Laurel Bed Lake, Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Important Notices

COVID-19 & the VBWTBefore heading out to visit a site on the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail, be sure to check if that site has any COVID-19 policies or closures in place. This information is typically posted on a site's own website.

Important Notices For This Site

Notice
Laurel Bed Lake: Low Water LevelA malfunction in the water release gate at Laurel Bed Lake in Russell County has resulted in continual release of water through the dam and a lower than normal water level in the lake. A repair crew is on site trying to close and repair the gate, but the lake level is currently down about 5–6 feet. The fishing pier is not usable at this time, but anglers may still launch boats from the boat ramp. However, boaters should use caution as the lower lake level has exposed standing timber and other navigational hazards. Once repairs have been made to the water release gate the lake level may remain low for some time depending on the amount of precipitation the area receives. For questions or additional information, please contact the DWR Regional Office in Marion at (276) 783-4860.
Notice of Logging ActivityLogging activity is taking place in the Twin Hollows area of Clinch Mountain WMA to improve wildlife habitats. Logging trucks will be transporting forest products along Laurel Bed Lake Road and Tumbling Creek Road daily. All WMA visitors are advised to drive slowly and use caution, while traveling to and from Laurel Bed Lake and while traveling along Tumbling Creek Road. This logging activity was carefully planned with wildlife habitat, sustainability and safety in mind. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Notice

Laurel Bed Lake: Low Water LevelA malfunction in the water release gate at Laurel Bed Lake in Russell County has resulted in continual release of water through the dam and a lower than normal water level in the lake. A repair crew is on site trying to close and repair the gate, but the lake level is currently down about 5–6 feet. The fishing pier is not usable at this time, but anglers may still launch boats from the boat ramp. However, boaters should use caution as the lower lake level has exposed standing timber and other navigational hazards. Once repairs have been made to the water release gate the lake level may remain low for some time depending on the amount of precipitation the area receives. For questions or additional information, please contact the DWR Regional Office in Marion at (276) 783-4860.

Notice of Logging ActivityLogging activity is taking place in the Twin Hollows area of Clinch Mountain WMA to improve wildlife habitats. Logging trucks will be transporting forest products along Laurel Bed Lake Road and Tumbling Creek Road daily. All WMA visitors are advised to drive slowly and use caution, while traveling to and from Laurel Bed Lake and while traveling along Tumbling Creek Road. This logging activity was carefully planned with wildlife habitat, sustainability and safety in mind. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Description

Elevation: 3674 feet

Laurel Bed Lake lies within Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area and is a manmade lake created by the damming of Big Tumbling Creek. The lake and the surrounding area are popular venues for bird-watching. For a description of the birding opportunities, refer to Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area.

Notes:

To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
Some areas of the WMA are subject to seasonal closures and some roads may be closed during inclement weather.
Hunting could be occurring at this site April 1 – May 31 and September 1 – February 28th, except on Sundays. If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange for safety.

Directions

Location: Laurel Bed Lake is located within Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which is north of the town of Saltville, Virginia.

Trail Loop: Clinch Mountain Loop
Site Number: 04

Location & Directions

View on Google Maps

Site Information

Site Contact: Virginia Dept of Game & Inland Fisheries Region 3 Office: 276-783-4860, [email protected]
Website
Access: Often inaccessible in winter. Restore the Wild Membership, hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.

Birds Recently Seen at Laurel Bed Lake, Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area (as reported to eBird)

Wild Turkey
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Carolina Chickadee
Golden-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow

Seasonal Bird Observations

View Seasonal Observations Submitted to eBird

Facilities

Parking
Restrooms
Primitive Camping
Boat Ramp