About This Park

A peaceful 250-acre park with a 500-acre wildlife management area, Moncove Lake State Park is a favorite setting for outdoor gatherings, camping and water recreation. The park has excellent fishing opportunities and offers seasonal rowboat, kayak and paddleboat rentals. Its proximity to Peter’s Mountain and the ridge-and-valley section of the Appalachian Mountains make Moncove Lake a birding hot spot — more than 160 species can be seen in the area.

Accommodations

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Camping

Activities

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  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Geocaching
  • Hiking
  • DeerViewing
    Hunting
  • Museums & Historical Sites
  • Swimming
Attraction is located outside of the park.
Rules & Regulations Deals

Contact

History

The Moncove Lake area was established in 1960, following the damming of Devil Creek in eastern Monroe County. The lake was built as part of the Moncove Lake Hunting and Fishing Area. In 1991, 250 acres were set aside as a state park. The remainder of the land continues to be managed as a wildlife management area.

Additional Information

Picnicking

Moncove Lake State Park is a great spot for a picnic! Three picnic shelters take reservations which can be made by calling the park office. There are also picnic areas for groups of varying sizes with grills and tables at each area and restroom facilities, water nearby and two playground areas in the picnic area.

Bird Watching

More than 160 species of birds have been seen around Moncove Lake. The area is a birding hot spot due to nearby Peter’s Mountain and the ridge-and-valley section of the Appalachian Mountains. These ridges act as funnels for birds migrating in the fall and present excellent chances to glimpse birds that are considered rare or unusual for this region. On Peter’s Mountain during peak days in September, Broad Winged hawks are counted by the hundreds, and migrating hawks of nearly every eastern species and numerous songbirds can be seen throughout the month of September and into October. Witness the annual migration of birds of prey as they travel the eastern flyway passing through Monroe County, WV. Migration typically begins in early September through October, however, late September usually brings the most sightings.

Trails

Download Park Trail Map

Devil's Creek Trail

An easy down and back forest trail beginning in the lower campground, paralleling the Devils Creek basin along flat terrain, and connecting to the intersection of both the Diamond Hollow Trail and the Roxalia Springs Trail. At this point you may turn around and double back on the same trail or add to your hike by picking a new trail at that point. This trail consists of mostly level terrain unless you continue on one of the other two intersecting trails.

Distance: 0.6 Miles

Blaze: Yellow

Diamond Hollow Trail

This is a trail of varying difficulty beginning near the entrance of the lower campground and ending at the intersection of Devil’s Creek Trail. Mostly a moderate ridge top hike with both a downhill and an uphill regardless of which end you start. This trail meanders over both level and moderately sloping terrain.

Distance: 1.3 miles

Blaze: Red

Roxalia Springs Trail

A moderate to difficult loop trail beginning at the Moncove Lake Dam, progressing along the south side of Devil’s Creek for a time and eventually climb upwards to the top the ridge to initiate the loop. After hiking the beautifully forested ridge for just over a half mile, the trail will again intersect with itself after a moderately steep downhill walk. Be prepared for both a steep ascension and a steep descent regardless of which end of the trail you tackle first. Make sure your canteen is filled for this hike.

Distance: 2.3 miles

Blaze: White

Grouse Knoll Trail

This trail begins at the northern entrance (back entrance) of the park, meanders through the forest and past the upper campground, runs up a shady hollow and, after a short climb, eventually connects to the Diamond Hollow Trail. This trail offers several short uphill and downhill change-ups and follows a beautiful creek bed for a portion of its course. This trail is of moderate difficulty with the hardest part being the last 50 yards uphill to the Diamond Hollow Trail at the top of the ridge.

Distance: 0.9 miles

Blaze: Orange

Nearby Attractions

ALLEGHENY TRAIL (ALT)

The Allegheny Trail is a 311-mile north-south trail with its northern terminus on the Mason-Dixon Line at the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border near Bruceton Mills. It wends its way south until it meets the Appalachian Trail on Peters Mountain at the Virginia-West Virginia border. Founded in 1972 by the West Virginia Scenic Trail Association, this trail is also known as the ALT. To learn more about the ALT, click here.

Greenbrier State Forest

Located in the southeastern corner of the state near the border of Virginia, Greenbrier State Forest provides over 5,100 acres of heavily forested, mountainous terrain for outdoor recreation, including cabins, campsites, a shooting range and trails.

Greenbrier River Trail

The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile long trail popular for hiking, bicycling, backpacking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. It closely mirrors its namesake, the Greenbrier River. These views can’t be missed!

Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory

High atop Peter’s Mountain in Monroe County is Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory. It was originally an old fire tower, built in 1956, but now is one of the best spots to view migrating birds of prey.

Historic Lewisburg

History buffs will enjoy seeing this national historic district with buildings and landmarks that date back more than 200 years! Great local shops and dining spot make this a must-see town.

Lost World Caverns

Lost World Caverns, an underground wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites and other underground formations, is sure to evoke your sense of wonder and amazement.

Organ Cave

Organ Cave, a national historic and national landmark, is a  privately-operated attraction that offers underground views of fascinating rock formations and prehistoric fossils.

Old Rehoboth Church and Museum

This historic log cabin-style church in the countryside of Monroe County dates back to 1785. It’s claim to fame is the oldest existing church building in West Virginia!

The Greenbrier

“America’s Resort” has been a cherished getaway since 1778. A National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier is famous for its mineral springs, championship golf, boutiques, fine dining, and recreational activities.

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