Lake Rawlings, Virginia

Lake Rawlings near Glen Allen, Virginia, opened as a dive site in May 1994, and is overseen by The Rawlings Quarry Diving Co. The 20-acre (8 hectare) lake is surrounded by 27.5-acres (11 hectares) of trees and three ponds. The quarry was mined for its granite rock, used in the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Interstate 85 and other interstate projects. In the 1950s, miners struck an aquifer and Lake Rawlings was born. The water stays clear thanks to the rock bottom. Underwater attractions include a bus, several boats, signs, mailboxes, two cars and statues. Also at the bottom is a boat from "The Replacements," a movie starring Gene Hackman and Keanu Reeves. Scenes from the movie were filmed at the lake.
Many activities are held at the lake, including a one-week summer scuba camp for youth ages 12-16. Divers should note that dive knives are no longer allowed at the lake because of past abuse of that right, and if they are caught with one they face fines of up to $300.
Depths to: 65 feet (20 m)
Visibility: 30-60 feet
(9-18 m)
Water temperature: Varies by season but reaches 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius),
65-75 F in the fall and drops below 45 F (7 C) in the winter.
Marine life: Bluegill, bass, brim, clams, snails, crayfish
and more.
Fees: $17.50 per diver, $5 nondiver and $7.50 campers
per night.
On-site amenities: Dive center offers air fills, equipment rentals, training platforms, camping, changing areas, showers and scuba lessons.
More info: Call (804) 478-9000 or for reservations, call
(800) 583-3781. Also, visit www.lakerawlings.com.
Open: Daily from May 1 to September 30. Weekday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the Web site for off-season hours.
Getting there: Take Interstate 85 to Exit 39 (Rawlings). From there, take Route 712 to Route 1. Proceed south on Route 1 and follow signs to dive site.