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Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · WV

Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area

Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities amidst the scenic beauty of West Virginia, with a focus on both recreational and conservation opportunities.

Wildlife Management Area13,0644+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

13,064

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area

Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities amidst the scenic beauty of West Virginia, with a focus on both recreational and conservation opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area, located in Braxton County, West Virginia, encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and open water. Established with a focus on wildlife conservation, the area serves as a vital habitat for various species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Its landscape, shaped by the presence of Burnsville Lake, provides a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake itself was created by a dam on the Little Kanawha River, primarily for flood control, providing additional recreational uses such as fishing and boating. Visitors can explore a variety of trails suitable for hiking and biking, with many pathways offering views of the lake and surrounding forested hills. The area is frequented by birdwatchers, as it supports both resident and migratory bird species. Camping opportunities are available, with sites that cater to both developed and primitive camping experiences. The management area appeals to those interested in experiencing the rugged beauty of West Virginia while enjoying a range of outdoor activities.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Tranquil Escape at Stonewall Resort State Park★ 7.5⌖ 10 miBoating
Stonewall Resort State Park

Tranquil Escape at Stonewall Resort State Park

Enjoy boating and fishing on Stonewall Jackson Lake in West Virginia's Stonewall Resort State Park. With family-friendly amenities, it's a serene spot for water activities and hiking amidst scenic views, best visited in spring or fall.

Outdoor Nature Escape at Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area★ 5.6⌖ 18 miFishing
Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area

Outdoor Nature Escape at Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area

Located near Buckhannon, WV, Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area offers tranquil fishing for bass and muskellunge, forest hunting opportunities, and peaceful picnic spots. Easily accessible by car, it provides a quiet natural escape popular with regional anglers and hunters.

Discover Nature at Kumbrabow State Forest★ 7.3⌖ 33 miHiking
Kumbrabow State Forest

Discover Nature at Kumbrabow State Forest

Discover Kumbrabow State Forest near Huttonsville, WV. Explore scenic trails like the Turkey Bone Trail and fish at Mill Creek. Ideal in spring and fall, this remote spot offers a peaceful escape for hiking, fishing, and camping.

Audra State Park: A Natural Haven★ 6.8⌖ 34 miHiking
Audra State Park

Audra State Park: A Natural Haven

Explore Audra State Park's picturesque riverside trails near Buckhannon, WV. Enjoy hiking, camping, and canoeing with scenic views along the Middle Fork River. Ideal for families, this park offers a tranquil escape with moderate crowds year-round.

Whitaker Falls: A Hidden Colorado Gem★ 7.8⌖ 34 miSwimming
Whitaker Falls

Whitaker Falls: A Hidden Colorado Gem

Experience the tranquility of Whitaker Falls in West Virginia, a picturesque location ideal for swimming, photography, and picnicking. Enjoy a peaceful visit with few crowds, especially in late spring through early fall. Easily accessible with a short drive from Elkins.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Scenic views from the dam overlook✦ Opportunities for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons✦ Fishing spots along Burnsville Lake✦ Solitude found on less-trafficked trails in the forest
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Riffle Run Campground

Offers a more secluded experience with limited facilities, ideal for tent camping.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Burnsville
⌖ 0.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Burnsville, West Virginia

A quiet Appalachian town surrounded by forested hills and waterways, perfect for paddling, hiking, and peaceful outdoor retreats.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Flatwoods
⌖ 9.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Flatwoods, West Virginia

A quiet small town gateway to Appalachian outdoor recreation offering easy access to forests and rivers for year-round activities.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Roanoke
⌖ 9.83 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roanoke, West Virginia

A tranquil destination surrounded by serene lakes and forests perfect for a mix of water and land-based adventures.

Spring and SummerExplore Town
Glenville
⌖ 11.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Glenville, West Virginia

A peaceful river town offering scenic paddling and quiet hiking adventures amid West Virginia's Appalachian foothills.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Sutton
⌖ 13.74 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sutton, West Virginia

A quiet river town offering peaceful outdoor escapes with hiking, paddling, and fishing opportunities amidst West Virginia’s scenic landscapes.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Gassaway
⌖ 14.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gassaway, West Virginia

A quiet small town offering access to outdoor recreation along West Virginia's rivers and forests, ideal for nature lovers seeking low-key adventures and water-based activities.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Experience Snowshoe Mountain’s Scenic 1 Hour Trail Ride Through Eastern Continental DivideRanson, West Virginia · 46.09 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· New & Gauley River Adventures

Experience Snowshoe Mountain’s Scenic 1 Hour Trail Ride Through Eastern Continental Divide

Explore the rugged mountain trails of Snowshoe Mountain Resort on a 1 Hour Trail Ride that reveals sweeping panoramic views and abundant wildlife. Perfect for beginners and seasoned riders alike, this horseback experience immerses you in West Virginia’s high-elevation forest.

1 hour

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.