Amherst County, Virginia

If you haven't already noticed, Amherst County is becoming well known and quite popular for its scenic beauty and natural settings. The county maintains several parks in very attractive settings throughout the county, be it on the historic James River or at the foot of the fabulous Blue Ridge Mountains. Pack a picnic, gather up the fishing gear, round up the family and make it a point to visit each park.

*County park hours are one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset. [Please note that county code stipulates that consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited on all county property.]

COOLWELL PARK

Located on Coolwell Road, south of the Town of Amherst, this recreational park has a picnic area with grills, a play area for children, restrooms, lighted all-purpose fields (soccer, football, and softball), outdoor basketball courts, radio controlled raceway, a nature trail and an outdoor amphitheater. The community center located at the park is available to civic organizations and school groups on a reservation basis. It is also available for rent to private individuals on a reservation (rental fee) basis. For additional information call the Recreation Department at 434-946-9371.  Featured on www.Virginia.Org


MONACAN PARK

This park is located on the scenic and historic James River. The park offers a boat ramp and small dock for boat access to the river, a covered picnic pavilion and picnic area, a play area for children and restroom facilities. It is located in the Elon area of the county.
Directions: take Rt. 130 W. to Elon. Turn left on Monacan Park Rd. The park is located at the end of the Monacan Park Road.  Featured on www.Virginia.Org

RIVEREDGE PARK

Located at the base of Rocky Hill Road, on the James River, this park currently offers boat and fishing access to the James River. Plans are underway for further construction of a biking trail and fishing grottoes within this linear park in 2008!

MILL CREEK LAKE

Located in the Temperance area of the county, this park is considered by many residents to be the most scenic and is extremely popular with the fishermen! It rests on a 190 acre watershed lake that is open for fishing only (no gasoline powered boats allowed). It consists of a boat ramp, picnic tables and grills, play area for children and restroom facilities. Directions: turn onto Rt. 778 off of Rt. 60 west. Turn right on Rt. 610. Follow the
signs. Featured on www.Virginia.Org

STONEHOUSE LAKE PARK

Located in the Temperance area of the county, this park rests on a beautiful 41 acre Watershed lake and is open for fishing only. There is a boat ramp providing access into the lake (no gasoline powered boats allowed). A covered picnic pavilion, picnic tables and grills, a play area for children and restroom facilities makes this park an attractive setting for family/group picnics and activities. Directions: turn on Rt. 778 off of Rt. 60 W. Turn left onto Rt. 610. Follow the signs.  Featured on www.Virginia.Org

THRASHERS LAKE PARK

Located in the Temperance area of the county, this park rests on an attractive 36 acre watershed lake open for fishing only. It consists of a boat ramp (no gasoline powered boats allowed) picnic tables and grills, a play area for children and restroom facilities.    Directions: turn onto Rt. 778 off of Rt. 60 W. Turn left on Rt 610. Follow the signs. Featured on www.Virginia.Org