Lake Thoreau

Welcome to Lake Thoreau, Virginia

It may be one of four artificial lakes in the master-planned Reston community, but when it comes to community, Lake Thoreau is in a class all its own. Set over 43 nature-rich acres brimming with cherry trees, wildflowers, and aquatic plants, the region gives its residents countless opportunities to get outdoors — whether you’re looking to fish, boat, pack a picnic, or catch up with wildlife.

Created in the early 1970s by damming a stream that flowed through the area, as you may have guessed, this eponymous lake pays homage to American author and naturalist Henry David Thoreau. Today, Lake Thoreau is among Northern Virginia's finest outdoor attractions, a fitting haven for native wildlife — including turtles, beavers, great blue herons, wild geese, white-tailed deer, red foxes, and several species of fish.

What You'll Love About Lake Thoreau

• Scenic Hiking and Biking: The Lake Thoreau Trail, lovingly referred to by locals as the Red Loop, is a two-mile paved trail circling the lake with challenging hills and earned views of the lake’s western edge.
• Boating and Fishing: Lake Thoreau is regularly stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and other species of game fish, although anglers have also caught bluegill and redear there, too. Stake out a spot at the fishing dock near the Sunset Valley Drive pool, or explore the water by boat with canoe and kayak rentals.
• Local Shopping and Dining: South Lakes Shopping Center makes running everyday errands a breeze thanks to convenient outposts such as CVS, Safeway, and UPS. Re-fuel at one of several nearby coffee shops, grab a meal to go, pack a picnic to enjoy from the outdoor plaza’s picnic areas, and dine out at locally owned restaurants Red’s Table or CafeSano whenever you feel like treating yourself.
• First-Rate Education: Another family-friendly facet to life in Lake Thoreau? The high-quality schools at your doorstep — which include Terraset Elementary School, Langston Hughes Middle School, and South Lake High School.

Real Estate in Lake Thoreau

Two residential streets border Lake Thoreau, both showcasing Contemporary-style homes and breathtaking views of the water:

• Purple Beech Drive is a peaceful cul-de-sac that runs parallel to the lake, where you’ll find single-family homes and townhomes on wooded lots with spacious viewing decks and patios, some overlooking the water.
• A horseshoe-shaped road bordering the shoreline of Lake Thoreau, Upper Lake Drive has a number of single-family homes and townhomes set on smaller lots with wooded yards.
• Lakewinds is an HOA-governed townhome community on the southwestern banks of Lake Thoreau with three-level townhomes and assigned parking spaces.