Virginia might be for lovers, as the state's slogan says, but did you know it's also a great place to dive? While you might be familiar with dive sites along the state's Atlantic coastline, you might not be aware of the many freshwater dive sites available in Virginia. With lakes and quarries in abundance, and great local scuba shops too, Virginia is a great state for diving. Let's take a look at just three of the best inland dive sites Virginia has to offer.
Lake Rawlings
Located between Petersburg and South Hill, Lake Rawlings is a 20 acre lake formed when a granite quarry previously operated at the site was flooded. Surrounded by 27 acres of trees and a trio of ponds, the quarry's stone was used to create the Chesapeake tunnel, parts of Interstate 85, and a number of other famous projects. Thanks to the rock bottom and the rocky walls, the water that springs up from the underlying aquifer is wonderfully clear, enabling divers to enjoy several sunken attractions including a bus, a number of different boats including the boat Gene Hackman and Keanu Reeves used in the movie The Replacements, plus statues and cars. There are plenty of bluegill and bass living in the lake, along with crayfish and other freshwater aquatic life. If you plan to dive here, please do not bring a knife; they're not permitted and there is a hefty fine for carrying one. Maximum depth is 65 feet, and visibility is great at 30-60 feet. There is an entrance fee, however there are plenty of onsite amenities including camping, a well-equipped dive center that offers air fills and equipment rentals plus scuba lessons.
Lake Millbrook
Surrounded by a beautiful hardwood forest and located in a private park that is only open to divers and their guests, Lake Millbrook is also known as Millbrook Quarry. Situated about 10 minutes from Manassas in beautiful Prince William County, just a short distance from the DC area and easy to get to from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, this lovely spring fed lake is stocked with an abundance of fish that seem to really enjoy visiting with divers.
Besides the fish and several training platforms, the quarry features stunning rock walls, a sunken airplane and a sunken Winnebago, along with a space station, an underwater swing set, and much more, including boats and cars. Maximum depth is 90 feet, and though visibility is only about 10 feet close to the surface, it opens up to as far as 30 feet once you pass a depth of about 30 feet.
Topside, you'll find beavers and turtles, plus lots of deer and a wonderful array of bird life. On site amenities include air fills, a shed for changing clothes, and porta-potties. You'll need to bring drinks and snacks, and there is an entrance fee. If you plan to dive here a lot, you can save a substantial amount of money by purchasing a season pass. Camping is sometimes available, and while the dive season typically extends from April to November, special "Chilly Willy" dives are held monthly during the off season. Non-divers are welcome to swim or snorkel.
Fisherville Quarry
If you want to dive Fisherville Quarry, you'll need to contact Kathy's Scuba in Harrisonburg, VA, or Dive Connections in Charlottesville, VA which are also the closest places to get air fills. This old slate quarry was one of the sources for the stone you'll see at many historic sites around the Shenandoah Valley. While the site is primarily used for training and has a number of training platforms; it does feature some interesting rock walls, a few sunken boats, a cement truck, and some other interesting artifacts. To dive here, you'll need to be accompanied either by an insured divemaster or an instructor associated with Kathy's Scuba or Dive Connections. There is a small fee to dive, and season passes are available. Maximum depth is 90 feet, and visibility varies from 15 to 40 feet. While amenities are limited, camping is available through Kathy's Scuba. The quarry is located just off I-64 near Fishersville.
These sites are all great for novices as well as for experienced divers who want to enjoy diving in clean, fresh water, only a short distance from home. There are a number of fantastic topside attractions to enjoy, depending on where you dive; battlefields, historic estates, museums, and excellent local cuisine and charming accommodations come together to make a weekend of fun and relaxation complete.