turns 6.9 miles. Stay straight as State Rte 747 becomes State Rte 730, then becomes State Rte 763, then becomes State Rte 718. Make a slight right at Fr 95. Continue onto Tillman Rd. In 1.4 miles, turn left to stay on Tillman Rd. Follow to lake.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily.
Contact Information:
- U.S. Forest Service North River Ranger District 540-432-0187
- 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.