Bicycles are permitted on main roads only. Under West Virginia law, all riders under the age of 12 years MUST wear a protective helmet. No bike trails are provided at Beech Fork Lake in the area operated by the Corps of Engineers. A bike trail is located at Beech Fork State Park (304-528-5794).
Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at the Beech Fork Marina and for campers at the Lower Bowen campground. A Use Fee of $3.00 per day is required for use of the Marina Launch Ramp. See 'General' information for information regarding purchase of an Annual Day Use Fee Pass. There is a 10 horsepower limit on boat engines, jointly established by the Corps and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.
ALL PROPELLERS ON BOATS WITH ENGINES LARGER THAN 10 HORSEPOWER MUST BE REMOVED. This horsepower restriction ensures a pleasurable recreational experience for a wide variety of boating enthusiasts, keeping the lake relatively quiet and undisturbed (ideal for all types of boating). For a rental fee, the privately-operated Beech Fork Lake Marina, located at the dam, provides visitors with docking facilities and rental of motorboats, canoes, paddleboats, and lifejackets. Lake brochures are available at the Visitor Center or from Park Rangers.
Camping at Beech Fork Lake is restricted to developed camping areas at Beech Fork State Park only (25-30 minute drive from Beech Fork Lake and Dam at Lavalette, WV) – there is no random camping. The use of vehicles off authorized roadways is also prohibited. Beech Fork State Park includes a 275 site campground, day use facilities, and adjoining areas operated by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation. The campground is a fee area.
All of these sites have electrical hookups. Also nearby is a boat launching ramp. For more information call Beech Fork State Park at (304) 528-5794. There web address is
http://www.wvparks.com/beechfork.
Directions/Location: From Interstate 64 near Huntington: From Exit 8 take Rt. 152 South toward Wayne, WV. After approximately 7 miles turn left on Beech Fork Road (near Lavalette) and go approximately 3 miles to the Dam site. The Visitor Center is on the right near the dam and the Beech Fork Marina is just past the Visitor Center on Beech Fork Road. Visitor Center hours are 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.
The Beech Fork Fishery is a shared responsibility. The Department of Natural Resources and the Corps manage the fisheries program by habitat improvement and an aquatic vegetation program which benefits all fish species. The Department of Natural Resources has stocked the lake with Saugeye fry, channel catfish, largemouth bass, black crappie, and hybrid bass. West Virginia fishing licenses are required.
Beech Fork Lake (authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962) is part of the integrated flood reduction system operated by the Corps of Engineers for the entire Ohio River Basin. When these lakes are operated as a vast storage system, flood crests along the Ohio can be significantly reduced. Beech Fork Lake opened for recreational activities in May 1978. Beech Fork Lake is near the community of Lavalette, Wayne County, West Virginia, approximately 10 miles south of Huntington. The lake has a summer pool surface area of 720 acres and a 10 horsepower limit on boat engines. Motors with greater than 10 horsepower must have the propeller removed. Use Fees are required at the Marina Launch Ramp ($3.00 per launch) and Stowers Branch Swim Beach ($1.00 per person over age 12, $4.00 per carload maximum). Annual Day Use Passes are available at the Visitor Center for $30.00. These passes allow unlimited use of the Marina Launch Ramp and Stowers Branch Swim Beach at Beech Fork Lake, plus all other Corps of Engineers recreation areas nationwide where a day use fee is required. Golden Age and Golden Access passports may be used for a 50 percent discount at all Corps operated recreation areas where a day use fee is in effect, plus passport holders are entitled to a 50 percent discount on the price of an Annual Day Use Pass.
Universally Accessible facilities are provided at the Project Office, Shelters 1, 2, 3 and the Marina Launch Ramp. All restrooms are accessible and there are many accessible picnic sites as well as fishing piers above and below dam.
Several trails are maintained by the Corps of Engineers at Beech Fork Lake. They are located in the vicinity of Beech Fork Dam, and the Stowers Branch Beach. Beech Fork State Park (304-528-5794) also features a network of trails.
Several old cabin sites along with a rock shelter have been documented with historical/cultural significance at Beech Fork Lake. All natural formations and archaelogical features (artifacts) must not be disturbed.
Wildlife management is a shared responsibility. The Department of Natural Resources and the Corps manage the wildlife program by habitat improvement and food-plot programs for the benefit of many wildlife species. West Virginia hunting licenses are required. Contact the project office for a copy of the Beech Fork Lake topographical map which depicts the hunting zones.
Privately operated Beech Fork Lake Marina, located at the damsite, provides visitors with docking facilities and rental of motorboats, canoes, paddleboats, and lifejackets. For more information call the marina at (304) 522-9374.
Picnic shelters with electric, playgrounds, charcoal grills and restrooms are located upstream and downstream of the dam. All shelters are available on a first come - first served basis EXCEPT WHEN RESERVED IN ADVANCE (a $50 fee is required for reserving a shelter)...
Reservations must be made by accessing the National Recreation Reservation Service. (See "New Shelter Reservation System in Effect for 2006.") Shelters 1, 2, and 3 are universally accessible. There is also a picnic deck located at the Stower’s Branch Beach which may be reserved for $25. Picnic tables are available in all recreation areas on the Beech Fork Lake project.
A swimming beach is located at Stower's Branch Beach. No lifeguards are provided. Swim at your own risk.
The Corps' Beech Fork Lake solar heated visitor center is located at the dam site near Lavalette, WV. Films and slide shows, history exhibits, a wildlife room, and project information are available to visitors.
