If you’re looking for a weekend filled with mountain views and plenty of time outside, Lake Moomaw offers it all across 2,530 acres and 43 miles of shoreline.
Over one weekend, you can paddle to quiet coves, hike beneath tall hardwood trees, cool off at sandy beaches, and learn how this enormous reservoir was created.
The best part is that you can pack a surprising amount into two days without spending your whole trip rushing from stop to stop.
To help you fit it all in, this Lake Moomaw weekend itinerary shows you where to explore, what to do, and how to make the most of your getaway.
1. Cole’s Point
Cole’s Point sits on the southern shore of Lake Moomaw, a 2,530-acre reservoir in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests known for its clear waters.
This scenic recreation area is a great spot to swim at the sandy beach, spread out a picnic by the water, go paddling, or relax on one of the wooden benches.
You can also cast a line for brown trout, bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and other fish while enjoying quiet coves surrounded by forested slopes.
To make the most of your time here, pack a lunch and bring your swimsuit so you can spend a few hours enjoying the water at your own pace.
2. Gathright Dam
Next, drive 5 minutes to Gathright Dam, the massive 257-foot-high, 1,310-foot-long structure that holds back Lake Moomaw on the Jackson River in Bath County.
Completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1979, it was created for flood control and has since become an impressive place to stop and take in the views.
Get a closer look at the dam’s massive rocky face, then snap a few photos of the tall intake tower, long bridge, and clear water surrounded by thick forest.
Fun fact: Lake Moomaw can store more than 40 billion gallons of water, so standing above here gives you a wild sense of just how enormous this reservoir really is.
3. Lake Moomaw, Visitor’s Center
After checking out the dam, walk 5 minutes to the Lake Moomaw Visitor Center to learn how the lake was created and explore more of its history.
You can check out a detailed model of the reservoir and interpretive displays that offer a closer look at Gathright Dam and the surrounding mountain landscape.
It’s also a great place to stretch your legs, wander around at your own pace, and enjoy a quiet break from the busier parts of the day.
Open every day from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the center adds helpful context to what you’ve already seen and brings the area’s history to life.
4. Bolar Flat Marina and Market
Once you know the story behind Lake Moomaw, drive 40 minutes to Bolar Flat Marina and Market on the lake’s northern side to spend time on the water.
The marina offers a year-round boat launch for vessels up to 26 feet, plus paddle boat rentals, wet slips, trailer parking, and plenty of other useful amenities.
Stop by the market for cold drinks, snacks, ice, coffee, fishing supplies, and other basics you may have forgotten to pack before your trip.
If you’re visiting with a group, you can also rent the lakeside picnic and pavilion area, complete with tables, grills, private restrooms, and beautiful mountain views.
5. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
From the marina, drive 5 minutes to Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, a popular Lake Moomaw base with campgrounds, picnic areas, and a sandy beach.
Camping here is spread across four campgrounds, with options ranging from tent-only and walk-to sites to spots with electric hook ups, plus prime sites overlooking the water.
Once you’re settled in, spend the afternoon swimming or playing volleyball, launching a kayak, water-skiing, or fishing for bass, crappie, and rainbow trout.
With so much to do in one spot, you can easily spend several hours here without feeling rushed, so save this part of the day for simply having fun outdoors.
6. Bolar Loop Trail
After enjoying the shoreline, trade your flip-flops for hiking shoes and tackle Bolar Loop Trail, a roughly 2.7-mile route beginning near Bolar Mountain Recreation Area.
It winds through hardwood forest, mixing gentle climbs with peaceful wooded stretches where you can watch for deer, wild turkeys, and colorful songbirds.
You’ll also catch glimpses of Lake Moomaw through the trees, making this a great hike after water activities or while you wait for sunset.
Allow about an hour to complete the loop, bring water, and watch for roots and muddy patches after rain, especially if you’re hiking during a busy summer weekend.
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