Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · West Virginia

Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area

Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area is a diverse natural habitat in West Virginia offering fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and hunting opportunities across varied terrain and forested landscapes.

Wildlife Management Area1,0354+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

1,035

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area

Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area is a diverse natural habitat in West Virginia offering fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and hunting opportunities across varied terrain and forested landscapes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located in Harrison County, West Virginia, encompasses a blend of mixed hardwood forests, open fields, and riparian zones along the West Fork River watershed. The area is managed primarily for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation, supporting a vibrant array of species including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, small game, and waterfowl. Popular among anglers, Taylorsville Lake, which is closely connected with the WMA, provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. The terrain ranges from gentle river bottomlands to rolling hills, offering a variety of habitats and scenic spots for exploration. The WMA has a history rooted in conservation efforts spearheaded by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, focusing on maintaining healthy wildlife populations and sustainable hunting opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking local trails, exploring wildlife viewing blinds, and using the WMA as a base for water-based activities on adjacent waters. Due to its proximity to small communities and easy accessibility, it serves both casual day visitors and dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. Key features include seasonal bird migrations, managed timber harvests promoting habitat health, and opportunities for regulated trapping and hunting. Taylorsville WMA attracts outdoorspeople who value a quiet, less developed natural space with abundant wildlife and fishing prospects.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Taylorsville Lake – a prime fishing and boating destination✦ Diverse forest and river habitats supporting game and non-game species✦ Seasonal birdwatching hotspots, including waterfowl migrations✦ Quiet backcountry trails connecting to remote hunting grounds
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Boating

Available in Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access; hunting and fishing require appropriate state licenses and permits

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Clarksburg, West Virginia
⌖ 0.73 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Clarksburg, West Virginia

Clarksburg offers outdoor lovers easy access to mellow hiking, paddling on calm rivers, and seasonal snow sports. Perfect for travelers looking to explore Appalachian nature without heavy crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Nutter Fort, West Virginia
⌖ 2.31 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nutter Fort, West Virginia

Nutter Fort is a small West Virginia town ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nearby forests, trails, and rivers without the crowds. Perfect for hiking, paddling, and mountain biking within easy reach of Morgantown.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Bridgeport, West Virginia
⌖ 4.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bridgeport, West Virginia

Bridgeport is a welcoming town in northern West Virginia offering hiking, biking, paddling, and bird watching amid gentle hills and rivers. It’s a great spot for peaceful outdoor escapes with easy access to nature preserves and parks.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Shinnston, West Virginia
⌖ 7.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Shinnston, West Virginia

Shinnston offers a low-key outdoor experience with easy hiking trails, peaceful paddling on the West Fork River, and opportunities for fishing and birdwatching in an Appalachian small-town setting.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Jane Lew, West Virginia
⌖ 12.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jane Lew, West Virginia

Jane Lew is a small town in West Virginia offering easy access to hiking, paddling, and wildlife spotting in nearby forests and rivers. It’s a peaceful spot for outdoor lovers looking to explore nature at a relaxed pace.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Monongah, West Virginia
⌖ 13.71 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Monongah, West Virginia

Monongah is a small town in West Virginia offering outdoor lovers quiet hiking, paddling, and bird watching opportunities amid forested hills and the West Fork River. It's a peaceful base for nature exploration with nearby parks and scenic waterways.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Taylorsville Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Boardwalk Wakeups and Waterpark Evenings: A Five‑Day Myrtle Beach Stay
ADVEXPEDITION
Myrtle Beach, SC
LodgingADV Bookable

Boardwalk Wakeups and Waterpark Evenings: A Five‑Day Myrtle Beach Stay

A five-day oceanfront lodging package on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk that includes round‑trip coach transportation, beachfront rooms, an on‑site water park and daily hot breakfasts—this guide explains what’s included and how to plan.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Six-Hour Vigil: An Overnight Ghost Hunt in Moundsville’s Empty Penitentiary
ADVEXPEDITION
Moundsville, West Virginia
Ghost TourADV Bookable

Six-Hour Vigil: An Overnight Ghost Hunt in Moundsville’s Empty Penitentiary

A 6-hour overnight investigation at the abandoned West Virginia Penitentiary—starting with a 90‑minute guided tour before guests are released to explore the cellblocks and wards on their own—this guide lays out what to expect and what to bring.

Ghost TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip