Explore the Unique Mountain Lake in Virginia

Fans of the 1987 hit movie, Dirty Dancing, will recognize the iconic scene where Patrick Swayze teaches Jennifer Grey to dance in a lake. This picturesque body of water, known as Mountain Lake, is located in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. The lake has recently resurfaced after disappearing for 12 years, part of its remarkable self-cleaning cycle that occurs periodically.

Mountain Lake: The Setting of a Movie Classic

Mountain Lake is integral to the Mountain Lake Hotel, which served as the backdrop for Kellerman’s Resort, where the Houseman family vacationed in the beloved film. In this classic story, when the resort’s main dancer is unavailable, the female lead, Baby Houseman, portrayed by Jennifer Grey, steps in and learns to dance under the tutelage of Johnny Castle, played by Patrick Swayze. Their practice sessions, notably at the lake, feature one of the film’s most memorable scenes—the lift.

The Cyclic Nature of Mountain Lake

Since the film’s release, the water levels of Mountain Lake have fluctuated dramatically. Remarkably, every 400 years, the lake drains completely, only to refill again. Between 2008 and 2012, the lake was mostly empty, prompting scientists to investigate and remediate the causes of its drainage. Their efforts aimed to introduce natural processes that would reduce leakage and support the lake’s restoration.

Thanks to these initiatives, the lake began to refill during a particularly wet spring in 2020. By July 12 of that year, it was approximately one-third full, much to the delight of locals and visiting fans of Dirty Dancing.

Unique Hydrology and Ecosystem

Professor Jon Cawley from Roanoke College explains the lake’s remarkable characteristics in a video on the hotel’s website: “This lake basin is the only one on the planet that goes through this sort of cyclicity and has this sort of plumbing system. Sometimes it mysteriously disappears to self-clean.” He continues, “When the lake drains, it cleans itself by moving sediment that has accrued at its bottom through a complex plumbing system, ultimately making the lake bigger, deeper, and cleaner.” The Mountain Lake basin stands out not only in Appalachia but also across the globe.

Visit Mountain Lake: A Must for Fans and Nature Lovers

Whether you are a fan of Dirty Dancing or simply a nature enthusiast, a visit to Mountain Lake offers a rare glimpse into an extraordinary natural phenomenon. Experience the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and immerse yourself in the history of this cinematic location.