#WVFlood2016 and Its Impact on Webster County

The #WVFlood2016 is Gone and Events are ON in Webster County! Businesses have reopened and events in the Mountain Park are going on. The Mountain Park is known for its RESILIENCE! The sun is shining and fall is in full swing! Despite ongoing #WVFlood2016 recovery operations, Webster County has bounced back and is welcoming visitors.

The following is an updated, short list of places and businesses who are still recovering:

Thank you for visiting and we look forward to having you as our guests again soon!

Cowger’s Riverside Campground & Rentals – Has decided to only have Campsites available for rent for at least the next 6 months (through December 2016). There are no plans to do any lodging rentals. Campsites include full hook up with a dump station, as well. WiFi available at 2 sites currently, with plans to expand to all sites.

Bergoo Bait & Tackle – has re-opened in a temporary building and has begun construction on a new store.

Baker’s Island Recreational Area – currently closed but repairs are underway. To review photos and contribute to the recovery efforts, please visit http://www.visitwebsterwv.com/bakers-island-restoration/.

Homestead Acres Campground – has reopened after rebuilding their access road into the campground.

Living Water Cabins - has re-opened!

Monongahela National Forest - Roads that received heavy flood damage

- Williams River Road (FR 86): downstream of Tea Creek Campground to the state road east of Dyer.
NOTE: There will be a gate at the Tea Creek End. There has also been developed additional parking at Tea Creek for the fall of 2016 and have installed an additional gate ½ downstream from Tea Creek and developed parking near camp sites 19 and 20 along the river if the Tea Creek parking fills.  The road will only be closed to public motorized travel.  Walking, biking and horseback riding are still permitted.  The river side camp sites will be open (except for maybe a few that received extensive damage.  Camping is still only permitted within those sites and the fees will remain the same.  WV DNR will be stocking the river as usual.  This closure may be in effect for 2 or 3 years until the road can be made safe for 2 way traffic again.  

- Camp Splinter Road (FR 83).
NOTE: This road surface has been rebuilt and the road is open down to the Cranberry River.  Be careful as the ditches are deep in places and the road is narrow in those places.  Not much worse than other roads.  Culverts will be replaced and additional ditch work will be done at a later date.

Monongahela National Forest - Trails that received heavy flood damage:

- Tea Creek Trail (#454): The bridge is washed out and a portion of the trail along the river is severely damaged.

- Williams River Trail (#487): All bridges are washed out.

- Props Run Trail (#420): The bridge is washed out at Elk River Touring Center and lower trailhead (off of S.H. 219) are inaccessible, however, the trail can be accessed from the trailhead on Mine Rd.

- Eagle Camp Trail (#259): The bridge is washed out and trail sustained some damage.

- Barrenshe Trail (#256): Severely damaged by the tornado on 6/22.

- Middle Fork Trail (#271): There has been some damage, but the trail is open.

- North Fork Trail (#272): This trail is open and okay!

Monongahela National Forest - Recreation Areas that received heavy flood damage:

- Campsites along Williams River Road, downstream of Tea Creek Campground.
NOTE: These will be open by foot travel, bike, and horseback except for some that need work.

- Honeycomb Rocks Parking Lot is fixed and open!

- Williams River Fishing Pier and vault toilet.