Fishing is one of Lake Powhatan's primary draws. Anglers more interested in dropping a hook in the water than trekking through thickets to find remote mountain streams enjoy several casting spots on its shores as well as a handicapped-accessible fishing pier near the dam. In addition, they find Lake Powhatan a good base camp for trips out into the more rugged trails and logging roads beyond nearby gated forest roads accessible to hikers and mountain bikers. A system of loop trails in the recreation area provides hikers of all levels with an extensive range of options, with most trails rated easy to moderate. New routes emerge regularly as the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association continues to build additional trails.
Maps are available at the Lake Powhatan gatehouse.
Hikers can obtain more information at the Bent Creek Research and Development Center on NC 191 just outside the recreation area between Lake Powhatan and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open only to hikers, the trail was originally part of George Vanderbilt's estate, providing access from the Biltmore House through isolated and sometimes rough terrain to his hunting lodge near Mount Pisgah. Though the full hike, which passes through a black bear sanctuary, is 16.3 miles one-way, connecting spurs and access at Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks make it possible to hike smaller sections. For 20 years, black bear research in this section has been tracing the blood lines, heritage, population numbers, and health of the species. Even visitors who never venture far beyond the rolling wooded hills of the campground and banks of Bent Creek can enjoy active spring and summer bird life.