Longdale Recreation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Longdale Recreation Area is a popular destination located in the state of Virginia, offering numerous activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.


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Summary

The area spans over 400 acres and is situated in the Allegheny Mountains, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the main reasons to visit Longdale Recreation Area is to explore its extensive network of hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The area is also home to several scenic picnic areas and campgrounds, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing meal or spend the night under the stars.

One of the most popular points of interest at Longdale Recreation Area is the Lake Moomaw, a large reservoir that offers excellent fishing, boating, and water sports opportunities. Other notable attractions include the Gathright Dam, which provides hydroelectric power to the surrounding area, and the historic Douthat State Park, which is located nearby.

Interesting facts about Longdale Recreation Area include its designation as a National Recreation Trail and its status as one of the few remaining unspoiled wilderness areas in the eastern United States. The area is also home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including black bears, wild turkeys, and rare orchids.

The best time of year to visit Longdale Recreation Area depends on the activities and attractions you are interested in. Summer is a popular time, as the weather is warm and the lake is ideal for swimming and water sports. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the area's forests are ablaze with color, making it an excellent destination for hiking and photography. Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while spring is a great time to see the area's wildflowers in bloom.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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