Bear Creek Lake State Park
37°31′54″N 78°16′21″W / 37.53167°N 78.27250°W / 37.53167; -78.27250
Bear Creek Lake State Park is a 326-acre (132 ha) state park located in Cumberland, Virginia, United States. It is a recreational and camping facility that surrounds an artificial 40-acre (16 ha) lake situated in the 16,000-acre (6,500 ha) Cumberland State Forest. As of 2013, the yearly visitation was 78,288.[4]
History
Bear Creek Lake was built by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938 as a project of the Virginia Department of Agriculture through the State Forestry Division. The lake was built using labor from local carpenters, farmers and un-skilled laborers seeking jobs. In addition to the lake, two pavilions, a concession stand and six fireplaces were constructed. In 1940, the area opened as a forestry wayside with boat rentals and swimming. In 1958, the area was given to the Division of State Parks and was operated as a day-use recreation area. In 1962 the division added campgrounds and the area's name was changed to Bear Creek Lake State Park.[5]
Attractions
The park features a 40-acre (16 ha) lake with a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and a swimming beach. Visitors will also find a meeting facility, cabins, camping, picnicking, an archery range and playgrounds. Guests also enjoy the park's nine trails and access to the adjoining 16,000-acre (6,500 ha) Cumberland State Forest, including the 14-mile (23 km) Cumberland Multi-use Trail. This trail is available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.[6]
References
- ^ "Bear Creek Lake State Park".
- ^ "Weekly list of actions taken on properties: 10/29/12 through 11/2/12". National Park Service. November 9, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
- ^ "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
- ^ "Bear Creek Lake State Park Master Plan" (PDF). Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 12, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
- ^ "Bear Creek Lake State Park". Virginia Outdoors. Imperial Multimedia. Archived from the original on March 31, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
- ^ "Bear Creek Lake State Park". Virginia State Parks. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
External links
- Media related to Bear Creek Lake State Park at Wikimedia Commons
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation: Bear Creek Lake State Park
- Interactive Virtual Tour
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