Tucked into the Allegheny Mountains along the Virginia-West Virginia border, Lake Moomaw stretches across 2,530 acres of clear, cold water surrounded by the Gathright Wildlife Management Area. Unlike the bigger, busier lakes in Virginia, Moomaw has no personal watercraft allowed and limited development on its shoreline, which keeps it quiet even on summer weekends. If a trip is on the calendar, here are the seven experiences that make it worth the drive.
Cast a Line for Smallmouth Bass and Trout
Lake Moomaw has a reputation among anglers for holding some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in western Virginia, along with stocked populations of rainbow and brown trout. The lake's depth, which reaches over 100 feet in places, keeps the water cool enough to support trout well into summer. Early morning and late evening are the most productive windows, particularly near the rocky points and submerged timber along the western shore.
Bring a Virginia fishing license and check current regulations before heading out, since some sections near the dam have specific rules. Bank fishing is possible near the boat launches, but a boat opens up access to the deeper channels where bigger bass tend to hold. Local outfitters in nearby Hot Springs and Warm Springs can point anglers toward productive spots if the fish aren't biting where expected.
Paddle the Quiet Coves
Because motorised boats are limited to no-wake speeds in many areas and personal watercraft are banned entirely, Lake Moomaw is a paddler's lake. Kayaks and canoes can slip into coves and inlets that larger boats can't reach, especially along the northern end near Bolar Flat. The water stays remarkably clear, and on calm mornings the surface reflects the ridgelines almost like glass.
Rentals aren't available directly on the lake, so plan to bring your own gear or rent from an outfitter in Covington or Clifton Forge before arriving. Paddling here works well for half-day trips, but longer explorations along the 12-mile-long lake reward those willing to put in the miles.
Hike the Trails Around Bolar Flat and Greenwood Point
Several trails wind through the forest surrounding the lake, offering views that aren't visible from the water. The Bolar Flat Loop is a manageable option for casual hikers, while more ambitious routes connect to the broader trail network in Gathright Wildlife Management Area. Wildlife sightings are common, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and occasionally black bear, so it pays to stay alert and make some noise on quieter stretches.
Fall brings some of the best hiking conditions, when cooler temperatures and changing leaves make the ridgeline views particularly striking. Trail maps are available at the Gathright Dam Visitor Centre, and it's worth stopping there before setting out since cell service around the lake is unreliable.
Camp at one of the Lakeside Campgrounds
Bolar Flat and Morris Hill are the two primary campgrounds on Lake Moomaw, both run by the U.S. Forest Service. Morris Hill sits closer to the dam and offers more developed sites with showers, while Bolar Flat leans more rustic and appeals to campers who want fewer neighbours. Both put campers within walking distance of boat launches and swimming areas.
Reservations fill up fast during peak summer months, especially around July 4th and Labour Day weekends, so booking a few months ahead is smart. For those who prefer four walls to a tent, a handful of Lake Moomaw cabins are available for rent in the surrounding area, giving visitors a comfortable home base while staying close enough to reach the water in minutes.
Watch the Sunrise from Gathright Dam
The dam itself, built in 1981 to control flooding on the Jackson River, offers one of the best vantage points on the lake. Standing near the dam at sunrise, with mist rising off the water and the mountains just catching the first light, is a moment worth setting an early alarm for. The visitor centre nearby has historical displays explaining how the dam and reservoir were constructed and why they matter to the surrounding watershed.
Swim at Bolar Flat Beach
Bolar Flat includes a designated swimming area with a sandy beach, making it one of the few spots on the lake set up specifically for swimmers. The water temperature stays cool even in August, a welcome contrast to the muggy Virginia summer air. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is at your own risk, but the shallow entry makes it manageable for families with kids.
Explore the Jackson River Below the Dam
Below Gathright Dam, the Jackson River flows cold and clear, creating one of Virginia's better tailwater trout fisheries. Fly fishing here draws anglers from across the state, particularly in the catch-and-release section that starts just downstream of the dam. Even for non-anglers, walking the riverbank offers a different perspective on the same water system that feeds the lake above.
Lake Moomaw rewards visitors who slow down enough to notice the details, whether that's a rising trout at dawn or the particular quiet of a no-wake cove. Plan around the campground reservation windows, pack for variable mountain weather, and leave room in the itinerary to simply sit by the water. The lake's appeal isn't in one single attraction but in how easily these seven experiences fit together into a single, unhurried trip.
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