Tygart Lake – Grafton, West Virginia - Atlas Obscura
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Tygart Lake

Grafton, West Virginia

A beautiful hidden gem in central West Virginia.  

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Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism
Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism
Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism
Tygart Lake Beach Area tygartmarina (Atlas Obscura User)
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Tygart Lake is a hidden gem nestled in the hills of West Virginia, just a 30-minute drive from Morgantown, Fairmont, or Bridgeport.

Located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, Tygart Lake stretches across 10 miles, covering a total area of 1,750 acres. The lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1938 as an overflow reservoir for the Tygart, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers when the Tygart River Dam was built. The area quickly became a popular place to boat, and a park grew around the reservoir.

Visitors can rent a boat from Tygart Lake Marina or a kayak from Hardcore Hunters. Tygart Lake State Park offers multiple hiking trails, lakeside dining, a nature center, gift shop, lodging, campsites, and cabins. 

camping state parks hiking lakes water nature
Nearby
B&O Railroad Station and Willard Hotel
2.48 miles
Mummies of Philippi
10.62 miles
Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center
14.61 miles
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Near This Place
A view of the two properties from the other side of the Tygart River.
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Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center
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Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center

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Zinc Smelter

This former zinc operation has a 90-year toxic history.
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