Tygart Lake State Park
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Tygart Lake State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
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Water adventures and outdoor thrills await at tygart lake.
Who needs the beach when you can enjoy scenic mountain views and water adventures close to home? Located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in scenic north central West Virginia, Tygart Lake State Park and it’s 10 miles of shoreline and peaceful setting provides a great place for lakeside retreats and family vacations. Here’s what you need to know to plan a trip.
Featured Activities at Tygart Lake
There are plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy at Tygart Lake, but the main attraction for summer 2021 is the park’s new adventure lake. The Tygart Adventure Lake features 25 giant inflatables and a sandy beach area with lounge chairs. Whether you want to kick back, relax and soak up the sun or feel like a kid again by jumping into the water, the adventure lake is a great place for families to enjoy summer fun. The adventure lake is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The lake will close for the season on Sept. 6, 2021, so book your trip before it’s too late!
Tygart Lake also has the following activities:
- Boating (Pontoon and fishing boats available to rent)
- Fishing (Purchase your fishing license at WVfish.com )
- Weekly Nature Center activities, such as guided hikes, outdoor move night and campfires with s’mores
Featured Trails at Tygart Lake
Take a leisurely stroll through the forest or speed down dirt paths. However you enjoy the trails Tygart Lake, there’s plenty of ground to cover during your visit. Tygart Lake has five hiking trails and one trail for hiking and biking. Here are a few of our favorite:
The trail begins opposite Dam Trail near the Lodge passing through the forest with numerous dogwood trees. Trail climbs to a higher elevation above the lodge following a ridge top and descending back on the park road from the dam. Distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Moderate
This trail begins near campsite 21. This is an intermediate directional trail that makes a 2.0-mile loop on the south end of the park. You will see two old farmhouse foundations, a rock cliff hang over, and an old 1940-1945 school bus. For mountain bikers, the trail has a little bit of everything. Small run off stream crossings, hill climbs, rock gardens, a Little Rock drop, banked turns, and some downhill flow. Distance: 2-mile loop Walking Time: 40-50 minutes Riding Time: 15-25 minutes Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning near the park office, this trail passes through what was once a farm before ending between Cabin 5 and the campground. The trail has hills. Distance: 1.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Places to Stay at Tygart Lake
Lodge Tygart Lake’s 20-room lodge sits up high on a peninsula that overlooks the lake below. If you’re looking for a waterside retreat, this is it. From kayak and canoe rentals to swimming and fishing, Tygart Lake is an outdoor oasis waiting to be discovered. Select lodge rooms are pet-friendly, so double-check your reservations before bringing your furry friend. Click here to book your lodge room today!
Cabins Tygart Lake has 11 cozy cabins perfect for quiet getaways with family or loved ones. Six cabins overlook the park’s stunning blue lake. If you enjoy boating and lake activities, these cabins don’t disappoint. Designated pet-friendly cabins also are available. Ten cabins are available mid-April through the end of December 31 and one cabin is reservable year-round. Click here to book your cozy cabin stay today!
Campsites Tygart Lake has 36 campsites that offer some of the most breathtaking camp views in the state. Campsites are open spring through fall, weather permitting, and campers can choose from26 standard sites and 10 sites with electric and water hookups only. Full hookup sites are not available. Click here to book you campsite today!
Recommended Itinerary
During your visit to Tygart Lake, stop by the front desk at the lodge at any time for a list of weekly activities. Here are a few suggestions to help you plan your trip.
Day Trip Go fishing or hike the Tygart Dam Trail for a refreshing lakeside activity Pack a picnic or eat lunch at the Lodge Restaurant Cool off at the park’s brand new adventure lake
Extended Trip Go fishing or hike the Tygart Dam Trail for a refreshing lakeside activity Pack a picnic or eat lunch at the Lodge Restaurant Cool off at the park’s brand new adventure lake Check into your cabin or lodge room Explore nearby attractions, such as Valley Falls State Park
Pro-tip to get the most out of your trip to Tygart Lake
- Bring your binoculars. Tygart Lake is home to a nesting pair of bald eagles, which are frequently spotted flying around the lake.
- Tygart Lake is one of the best bass fishing sites in the area, so bring your fishing gear, buy your fishing license and reel in a catch you’ll never forget.
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Tygart Lake State Park Dam Tours to be Offered in September
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on August 01, 2023
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Tygart River Dam and Lake
Tygart Dam – Grafton WV
Description.
According to the West Virginia Department of Commerce:
“Construction of Tygart Dam started in 1935 and was completed in 1938. It was one of the first Public Works Administration (PWA) projects initiated to reduce unemployment through the construction of massive, labor intensive projects. Veterans, as well as men from Taylor, Barbour, Preston and other surrounding counties, were given employment preference. At its peak in May of 1936, 1,701 men were employed. The pay was set at 45 cents per hour for non-skilled labor and $1.10 for skilled at a maximum of 30 hours a week. Tygart Dam is currently operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam overlook area is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and free public tours are available Fridays in June, July & August.”
According to a sign near the dam, Tygart Dam is used for flood control and water conservation.
The area around the dam offers many recreational opportunities—both on the water and at Tygart Lake State Park (see reference list with web links below)
Source notes
(1) West Virginia Department of Commerce, https://www.wvcommerce.org/travel/travelplanner/attraction/Tygart-Dam-Grafton/6598/default.aspx, accessed November 9, 2012.
(2) Information sign near the dam.
(3) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, https://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/rec/lakes/tygartla.htm, accessed November 9, 2012. (4) Tygart Lake State Park, https://www.tygartlake.com/, accessed November 9, 2012.
(4) National Archives Record Group 69-PWA
Site originally submitted by Brent McKee on November 9, 2012.
Location Info
Tygart Dam Grafton, WV
Coordinates: 39.3128703, -80.03396
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2 comments on “ Tygart Dam – Grafton WV ”
I need some information, please. I am setting up a tour of the Tygart Dam for our Class of 1965 Reunion. The office informed me that Photo IDs were necessary for everyone included in tour. I believe they said that a photo copy of a current drivers license was sufficient but they said copy of the front and the back. Is that correct? Front and backed copied or just the front.
We cannot provide this information. Our site just chronicles the dam’s New Deal provenance.
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- Tygart Dam Upper Level Photo by: Brent McKee
- Tygart Dam Sign Photo by: Brent McKee
- Tygart Dam Building Photo by: Brent McKee
- Tygart Dam Under Construction
- Tygart Dam Photo by: Brent McKee
- Tygart River Dam Under Construction
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Lakeside Resort Campground, 32 Lakeside Drive , Grafton, West Virginia 26354 Countryside Camping - Tygart Lakeside Resort - 304-265-4440 CountrySideCampground.net | TygartLakeSideResort.com | TygartLakeCampground.com
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An image of the dam from the overlook. The state park reopened its doors to the tour at the beginning of July this year and has had rapid success since then, immediately booking out dates in the entirety of July, August and the beginning of September. 12 News spoke with Tygart Dam resource manager, Stacy Lewis, on the significance of offering ...
The Lodge Restaurant at Tygart Lake State Park is open: The Lodge Restaurant will be open Sunday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Friday/Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. On weekdays, breakfast is provided a la carte service. Lunch is a limited menu that includes homemade soups, fresh salads, made-to-order sandwiches.
Tygart Dam will once again be welcoming sightseers on Fridays, with tours of the historic structure beginning at 1 p.m. on days they are offered. Space is limited, and those wishing to take part must speak with an Army Corps of Engineers member to be placed on tour lists.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tygart Lake will hold tours of Tygart Dam every Friday in June, July and August. The tours of the dam are free to the public, however pre-registration is required and tour size is limited. To register for a tour, please call the Corps of Engineers office at Tygart Lake at 304-265-1760.
Walk along the Tygart River Dam for an impressive overlook onto the lake below. The dam regulates water flow from the Tygart River into the Lake, and has been owned and operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers since 1938, when it was first built. The Dam is made from solid concrete, relying on its weight alone to hold back the waters from the ...
Tygart Lake State Park in West Virginia has resumed offering tours of its dam after an eight-year hiatus. The tours of Tygart Dam were restricted in 2015 due to terroristic threats, but now have been reopened to the public. Since the tours' reopening in July, they have been in high demand, with dates fully booked for July, August, and the ...
Tygart Dam: One of the largest poured concrete structures east of the Misissippi. Built for flood control on the Pittsburgh / WV portion of the Ohio river confluence. This is a must see and they still offer tours. Lodge/cabins/camping: A small 20 room lodge overlooking the lake is beautiful and rustic. Recent addition of The Boston Beanery Bar ...
Go fishing or hike the Tygart Dam Trail for a refreshing lakeside activity Pack a picnic or eat lunch at the Lodge Restaurant Cool off at the park's brand new adventure lake Check into your cabin or lodge room Explore nearby attractions, such as Valley Falls State Park. Pro-tip to get the most out of your trip to Tygart Lake. Bring your ...
Tygart Dam — also known as Tygart River Dam — is a dam near Grafton in Taylor County, West Virginia, USA. It regulates the waters of the Tygart Valley River. Its storage reservoir is known as Tygart Lake. Most of the lakeshore is occupied by Tygart Lake State Park and Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area. 1240 Paul E Malone Road.
Come enjoy a leisurely historical tour of Tygart Lake in Grafton, West Virginia aboard the "Princess" cruise boat. 🛳 Hear stories about the eleven men who died building the dam, 5 communities under water, Indians who once inhabited the area, civil war and various stories. Tickets are $20 per person (age 5 & under free).
Tygart Lake Cruises, Grafton, West Virginia. 8,616 likes · 28 talking about this · 540 were here. Tygart Lake Cruises offers both public events and private party cruises on our 125 passenger cruise...
Dates for September tours will soon be announced, and reservations accepted. Watch the Tygart Lake Facebook page for updates. The dam was constructed in 1938 by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, creating the Tygart River Reservoir, located two miles south of Grafton in Taylor and Barbour counties.
The dam was built to control floods on the Monongahela River and reduce the crest of the Ohio River during flood times. The dam is 207 feet thick at the base, 1,921 feet long and 230 feet high. The reservoir, which covers 1,750 acres and has a 32-mile shoreline, provides opportunities for fishing and hiking. Note: Photo ID is required for tours.
Tygart Dam is currently operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam overlook area is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and free public tours are available Fridays in June, July & August." According to a sign near the dam, Tygart Dam is used for flood control and water conservation.
Tygart Lake State Park in West Virginia has resumed offering tours of its dam after an eight-year hiatus. The tours of Tygart Dam were restricted in 2015 due to terroristic threats, but now have been reopened to the public. Since the tours' reopening in July, they have been in high demand, with dates fully booked for July, August, and the ...
Tygart Dam — also known as Tygart River Dam — is a dam built and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in Taylor County, West Virginia, United States. The dam regulates the waters of the Tygart Valley River.Its storage reservoir is known as Tygart Lake.Most of the lakeshore is occupied by Tygart Lake State Park and Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Tygart Dam Trail. Try this 2.0-mile out-and-back trail near Grafton, West Virginia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. This trail is great for running and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
July 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. $20. Come enjoy a leisurely historical tour of Tygart Lake in Grafton, West Virginia aboard the "Princess" tour boat. Hear stories about the eleven men who died building the dam, 5 communities under water, Indians who once inhabited the area, civil war and various stories. Tickets are $20 per person (age 5 & under ...
The dam overlook area is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and free public tours are available Fridays in June, July & August. ... 0.4 miles south of Parkview Road (County Road 44), on the right when traveling south. The marker is located at the Tygart Dam overlook on the west side of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near ...
Tygart Lake Brochure. 1130-1-6 1130-1-5. 2009 2009. Tygart Dam was authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Acts of 1935. It is unique in that the dam's original authorization was for navigation, providing water to downstream locks and dams. It was also the first of 16 flood damage reduction projects in the Pittsburgh District.
Tygart Lake Marina
Tygart Lake State Park Weekly Dam Tours, Tygart Lake Marine, Boat Rentals, Skiing, Tubing, Fishing, Boating, Tygart Lake Golf Course, Shopping, Restaurants, etc.... Visitors: Visitors must Sign-in at Office! (We do not have daily or weekly sites) Call 304-265-4440. Important Camping Information!
Come enjoy a leisurely historical tour of Tygart Lake in Grafton, West Virginia aboard the "Princess" cruise boat. 🛳️ Hear… Sep 5 2022 September 5, 2022 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tygart Valley River at Tygart Lake. This website, the National Water Prediction Service (NWPS), is replacing the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS). Resources to help with this transition are available here. Thank you for visiting a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.