Appalachian National Scenic Trail The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,167-mile (3,488 km) footpath along the ridge crests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in north Georgia. The trail traverses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is used by day, weekend and other short-term hikers, section hikers and thru-hikers. Thru-hikers hike the entire length of the Trail in one season.
The A.T. began as a vision of forester Benton MacKaye, and was developed by volunteers and opened as a continuous trail in 1937. It was designated as the first National Scenic Trail by the National Trails System Act of 1968. The Trail is currently protected along more than 99 percent of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by rights-of-way. Annually, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute over 175,000 hours of effort on the Appalachian Trail.
Beech Fork Lake A 720 acre lake in the hills of West Virginia with fishing, swimming and boating opportunities. Camping available at nearby Beech Fork State Park. Solar-powered center at the damsite located 7 miles south of Huntington, WV. For lake information call the Lake Information Line: 304-525-5092. There is a 10HP limit on boats.Lake Information Line: 304-525-5092
Bluestone Lake Bluestone Dam spans the New River, forming Bluestone Lake, the third largest lake in West Virginia. With a 2,040 acre surface area, the lake provides boaters, water skiers, and fishermen with great recreational opportunities. The State of West Virginia operates Bluestone State Park with cabin rentals, picnicking and camping facilities. Also, a swimming pool, gift shop, two boat ramps, and a marina are operated for the convience of the visitors. Camping opportunities are also available at the state's Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area.
Bluestone National Scenic River This scenic river preserves relatively unspoiled land in southern West Virginia and contains natural and historic features of the Appalachian plateau. In its 11 miles, the lower Bluestone River offers excellent warm water fishing, hiking, boating, and scenery.
Burnsville Lake There are numerous recreation opportunities at Burnsville Lake, including excellent hunting. At the Burnsville Lake Dam and the Riffle Run Campground/Day-Use/Boat Launch, you can take advantage of camping at one of sixty sites (non-reservable, electric & non-electric), take a picnic or plan a family reunion at one of the four reservable shelters. Boat rentals and storage are available at the marina. Take a trip back in time at the Bulltown Historical Village to get a taste of pioneer life during the Civil War Era. Camp next to the lake, or surround yourself in the forest, at one of the 204 campsites (non-reservable & reservable, electric & non-electric). Plan a get together at one of the two reservable shelters in the day-use area. The swimming beach is located nearby.Bulltown Campground: 304-452-8006Riffle Run Campground:304-853-2583
Canaan Valley NWR Drained by the Blackwater River and its tributaries, Canaan Valley contains the largest freshwater wetland area in West Virginia and the central and southern Appalachians. More than 580 plant species are known, and there are 40 distinct plant communities, including swamp forests, alder thickets, marshes and bogs. These habitats support equally diverse wildlife populations, with 290 species of vertebrates known to occur. Nationally recognized as a breeding and fall migration area for the American woodcock, the area also supports many other migratory bird species. The Valley supports two listed species--the threatened Cheat Mountain salamander and the endangered northern Virginia flying squirrel.
