Moncove Lake State Park
This state park, located in Monroe County on the southeastern edge of West Virginia, consists of 250 acres of state park land, a 144-acre lake and 500 acres of Wildlife Management Area. Park visitors can choose from a variety of recreational activities. Those who prefer water-based recreation can fish for largemouth bass, trout, catfish and bluegills, or they can explore the lake by boat. Those who prefer to stay on land will find five hiking trails and great opportunities for bird watching. During hunting season, the 500-acre Wildlife Management Area opens to hunters, and provides an excellent site for small game hunting. Hunters and anglers must possess valid West Virginia hunting and fishing licenses, and all guests must abide by West Virginia State Park regulations.
Bluestone State Park
This expansive state park, located five miles from Hinton, features mountainous terrain covered in dense forests and laced with hiking trails, including Overlook Trail, which provides scenic vistas of the park's rugged landscape. In addition to its network of hiking trails, the park lies adjacent to Bluestone Lake, the third-largest body of water in West Virginia. The lake provides visitors with opportunities to fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish and a number of other species. It's also an excellent location for boating and water skiing. Bluestone Park's 2,100 acres also include more than 60 campsites spread across several areas and 26 guest cabins complete with modern amenities.
Tygart Lake State Park
Located in north central West Virginia, Tygart Lake State Park has something for every outdoor enthusiast. During the summer months, visitors can participate in free nature programs, led by the park's resident naturalist, boating on Tygart Lake's 1,750 acres and excellent fishing. Those who prefer to stay on land will find five hiking trails that travel along the lake's edge and into the surrounding terrain. In addition to providing an excellent place for outdoor recreation, the park has a guest lodge, 11 cabins and 40 campsites as well as an on-site restaurant with a dining room overlooking Tygart Lake. Since Tygart Lake is a designated flood control lake, the best time to visit is from April until mid-September, when the lake's water level is not drawn down to prevent flooding.
Article Written By Heidi A. Reeves
Heidi Reeves writes in Alexandria, Va. She got her first writing and editing job in 2001, when she worked as editor-in-chief of her undergraduate newspaper. Since then, she's earned a Master of Fine Arts at The University of Alabama, where she wrote and designed artist's books. Reeves writes hobby, lifestyle and wedding planning articles for various online publications.
