The Shadow
WARM SPRINGS — The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are working to improve recreation opportunities and access at Lake Moomaw and other recreation sites in Bath and Alleghany counties.
The Blowing Springs Day Use Area and the Hidden Valley Day Use Area in Bath County are now operated under Forest Service management and will remain open to visitors until Dec. 7.
At Lake Moomaw, the Fortney Branch boat ramp in Alleghany County is now under Forest Service management and remains available for day use.
The Fortney Branch Day Use Area is open year-round and a day use fee of $5 is required at the kiosk (cash only). The annual day use pass issued by Royal Elk will be honored through December 2020.
The Coles Point Day Use Area boat ramp remains available for day use, however, the bathrooms are closed and no fees are required. The Bolar Flat Marina boat launch remains available for day use, however, the bathrooms are closed and no fees are required. Both the dry (long-term parking area) and wet (marina boat slips) storage areas are closed. Unclaimed property may be removed at the owner’s expense. The marina store is closed.
The Bolar Mountain Recreation Area and the Morris Hill Campground are closed for the season and dispersed camping is not permitted around the lake. McClintic Point Campground is closed. The Greenwood Point Campground, a primitive site with no facilities and accessible only by hiking or boating, is open year-round.
As always, fee-free dispersed camping is available outside of the developed recreation areas.
Please recreate responsibly and use Leave no Trace principles to keep forest sites clean.
For more information, please contact the James River and Warm Springs District Office (540) 839-2521 or visit the forest website www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj.
