Tug Fork Wildlife Area Expands Outdoor Access for McDowell County Residents
Tug Fork Wildlife Management Area offers McDowell County residents and visitors more than 2,165 acres of steep, forested public land for hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing, supporting local recreation and small scale tourism. Managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and accessed from U.S. Route 52 at Premier, the site is an important community asset with implications for public health, local economy, and equity of access.
Tug Fork Wildlife Management Area sits about 10 miles northwest of Welch, occupying roughly 2,165 acres of steep, hardwood forest above the Tug Fork River. Operated by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the state managed area is reached from U.S. Route 52 at Premier and contains multiple trails and jeep tracks that provide routes for walking and wildlife observation. The WMA supports traditional outdoor uses including hunting, while also offering opportunities for hiking and scenic driving that draw visitors to McDowell County.
For local residents, access to Tug Fork matters beyond recreation. Regular outdoor activity can contribute to physical and mental health, offering low cost opportunities for exercise and stress relief in a county facing economic and health challenges. The WMA also underpins a modest local guiding and tourism economy, complementing nearby trails and scenic driving routes and helping to diversify sources of income in a community with limited economic options.
At the same time, longstanding barriers affect whether all residents can benefit equally. Transportation to rural public lands, trail maintenance, signage, and year round access are practical concerns for people without reliable vehicles or for older residents. The management responsibilities of the Division of Natural Resources mean funding decisions and maintenance priorities will shape how accessible and welcoming the WMA remains to residents and visitors alike.
Public health agencies, county leaders, and conservation managers can view the Tug Fork area as both an environmental resource and a potential partner in community health and equity strategies. Enhancing outreach, coordinating low cost programming for families and elders, and ensuring safe access from U.S. Route 52 could increase usage by local residents while supporting local guides and small businesses. As McDowell County continues to seek economic resilience and improved health outcomes, preserving and activating public lands like Tug Fork offers a practical, place based tool to support both wellbeing and local livelihoods.
