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Bear Creek Lake State Park

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Coordinates: 37°31′54″N 78°16′21″W / 37.53167°N 78.27250°W / 37.53167; -78.27250
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Bear Creek Lake State Park
Bear Creek Lake
Map showing the location of Bear Creek Lake State Park
Map showing the location of Bear Creek Lake State Park
Location of Bear Creek Lake State Park
Map showing the location of Bear Creek Lake State Park
Map showing the location of Bear Creek Lake State Park
Bear Creek Lake State Park (the United States)
Location22 Bear Creek Lake Rd., near Cumberland, VA
Coordinates37°31′54″N 78°16′21″W / 37.53167°N 78.27250°W / 37.53167; -78.27250
Area329 acres (133 ha)[1]
Established1940
Governing bodyVirginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Bear Creek Lake State Park
The Lakeside Shelter, a contributing structure to the historic district
NRHP reference No.12000904[2]
VLR No.024-0034
Significant dates
Added to NRHPOctober 31, 2012
Designated VLRSeptember 18, 2008[3]

Bear Creek Lake State Park is a 326-acre (132 ha) state park located in Cumberland, Virginia, United States. It is a recreational and camping facility that surrounds an artificial 40-acre (16 ha) lake situated in the 16,000-acre (6,500 ha) Cumberland State Forest. As of 2013, the yearly visitation was 78,288.[4]

History

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Bear Creek Lake was built by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938 as a project of the Virginia Department of Agriculture through the State Forestry Division. The lake was built using labor from local carpenters, farmers and un-skilled laborers seeking jobs. In addition to the lake, two pavilions, a concession stand and six fireplaces were constructed. In 1940, the area opened as a forestry wayside with boat rentals and swimming. In 1958, the area was given to the Division of State Parks and was operated as a day-use recreation area. In 1962 the division added campgrounds and the area's name was changed to Bear Creek Lake State Park.[5]

Attractions

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The park features a 40-acre (16 ha) lake with a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and a swimming beach. Visitors will also find a meeting facility, cabins, camping, picnicking, an archery range and playgrounds. Guests also enjoy the park's nine trails and access to the adjoining 16,000-acre (6,500 ha) Cumberland State Forest, including the 14-mile (23 km) Cumberland Multi-use Trail. This trail is available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Bear Creek Lake State Park".
  2. ^ "Weekly list of actions taken on properties: 10/29/12 through 11/2/12". National Park Service. November 9, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  3. ^ "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
  4. ^ "Bear Creek Lake State Park Master Plan" (PDF). Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 12, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  5. ^ "Bear Creek Lake State Park". Virginia Outdoors. Imperial Multimedia. Archived from the original on March 31, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
  6. ^ "Bear Creek Lake State Park". Virginia State Parks. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
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