Great Salt Lake Marina | Salt Lake City

Information

Landmark: Great Salt Lake Marina
City: Salt Lake City
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America

Great Salt Lake Marina, Salt Lake City, USA Utah, North America

Beech Fork State Park is a 3,144-acre public recreation area located in Wayne County, West Virginia, approximately 15 miles southwest of Huntington.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a 315-acre lake, Beech Fork Lake, with a shoreline of approximately 12 miles. The surrounding terrain is characterized by rolling hills covered in mixed hardwood forests, primarily oak and hickory. The lake's water color varies from greenish to brown depending on recent rainfall and sediment levels. Several small islands are present within the lake.

Location & Access Logistics

Access to Beech Fork State Park is via State Route 152 South from Huntington. The park entrance is approximately 15 miles from the city center. Ample parking is available at various points throughout the park, including near the lake, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Public transport options directly to the park are not available; visitors typically require private vehicles.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Beech Fork Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the completion of the Beech Fork Dam in 1977. The primary purpose of the dam was flood control for the Ohio River Valley. The park was subsequently developed around the reservoir to provide recreational opportunities. The area's ecology is representative of the Appalachian mixed mesophytic forest system.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include boating on Beech Fork Lake, with designated launch areas. Fishing is permitted for species such as bass, crappie, and bluegill. Hiking trails of varying difficulty traverse the park's wooded areas. The park also offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and playgrounds.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at designated picnic areas and campgrounds. Shaded picnic shelters are located throughout the park. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is intermittent within the park, particularly in more remote areas. No food vendors are permanently located within the park; visitors should bring their own provisions or access dining options in nearby Huntington.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning and late afternoon offer favorable lighting conditions due to the angle of the sun. The best months for visiting are typically April through October, offering mild temperatures suitable for outdoor activities. Boating and fishing are generally best during warmer months. No specific tide requirements apply as the lake is a freshwater reservoir.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of Beech Fork Lake is its designation as a "no-wake" lake, meaning boats must operate at slow speeds to minimize shoreline erosion and disturbance. This policy contributes to a calmer environment for other water activities.