Lake Anna - Sawtooth, Big Woods & Turkey Run

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Wildlife

Combining these well-marked trails will take you on a 4.0 mile run out to the Pigeon Run Plantation on Fishers Point. Birding and wildlife enthusiasts will encounter history buffs on the trails out to the remains of the Pigeon Run Plantation, an 19th century homestead bordered by Pigeon Creek.

As the trails are open to bikes and horses, you can generally run two abreast on well-maintained trails and gentle grades. If you happen to arrive late in the 'leaf-peeping' season, trails may be covered in leaves—the blazes and traffic will still make the trails easy to follow.

Many of the trails are combined use (biking and equestrian) and have clear rules for yielding rights of way. Trails are well marked, though blazes are somewhat worn in places. Trails can be muddy in late November, so bring appropriate footwear.

Take the Sawtooth Trail at the west side of the trailhead parking area. Follow Sawtooth to the tip of the peninsula, and continue out the 0.2 mi spur to the 'historical site', where you'll find the remains of a 19th century plantation and smokehouse (Interpretive signs describe the curing process and the origins of Virginia Smoked Hams).

Return to the trail junction and turn right on Big Woods to follow the eastern peninsula shore. It will join up with Turkey Run Trail and return you to the trailhead parking area.

Pileated Woodpeckers, white tail deer, and more.

Pigeon Run Plantation was built in the mid 19th century. Interpretive signs at the plantation describe the history of Virginia Baked Hams.