“It’s great in a place called Monroe…
Monroe County is abundantly blessed with open spaces for outdoor recreation. Click on the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources links for complete information on hunting and fishing seasons and regulations.
Parks and Forests
Monroe County has one state park, 428 acres of the George Washington and 18,530 acres of the Jefferson National Forests, a one-of-a-kind Nature Conservancy protected area, and a corner of a large wildlife management area.
Miles of country trails are available for family hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Whether for a short day trip or a week-long stay, you’ll enjoy the swimming, camping, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and boating opportunities offered in the outdoor public areas in beautiful Monroe County.
State Park – Moncove Lake
HC 83, Box 73A, Gap Mills, WV 24941
304.772.3450 1.800 CALL WVA
[email protected]
Tucked away among the hills on the southeastern edge of the state, Moncove Lake contains 250 acres designated as a state park as well as an adjoining 500 acre Wildlife Management Area and a tranquil lake. Local groups and individuals have been using the park for years as a location for social outdoor gatherings, a place to do some quiet reading, take a stroll, or to put a fishing line in the water. The 144 acre impoundment provides a warm water fishery for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Campers have discovered the quiet, easy-paced life in this area and have been returning on a regular basis.
National Forest – George Washington & Jefferson
110 Southpark Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060
540.552.4641 888.241.6669
[email protected]
These national forests extend into West Virginia, along the ruggedly beautiful Appalachians, after stretching from one end of Virginia to the other. Virtually every type of outdoor recreation activity you can imagine is available. Of course hiking, fishing, mountain bicycling and camping lead the way, but don’t forget hawk watching at the Hanging Rock Tower, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, nature photography, and orienteering. Whether you are driving a back-country road, enjoying glorious fall colors, using binoculars to spot colorful neo tropical birds, or savoring the peacefulness of wilderness, remember that national forests are special places.
Wildlife Management Area – Bluestone
HC 65, Indian Mills, WV 24935
304.466.3398 1.800 CALL WVA
[email protected]
Location of the old ferry crossing of the New River; now a part of the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area. Visitors offered a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities on 17,632 acres. Being adjacent to Bluestone Lake, the state’s second largest body of water, the area offers guests boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Hunting is offered due to the wildlife management area status, and Bluestone has over 330 primitive campsites and picnic sites. Avid fishermen can enjoy float fishing and stocked trout fishing in Indian Creek. Hiking and equestrian trails are also popular.