Twin Lakes State Park in Prince Edward County is known for its hiking and camping opportunities by serene views of the lakes that total 40 acres.

A well-kept secret at the park is its unique and somewhat daring dessert: The Avalanche Sundae.

This behemoth of a sundae weighs 6 ½ pounds, according to Andrew Sporrer with Virginia State Parks.

The Avalanche is made with 16 scoops of hand-dipped ice cream, one cup of dry toppings such as Oreo crumbles, Reese’s cup crumbles or M&M’s, one cup of liquid toppings such as hot fudge, caramel or candied fruit, half a can of whipped cream, which Sporrer said is enough to fill a gallon container, and one dozen candied maraschino cherries.

“It was originally brought to the menu in 2004 for birthday parties and group servings, but people try to eat the thing by themselves and it’s developed quite a reputation,” Sporrer said. “In the 15 years the park has served it, only 15 have ever completed the challenge.”

He said the last picture on the wall of the Avalanche challenge winner is dated 2015.

He said people have an hour to eat the Avalanche. For those brave enough to take on the challenge, what are the winning prizes? The $20 for the sundae is waived, participants get an “I survived the Avalanche” T-shirt, and their photo is added to the wall of fame.

Sporrer said the park encourages people to enjoy The Avalanche in groups rather than individually due to the dessert’s enormous sugar content.

Desserts and other food items are sold at The Spot, located by the Twin Lakes’ swimming area.

The Spot Manager Kennedy Hurte, of Nottoway, said the challenge is more often taken on by locals familiar with the giant concoction of ice cream and toppings.

“Since I have worked here, no one has been able to finish it,” Hurte said.

Hurte, who has been the manager for three years, makes the Avalanche with co-workers at The Spot. She said it takes roughly 10-15 minutes to assemble it. She said she has yet to try the dessert itself.