The Shadow
Hot Springs, Va. (VR) – The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests will reopen the popular Bolar Flat Day Use Area at the north end of Lake Moomaw in Bath County this Saturday, July 16, 2022. The day use area, including the picnic area and boat launch, will reopen after being closed for safety concerns when the marina dock was unmoored in a storm event earlier this spring. The marina dock remains closed to all access. The concrete boat launch will be open without a courtesy dock.
“I am pleased that boaters will now have access to the north side of Lake Moomaw,” said District Ranger Theresa Tanner. “Setbacks to fully operating amenities at Lake Moomaw this season have been frustrating. Thank you for your continued patience as we work to address needed repairs.”
The marina dock has been secured; however, additional repair work is needed before the dock will be safe to use again. Boaters should not attempt to pass between the closed dock and the gangway, which remain separated. Be aware of new buoys in the dock area and a no wake zone around the marina which extends from bank to bank across the lake.
Portable restrooms are available. The bathhouse remains closed and power to the area is shut off. The marina store and fuel services remain closed.
Lake Moomaw recreation areas on the south side of the lake are fully open to visitors, including Fortney Branch Boat Launch, Coles Point Day Use Area, and Morris Hill Campground. Bolar Mountain Campground on the north end of the lake remains closed until needed repairs can be made to the wastewater treatment plant. It is uncertain whether repairs will be made in time to open the campground this year. The Bolar Mountain day use area and swim beach and McClintic Point Campground on the north end of the lake are open. Additional camping is also available at the Blowing Springs and Hidden Valley campgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information please contact the James River and Warm Springs Ranger District at 540-839-2521, visit our website www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj or follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GWJNF and Twitter: https://twitter.com/GWJNF
