Coles Point Day Use Area

Area Status: Closed

Coles Point at Lake Moomaw boasts picnic shelters, two fishing docks, two boat ramps and a swimming beach. Opportunities abound for hiking, photography, nature study, birding and viewing wildlife. Coles Point is perched along the shores of the southern end of Lake Moomaw, providing convenient access to boating, fishing, swimming and relaxing on the beach. The picnic area has an open field for games like Frisbee and soccer.

The 1-mile Morris Hill Bike Trail is popular among hikers and bikers. The 3-mile Fortney Loop Trail is open to hiking along a path with several switchbacks.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Day use area amenities are closed for the season. Access to the boat launch remains open. Snow is not plowed from Forest Service roads in winter, which could limit access.
Fees:	$5 per vehicle
Open Season:	Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend
Closest Towns:	Covington, VA
Water:	Drinking water available during open season
Restroom:	Flush toilets with warm water showers available during open season
Passes:	The America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass provides a 50% discount to the day use fee. No other America the Beautiful Interagency passes are valid at this site. The George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Seasonal Day Use Pass is accepted here and covers the day use fee.
Operated By:	James River Ranger District: (540) 962 - 2214

General Information

Directions:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
37.95028, -79.96222
37°57'1"N, 79°57'44"W

From I-64 at Exit 16A in Covington, Virginia, follow signs to U.S. Highway 220 and travel north about 5.5 miles. Turn left on State Road 687/Jackson River Turnpike and travel about 3.2 miles. Turn left on State Road 641/Indian Draft Road, which soon becomes State Road 666. Travel about 4.2 miles on 641/666 to a 3-way intersection. Turn right on State Road 605 and travel 4.5 miles, passing the Morris Hill Campground entrance, and crossing the Gathright Dam. Picnic shelter #1 will be on the left.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Sand Play

Recreation areas with activity Sand Play:

Lake and Pond Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:

Boating access at two boat ramps and two fishing docks attract anglers for large and smallmouth bass, brown trout, bluegill, crappie, shad, catfish, sunfish and chain pickerel.

Fishing Regulations and Permits.

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:

The picnic shelters are situated on a wooded peninsula overlooking the lake.

Each picnic shelter can accommodate up to 50 people and 20 vehicles. Eight picnic tables sit on a concrete pad, and several additional tables are scattered around the shelter. Each shelter is also equipped with two large barbecue grills, one electrical outlet, drinking water and flush toilets.