Gathright WMA

The T. M. Gathright Wildlife Management Area (Gathright WMA) is in western Bath County, some of which lies along the crest of Allegheny Mountain where Virginia and West Virginia adjoin. As one of the earliest DWR-owned lands, the Gathright WMA’s contribution to Virginia’s wildlife resources has been long and far reaching. During the early days of conservation, the Gathright WMA stood as one of the pivotal sources of wild turkey brood stock for some of the most successful wild turkey restorations in North America. Described as “some of the most beautiful mountain habitat imaginable,” Gathright WMA offers great opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to recreate in an amazing setting. Lake Moomaw, flooding land that was once part of the WMA, adds to the recreational opportunities offered.

The Gathright WMA is 13,428 acres in size and is divided by Lake Moomaw creating two separate tracts. It encompasses three major mountains—Allegheny and Bolar Mountains west of the lake, and Coles Mountain to the east. The WMA is characterized by high mountains and ridges with moderate to steep slopes and deep hollows/valleys with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 3,600 feet. Numerous streams flow eastward and down Allegheny Mountain, creating a series of secondary/spur ridges and hollows that feed Mill Creek.

The WMA is mostly forested; comprised primarily of mixed hardwoods dominated by oaks and hickories. Small stands of mixed pines and hardwoods occur on some of the mountain tops and spines of the secondary ridges. Mixed tulip poplar and white oak forests are found in the many rich forest coves and deep hollows. There are a few open areas interspersed throughout the WMA that vary in size and shape containing a wide array of grasses, flowering plants, shrubs and young trees. These open areas are managed for, and support, native plant species and a wide array of wildlife species, especially open field and young forest songbirds, small mammals, and pollinating insects.

Hunting

Sunday Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands in Virginia »

The mountainous character of the Gathright WMA provides challenging hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities set within a scenic landscape. Deer, bear, and wild turkeys are the most popular species hunted; yet, ruffed grouse and squirrels offer hunters good small game hunting opportunities. Habitat management is focused on managing forests using a variety of timber harvesting techniques and integrating controlled burning when and where feasible. Habitat diversity benefiting a wide array of forest wildlife species is gained through these strategies. Lake Moomaw provides limited opportunities for waterfowl hunting while enhancing wildlife viewing opportunities by boasting a myriad of aquatic wildlife.

Sighting-In Range

The sighting-in range is located on the Gathright WMA in Clay Lick Hollow accessed from State Route 600 (Bolar’s Draft Road) south of Route 39. No reservations or fees are required; however, visitors age 17 and older must possess one of the following to use the range: a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping license; a current Virginia boat registration; a Restore the Wild Membership; or an Access Permit.

Range Operation Dates and Hours

September 1 to March 31, closed on Mondays, except Monday holidays.

Fishing

Being 12 miles long, covering 2,530 acres, and having 43.5 miles of shoreline, Lake Moomaw offers excellent fishing. Most sought after species include smallmouth bass and brown and rainbow trout. However, being a diverse fishery, the lake also boasts ample largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, yellow perch, chain pickerel, rock bass, and a variety of sunfish.

Other Activities

As mentioned, the U.S. Forest Service owns thousands of acres of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest adjacent to the Gathright WMA. Also, Douthat State Park lies to the east of the WMA. Both areas offer ample opportunities to camp, hike, picnic, view wildlife and fishing.

Facilities

There are 8 parking areas and 9 informational kiosks on the WMA. Several improved access roads, opened seasonally (fall and winter), provide limited vehicular access to the interior of the area. In addition, numerous gated roads and old logging roads offer many miles of walking and hiking access. Thousands of acres of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest adjoin the Gathright WMA, boasting a variety of facilities suited to the outdoor enthusiast including boat ramps, campgrounds, picnic areas and swimming beaches. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates a visitor center at the Gathright Dam, located south of the WMA in northern Allegheny County. There is a sighting in range located in the western part of the WMA.

Directions

The Gathright WMA is located approximately seven miles west of Warm Springs and 17 miles north of Covington. Getting to the bulk of WMA is best afforded by following State Route 39 west of Warm Springs and turning south on State Route 600 (Bolar’s Draft Road). Consult map for more details.

Images by: Ron Messina/DWR