Where do you go when you’re in the mood for a spectacular West Virginia view? Most of us have our favorite spots: Spruce Knob. Dolly Sods. Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory. Grandview. Beauty Mountain. The list could go on and on.
But there’s one overlook hidden away in Wyoming County that rarely makes such lists, even though it offers one of the best views in West Virginia.
R.D. Bailey Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers/Facebook
Do you recognize this beautiful view, which might arguably be one of West Virginia’s best kept secrets?
R.D. Bailey Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers/Facebook
If so, then you already know where to find it - hidden away at the R. D. Bailey Lake Visitor Center near Hanover, West Virginia.
R.D. Bailey Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers/Facebook
Perched on a hillside above R.D. Bailey Lake, this visitor center managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers is an excellent stopping point on your tour of wild, wonderful West Virginia.
R.D. Bailey Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers/Facebook
When you do stop in, what can you expect? Well, in addition to this gorgeous view…
R.D. Bailey Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers/Facebook
… you’ll also find several miles of hiking trails and an old auger mining ruin.
Robert Schneider/Google Maps
Inside the visitor center, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about a variety of local fish and wildlife thanks to a wall of taxidermy and a huge aquarium filled with native fish.
Stephanie May/Google Maps And this is just the start of what this area has to offer. To find out the rest, you’ll just have to come explore it for yourself!
Do you need one more reason to love this hidden gem? Here you go: the view of R. D. Bailey Lake and the rugged mountains that surround it is beautiful year round, whether bathed in lush green or coated in icy white.
R.D. Bailey Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers/Facebook That means that there’s no wrong time to visit.
Did you know about the visitor center at R. D. Bailey Lake? You can find it at 1110 Visitor Center Road, which is just off of U.S. Route 52 between the small communities of Hanover and Justice. Note that the visitor center and dam overlook hours are subject to change depending on the season, but it is often not open on weekends and nearly always closes at 4:00 p.m. To learn more, visit the US Army Corps of Engineers R. D. Bailey Lake Facebook page. Love gorgeous West Virginia views? Like we said earlier, the list of spots to find them just goes on and on and on.
R.D. Bailey Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers/Facebook
Robert Schneider/Google Maps
Stephanie May/Google Maps
And this is just the start of what this area has to offer. To find out the rest, you’ll just have to come explore it for yourself!
That means that there’s no wrong time to visit.
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Address: R.D. Bailey Lake Visitor Center, Visitor Center Rd, Hanover, WV 24839, USA
