Photo: Banister River below the Banister Lake Dam.

Banister Lake, a reservoir formed by the Banister River dam, lies within the Town of Halifax and provides a great opportunity for recreation. Recreational activities on the lake include boating, fishing, and kayaking.

Wildlife lovers enjoy the Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail at the lake, where they might spot deer, wild turkeys, river otters, beaver, great blue herons, hawks, bald eagles, ospreys, and other creatures.

Other recreational opportunities in the area include the Virginia Civil War Trails; VA 360 & VA 344 State Scenic Byways which link routes and access to scenic, historic, cultural, natural and archaeological features unique to Halifax County and Southern Virginia.

The Tobacco Heritage Trail will create a network of regional and local bikeways, walking & equestrian trails and blueways along river corridors to connect visitors and residents with the natural beauty found on farmland, historic sites, state parks and state rivers.