Claytor Lake

Claytor Lake is a reservoir in Pulaski County, Virginia, formed by a dam across the New River and surrounded by wooded shores. The water body offers space for fishing, boating, and swimming, with a state park along its banks providing access to recreational facilities.

The Appalachian Power Company completed Claytor Dam in 1939 to generate electricity and manage river flooding. The project was part of a larger wave of dam construction that reshaped regional energy production during the early 20th century.

The Howe House, constructed between 1876 and 1879, functions as the park office and represents the early environmental conservation movement in Virginia.

The park has cabins and picnic areas with grills and tables for family outings. Boat launches and fishing spots are reachable through park roads and walking paths.

The Howe House, a building from the 1870s, stands in the park and tells the story of early land stewardship in the region. The site gives visitors insight into how human development and land management coexisted here.