Bear Creek Lake State Park
Bear Creek Lake State Park, Virginia, USA | |
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IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
Bear Creek Lake | |
![]() ![]() Location of Bear Creek Lake State Park in Virginia | |
Location | 22 Bear Creek Lake Rd., near Cumberland, VA |
Coordinates | 37°31′54″N 78°16′21″W / 37.53167°N 78.27250°WCoordinates: 37°31′54″N 78°16′21″W / 37.53167°N 78.27250°W |
Area | 326.4 acres (132.1 ha) |
Established | 1940 |
Governing body | |
Bear Creek Lake State Park | |
NRHP Reference # | 12000904[1] |
VLR # | 024-0034 |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP | October 31, 2012 |
Designated VLR | September 18, 2008[2] |
Bear Creek Lake State Park is a state park located in Cumberland, Virginia, United States. It is used as a recreational and camping facility that surrounds an artificial 30-acre (12 ha) lake situated in the 16,000-acre (6,500 ha) Cumberland State Forest.
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.[3]
Attractions
The park features a 40-acre 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 Cumberland State Forest, including the 14-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail. This trail is available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.[4]
References
- ↑ "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. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
- ↑ "Bear Creek Lake State Park". Virginia Outdoors. Imperial Multimedia. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
- ↑ "Bear Creek Lake State Park". Virginia State Parks. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
External links
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