Do you enjoy fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, or just spending time in the great outdoors? If so, then look no further than Beech Fork West Virginia. Beech Fork is located approximately 12 miles away from Huntington, and features a State Park, a wildlife management area, a lake, a marina, and more. If you’re looking for more than a day trip, lodging options range from tent camping to cabins. Read on to learn how you can spend a day outdoors in Beech Fork, West Virginia.
Beech Fork State Park
Beech Fork State Park spans 1,344 acres and offers campsites, hiking trails, and Beech Fork lake, which has 31 miles of shoreline. The state park offers many opportunities for family activities. If you are looking for activities on the water, you can rent out Canoes, kayaks, jon boats, paddle boats and stand up paddle boards at the park’s boat dock. Additionally, there is a boat dock operating from Memorial Day until Labor Day, and is open noon-8pm. Note: Life jackets are required to go out onto the water, and ones will be provided if you do not have your own. There is also a paved boat launch, open from April until November. The park also features a handicap accessible fishing pier. If you prefer activities on land, there are still plenty of options. The state park offers over 14 miles of trails that are perfect for both hiking and biking. Additionally, if you have a phone with a GPS, the park offers geocaching which can be great to complete with family or friends. There are also 275 campsites, located across 4 different camping areas within the park, which is perfect if you want to spend more than a single day outdoors in Beech Fork, West Virginia. Read on for more specific lodging information.
Beech Fork Wildlife Management Area
The Beech Fork Wildlife Management Area is over 7,000 acres, and offers wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing. For those who enjoy fishing, Beech fork Lake and Millers Fork pond are both great options. Game fish commonly caught here include spotted and largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, tiger muskellunge, crappie, and more. For those who enjoy hunting, the wildlife area features bothe big and small game. Big game includes deer and turkey, and small game includes waterfowl, squirrel, grouse, rabbits, and more. There is also a shooting range on the grounds. Birdwatching and wildlife viewing is also very popular. From forest dwelling birds and deer in the wooded area, to heron and other animals at the lake, there are plenty of creatures around. Be sure to bring binoculars when you’re outdoors in Beech Fork, West Virginia!
Beech Fork Lake
Beech Fork Lake is 720 acre reservoir that spans across Wayne and Cabell county, and is associated with both the state park and the wildlife management area. The lake is man-made and was constructed in the mid 1970s by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Flood Control Act of 1962. The lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, and biking. Additionally, birdwatching is very popular around the lake. Since it is surrounded by miles of Appalachian hardwood trees, many forest dwelling birds call the surrounding area home. These include, but are not limited to, wood warblers, thrushes, cuckoos, and chats. What birds will you see while spending time outdoors in Beech Fork WV?
Beech Fork Marina
If you are looking for a more private waterfront opportunity, Beech Fork Marina is for you. The marina offers over 225 boat slips for private docking, however it also has more to offer. The 720 acre lake is located nestled between wooded hills, and has 31 miles of coastline. The marina also includes a bait shop and rental boats. These rental boats range from pontoon boats and fishing boats, to canoes and kayaks. Additionally, it is a great fishing spot, be it on the shoreline or off of a boat. A boat ramp is also available. Note: the marina has a 10 H.P limit on boat engines to maintain the quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Lodging
Beech Fork West Virginia is a perfect place for all camping lovers and those looking to spend more than a day outdoors in Beech Fork, West Virginia The state park offers camping and cabin options, as do some other places in the area. Beech Fork State Park offers 275 campsites across 4 camping areas. 99 of these campsites are lakefront. All 275 campsites have a paved parking pad, a grill, a picnic table, and access to bathhouses and restrooms. Note: WIFI is only available at the Old Orchard Campground bathhouse. In addition, Beech Fork has a Camper’s Corner Store featuring basic grocery, camping and fishing supplies, ice, firewood, and more. The store also has game equipment available to rent. The store is open April through October, with summer hours being 8am to 9pm, and limited late afternoon hours before Memorial Day and After Labor Day. Beech Fork State Park also offers 6 vacation cabins. These are located on a ridge line above the lake. Two of the six are pet friendly, and all 6 are available year-round. These include water and electric, central heat and air, a stone fire pit, outside grill, satellite TV, phone, internet and more. Cabin rates and availability are available here.
We hope this blog provided you with helpful ideas for ways to enjoy the great outdoors! Beech Fork is full of woods, water, nature, and great ways to spend a day: perfect for anyone who loves hiking, water activities, wildlife viewing, or just spending time outside. While you’re outdoors in Beech Fork, be sure to snap a picture and share it with us on our Instagram. For more information about the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, be sure to check out our website, and read our other blogs for more trip inspiration!
