Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area is a 18,019-acre public recreation area located in McDowell County, West Virginia.


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Summary

The area has a diverse range of habitats that support a variety of wildlife species, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitors to Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The lake itself is a popular spot for boating and swimming, while the surrounding forests and wetlands offer opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

One of the main points of interest at Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area is the Berwind Lake Dam, which was built in 1952 and is still an important source of hydroelectric power for the region. The area also features several hiking trails, including the 2.5-mile-long Huckleberry Trail and the 3.5-mile-long Lake Trail.

In addition to its recreational opportunities, Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area is home to a variety of interesting wildlife species, including black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and several species of fish. The area is also an important breeding ground for several bird species, including the American woodcock and the golden-winged warbler.

The best time of year to visit Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area depends on the activities you are interested in. Spring and fall are popular times for hunting and wildlife viewing, while summer is a great time for water activities such as boating and swimming. Hiking and camping are popular year-round activities.

Overall, Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful and diverse natural area that offers a wide range of recreational opportunities and is home to a variety of interesting wildlife species.

       

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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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