Tygart Lake Shelter

Overview The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to discover the natural beauty of Tygart Lake and its scenic vistas that provide an ideal setting for many outdoor recreational activities and adventures. The day use area at Tygart Dam features an overlook of the dam, a visitor center, picnic sites with grills, and a pavilion that can be reserved. There are also two hiking trails that lead to State Park trails.

Recreation Visitors enjoy Tygart Lake for boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. It is considered by many to be one of the best bass waters in the area and fishing its waters can be an exciting experience. In addition, to a variety of bass, anglers will find walleye, catfish, muskie, crappie and perch. All species of fish in Tygart Lake are sustained through natural reproduction, rather than stocking, attesting to the exceptional water quality of the lake. Fishing for trout and walleye in Tygart Dam’s tail waters is also popular with many anglers. Trout are stocked in the tail waters on a regular basis by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Facilities The Tygart Lake shelter has four 8ft metal picnic tables, two electric outlets, two large grills, and flush toilets (seasonal).

Natural Features Tygart Lake’s 31 miles of shoreline covered in northern hardwood forest of shady and colorful trees such as black cherry, beech, maple, dogwood, eastern redbud and many more, and deep waters have made the lake a popular site for power boaters and waterskiing enthusiasts. The lake’s unique shoreline also provides many inlets and backwater areas for canoes and small fishing boats to explore and see black bear, deer, turkey and other small game animals are plentiful, with opportunities to observe osprey and eagles in the area. 

Nearby Attractions Open seasonally, Tygart Lake Marina is the main hub for all water activities on the lake. From kayak and boat rentals to swimming and fishing. Find family-friendly fun at Tygart Adventure Lake (ACE). Make a splash with twenty-five giant inflatables on the water, or catch some sun from a lounge chair on the beach. Tygart Lake State Park has five distinct trails, ranging in difficulty from light leisurely strolls to more moderate and challenging hikes. Opened in 1967, the Tygart Lake Public Golf Course features 18-holes across 6,255 yards of golf. When visiting Grafton you are entering the “Memorial City.” Anna Jarvis, a Grafton native, arranged the first Mother’s Day observance in 1908 in Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church, now known as the International Mother’s Day Shrine. Grafton is proud to be known today as the home of Mother’s Day and it welcomes all to visit the Anna Jarvis Museum. Another monument of the town’s history is the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad Station that carried passengers between 1911 and 1960 as well as the Grafton National Cemetery, the only national cemetery in West Virgina.