Gatewood Reservoir...Wythe Gwen

A short trip into Pulaski County, just beyond the Wythe County line is where you will find picturesque Gatewood Park, Campground and Reservoir. The short road trip is approximately a 30 minute drive from Wytheville.

What I love most about Gatewood Park is the peace and solitude I feel when I am there. The reservoir is an impressive 162 acres and is surrounded by 400 acres of Jefferson National Forest. At this lake you will not see jet skis or motorboats, only paddle craft and electric motorboats. Which is part of the appeal for me. Much quieter and less crowded than our popular State Parks.

The water is easy to navigate by paddle board, kayak, or canoe. On this day a canoe was our preferred mode of transportation. We paddled to the East side of the lake where we took in our beautiful surroundings before baiting up and throwing in our fishing lines. We caught some blue gill, catfish, and both of us caught some NICE yellow perch. Every time we visit Gatewood Park something is always biting! It is not uncommon for us to have a fish fry from the bounty of hefty blue gills we have pulled from the reservoir.

A recent addition to the park is an impressive trail system, providing bikers and hikers a selection of 14 trails. I cannot offer an opinion of the trails since I have yet to experience them. However, they appear to be worth trying out, especially if you are looking from some new trail scape. Be sure to stop by the Boathouse and pick up a trail guide & map.

The campground offers campers 35 campsites (16 are waterfront sites), and 6 wilderness sites which are only accessible by water or hiking. A wilderness site is on my summertime bucket list!

Gatewood Park is a great option for picnicking, camping, paddle boarding, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, or just relaxing. The park offers a plethora of options for the outdoor enthusiast. The Boathouse at Gatewood Park, rents paddle boards, kayaks, fishing boats with trolling motors, electric powered Craig Cat and pedal boats. The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.