Remote nature scenes aren’t hard to find in West Virginia – we are one of the most rural, rugged states in the nation. That said, these out-of-the-way hidden gems that are tucked here and there throughout the Mountain State, though not rare, are still well worth seeking out for their quiet, peaceful, wild beauty. One such attraction, one of the most remote lakes in West Virginia, is Laurel Lake in the Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area in Mingo County. Let's learn more about Laurel Lake, WV, shall we?
Located between Lenore, West Virginia and Dingess, West Virginia in remote Mingo County, Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area is a true Almost Heaven hidden gem.
Laurel Lake WMA features 12,856 acres of rugged, steep, wild terrain.
Narrow valleys and jagged ridgetops are carpeted between with second-growth hardwoods and hemlock trees, as well as thick underbrush that includes native evergreen beauties like mountain laurel and rhododendron.
This wildlife management area also features Laurel Lake, a 29-acre waterbody that's as peaceful as it is remote.
Filled with smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill and rimmed with mountains, Laurel Lake is the perfect destination for a quiet, restful day in nature. Fish, hike, picnic, or hunt here along the lakeshore.
There's even a small playground for kids to enjoy, and plenty of benches stationed around the lake to allow hikers to stop and appreciate all the most breathtaking, scenic views that this remote West Virginia lake has to offer.
Last but not least, Laurel Lake WMA is home to the mysterious Dingess Petroglyphs, which you'll want to view before you leave.
These two large boulders were discovered on Dingess Mountain in 1987 by coal miners. They are consistent with other petroglyphs uncovered throughout West Virginia, but their origin story is unknown. Some archaeologists think they are ancient Irish, dating back 1,200 to 1,400 years.
Laurel Lake is located right along the Old N and W Railroad Bed Road that winds between Lenore and Dingess in Mingo County, West Virginia, a bit closer to Dingess than Lenore.
Go on a beautiful virtual tour of Laurel Bed Lake in Virginia and West Virginia's Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area in this video from Gone Fishing:
Visiting Laurel Lake also puts you within easy reach of the infamous Dingess Tunnel, another remote find that you'll want to experience (if you dare!) while you’re here. Have you ever explored this remote West Virginia lake and wildlife management area? Share some of your favorite West Virginia lakes near you with a comment.
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