activties in and around cowen
historic b&o pond
The Town of Cowen received a series of grants totaling $50,000 for Phase I of the B&O Pond Project to update and upgrade the Historic B&O Pond. Phase I included adding picnic tables, grading and graveling an access road and clearing vegetation to allow better fishing access to the pond. A natural playground is also part of the Phase I plan. There is an abundance of fish in the pond including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Kayaking, canoes and boats powered by electric motors are allowed; swimming and gasoline powered boats are prohibited.
The Town is actively working on funding for Phase II to further the development.
Click here for GPS: B&O Pond
big ditch lake
Big Ditch Lake is a 55 acre warm water, man-made reservoir lake owned by WV Division of Natural Resources. It is located just outside the city limits of Cowen. It boasts a popular walking trail encircling the lake with interspersed picnic tables and a large picnic area a quick walk from the parking lot. It features a handicap accessible fishing pier as well as a launching ramp. Kayaking, canoes and boats powered by electric motors are allowed; gasoline engines, use of live minnows and swimming are prohibited. There are bathroom facilities adjacent to the parking lot.
Limited small game, waterfowl and bow hunting is permitted within the the surrounding 388 acre area. Refer to rules and regulations before participating in any hunting activity within the area.
Click here for GPS: Big Ditch Lake
gravel biking
There are numerous gravel and dirt roads and trails near Cowen within the Monongahela National Forest due to gated access roads created by the forest service, as well as former logging roads.
Below is a list of some area trails and their GPS routes via STRAVA generously shared by avid cyclist Sam Barger.
Lower Williams River Valley/Cranberry Backcountry Loop
Bishop knob - Cranberry Ridge Trail - Cranberry River Loop
B&O yard - Rock House Road - Dennison Run - Big Ditch Lake
Cowen to Richwood and back by Bishop Knob
Back Fork of Coon Creek - Tioga Loop and back
Upper Williams River and Purple Rhododendron Road
Mills Mt. to Bishop Knob Campground and out Rockhouse Road
MOUNTAIN BIKING
There is a myriad of trails for all skill levels of mountain biking throughout the Monongahela National Forest.
Many of the trails (hiking and cycling) are maintained by a tireless volunteer group.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering, contact their page :
Monongahela Outdoor Volunteers
Below is a list of some trails within the Monongahela National Forest compiled by Monongahela Outdoor Volunteers and the MTB Project:
Big Run Trail - Rated as Difficult
Charles Creek Trail #260 - Rated as Intermediate
Cow Pasture Trail #253 - Rated as Easy/Intermediate
Cranberry Ridge Road #99 - Rated as Easy
Eagle Camp Trail #259 - Rated as Intermediate
Fork Mountain Trail - East Section - Rated as Intermediate
Fork Mountain Trail - Ridge Section - Rated as Intermediate/Difficult
FSR #946 - Rated as Intermediate
Gateway Trail - Rated as Easy
Kennison Mountain Trail - Rated as Difficult
North Bend Trail #225 - Rated as Intermediate
Pocohontas Trail #263 - Rated as Intermediate
Summit Lake Trail #201 - Rated as Intermediate
Thomas Reserve Trail #275 - Rated as Easy
Things to remember:
Take some time to study the roads and trail maps. If you use an app, such as MTBProject you don’t need cell phone coverage (after you have downloaded the WV map), it runs via satellite signal. Much more accurate than a paper map and the app shows you where you are.
Pack for a full day; water, snacks, extra layers, extra bike parts, and first aid supplies.
Don’t bike alone if you are unfamiliar with the area. Even in a group, let someone back home know your agenda and contact them when you are finished with the ride.
Be on the lookout for wildlife. This is a true wilderness experience.
hiking / backpacking / walking
The surrounding area boasts a vast array of trails for all skill levels and interests for people on foot. The trails range from leisurely walking to multi-day backpacking with rough terrain and steep climbs.
A roughly 2 mile trail circles the 55 acre lake with interspersed picnic tables.
There are several trails in the area ranging from short easy loops, out and back routes, to 20+ miles with rigorous ascents and descents. You can view a map of some of the area trails here.
The Williams River Trail is part of the Tea Creek Recreation Area. The Tea Creek Area Trails system consists of 12 trails totaling 44 miles, many of which follow old logging railroad corridors. The trails feature sweeping vistas, spruce groves, a variety of dense hardwoods, beautiful meadows and rolling creeks. The several intersecting trails offer a selection of loops for multi-day hikes with varying levels of difficulty and elevation.
The original boardwalk was built in 1875, then rebuilt in the 1890’s being called “Lover’s Lane”. It was once again rebuilt in a project spearheaded by Dr. David Gillespie which now features a 4-foot wide walkway with handrails, two rain shelters, benches and two overlooks. The boardwalk is free of charge and open to the public, but donations are welcome to contribute to upkeep.
It begins on Back Fork Street in Webster Springs (across from Minnich’s Florist - 115 North Main Street) just past the Webster Springs Post Office (100 Back Fork Street).
It is easily accessible from two locations: for those on foot, access via either of the two swinging bridges located on Bennett Avenue. Wheelchair access is located on Bell Street (7/10ths of a mile).
(Donations for upkeep can be mailed to: David Gillespie, 386 Bell Street, Webster Springs, WV 26288)
Holly River State Park is set in dense woodlands filled with areas of wildflowers. The park hosts many trails stretching 42 miles. Popular hikes include the Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa waterfall trails and the Potato Knob Trail. A map and description of trails can be found here.
A series of three falls that cascade 20 feet, 45 feet, and 65 feet. The walkway to the first fall is paved and handicapped accessible. The journey afterward becomes more strenuous as a series of stairs, boardwalks, and pathways guide visitors to the two remaining lower falls.
The viewing platform for the third and largest of the falls (the second highest falls in West Virginia) is reached by an elaborate 382 step metal stairway. For wildflower enthusiasts, in the spring and early summer, the forest carpet is alive with over 40 species of blooms. The Falls of Hills Creek are also awe inspiring in the winter as well with the spectacle of frozen falls.
Visitors should allow an hour, or more, to traverse the three-quarter-mile route to the lowest falls from the parking area during the warmer months, far longer during the challenging winter.
Accessibility:
The walkway to the first falls is paved and handicapped accessible.
Near the southern end of the Monongahela National Forest lies Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, a high-altitude cluster of boreal-type bogs that are typically found in Canada and higher elevations that form along the headwaters of the Cranberry River.
A boardwalk loop (roughly 1/2 mile) has been built to protect the fragile bogs and winds through the area where you can view a variety of unique plants including cranberries, sphagnum moss, skunk cabbage and even two carnivorous plants—purple pitcher and sundew.
The glades serve as breeding ground for a variety of birds including thrushes, warblers and finches. In the evening you might even catch a glimpse of a black bear snacking on some skunk cabbage.
Learn more about the unique features of this natural landmark by guided tours arranged by the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center (open mid-April through mid-October).
Accessibility:
The boardwalk and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Fishing
Williams River
The Williams River is regarded as one of the five best trout fishing streams in West Virginia, due to its cold water temperature, low turbidity and frequent stockings of trout (amounting to 27,000 pounds annually) by the WVDNR. It flows for much of its length in the Monongahela National Forest including the Cranberry Wilderness. It hosts rainbow, golden rainbow, brown, and brook trout and bass.
Gauley River
The Gauley River offers anglers the opportunity to catch trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, and muskellunge. It’s banks are often rugged, one should be prepared to hike, scramble, and wade.
Birch River
The river hosts a variety of fish including brown trout, bluegill, brook trout, largemouth bass, walleye and rainbow trout. Whether you’re spinning, fly fishing or bait-casting your chances of getting a bite here are good.
Elk River
The Elk River has long been a favorite destination for fly fishing and is considered one of the eastern United States’ best fly-fishing rivers. The river has brown, brook, golden and rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass and catfish.
Holly River State Park
Holly River State Park has made stream enhancement efforts spearheaded by a habitat-improvement project that created pools for trout. The stream is stocked with trout every two weeks from early March through the end of May.
still bodies of water
Big Ditch Lake
This 55 acre warm water lake is owned by WV Division of Natural Resources and is located just outside the city limits. Boating by paddles or electric motors are allowed. The lake does not receive trout stocking but does contain bluegill, black crappie, tiger musky, green sunfish, carp, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Live minnows as bait are prohibited.
Click here for GPS: Big Ditch Lake
Historic B&O Pond
The pond, through a series of grants, has been recently overhauled and upgraded with better road access, picnic tables and a variety of fish including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish.
Click here for GPS: B&O Pond
KaYAKING / CANOEING / TUBING
There are several locations to enjoy relaxing still water paddling. For the more adventurous spirits, there are class II - IV rapids within some of the nearby rivers which are bordered by beautiful scenic views. For rivers, the water levels can have a wide fluctuation range, be sure to check the levels before setting out. Below are GPS links to access points. With the rivers, there are many access points - we recommend you reference a map in the area you are traveling.
Williams River
Gauley River
Elk River
Cowen City Park
Located near downtown Cowen, the city park offers a large shelter/picnic area with grills, a playground for young children and a regulation little league baseball field.
SWIMMING
hunting
The Big Ditch Lake Wildlife Management Area, a favorite of bowhunters, boasts 388 acres and is home to small game and waterfowl. The nearby Monongahela National Forest has a variety of animals including deer, bear and turkey with designated hunting seasons. See the WV DNR site via the links below for all information regarding gun, bow and trapping rules and regulations.
To purchase a license, you can either go to a participating retailer or log in via this link: Hunting License
bird watching
The nearby Monongahela National Forest is over 908,000 acres of diverse habitat used by 230 species of birds. The forest’s various tree species as well as the non-forest areas - such as wetlands, cliffs, grassy meadows, and cascading streams - all provide places for birds to feed, rest, and raise their young.
This diverse landscape provides habitat for 70 species of resident birds, 89 breeding neotropical migrants, and 71 non-breeding migratory bird species.
It is home to a wide variety of birds including the Red Tailed Hawk, Northern Warblers, Ruffed Grouse, Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Common Raven, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Veery, Hermit Thrush, Northern Waterthrush, Mourning Warbler, Hooded Warbler, American Redstart, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Canada Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, Purple Finch, and Red Crossbill to name a few.
The Forest Service encourages you to try birding on the National Forest.