Complete Guide to Dents Run Wildlife Management Area

Dents Run Lake

Nestled in the outskirts of Fairmont, deep in the heart of Mannington, lies Dents Run Wildlife Management Area. Well known for its excellent hunting and fishing opportunities, it also offers a haven for nature photographers, birdwatchers, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone seeking solitude.

Dents Run includes more than a thousand acres of land, two lakes and a shooting range.

Unlike a state park, a wildlife management area (WMA) is primarily focused on conserving habitats and managing wildlife populations. WMAs are typically less developed, placing an emphasis on activities such as hunting, fishing and wildlife observation, however, Dents Run does offer raw hiking, or bushwhacking (unmaintained trails), for people who like to explore more rugged terrain.

Route/Times

The road to get to Dents Run Lake is closed off to motorized vehicles and bicycles. Foot travel is the only way to the area.

Open year-round, both day and night.

Directions

Find Dents Run Wildlife Management Area on Google Maps.

Use Waze to find Dents Run Wildlife Management Area.

MAP OF DENTS RUN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Parking

There are several access points to get into the wildlife area. Visitors can park near the gate just before Dents Run Lake, or in the area that’s passed the gate on the left. There are a few unmarked gravel lots for parking beside or near the wildlife area.

It’s important to note that because of the area’s rough terrain and its focus on maintaining wildlife habitat, motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted inside the wildlife area. Plan to park in the designated parking areas and walk to your destination.

Terrain/Hiking

Surrounded by oak-hickory and mixed hardwood forests, the area features open fields in the valleys with moderately steep slopes ranging in elevations from 1,000 to 1,500 feet. Elevations are similar to a long walk uphill that is moderate but will still have you feeling the workout. Let’s face it, most of Marion County is uphill.

While there are no marked trails throughout the WMA, visitors will find unmaintained “trails” for raw hiking, also known as bushwhacking. These trails are not tended hiking trails but game trails/hunter trails. They can be rugged and thick with vegetation.

All trails can be found here.

When hiking in Dents Run, wear orange during hunting seasons (mid-September to mid-January), which typically range from the middle of September to the middle of January. Abide by WMA rules and regulations posted at the main access kiosk to Dents Run Lake.

Fishing

Included in the 1,387 acres of rolling hills and wooded areas are two lakes. Mannington Lake is 10 acres and Dents Run Lake is 30 acres in size, both offering warm-water fishing. Anglers will find the waters stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish.

Mannington Lake

Both lakes are open to boats, kayaks and canoes. Night fishing is allowed at Dents Run Lake, however, it is prohibited at Mannington Lake.

Public boating and fishing access facilities are to be used only for launching and retrieving watercraft.

Hunting

The area’s remote feel and expansive terrain make it ideal for those who prefer a quiet, immersive hunt away from the crowds. As always, hunters are encouraged to follow all West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and WMA regulations to ensure a safe and sustainable experience.

Check out the WVDNR’s website for the complete list of hunting dates.

Hunting details:

Portable tree stands cannot be left behind on the WMA for more than 48 hours.
Hunters must have a hunting license with the correct tags for that hunting season. For questions, call the District Office at 304-825-6787.
While a hunter does not have to contact the DNR when game has been killed, they must check in via phone or online at www.wvdnr.gov.
It’s strongly suggested that folks in the area wear orange during the hunting seasons, typically from the middle of September to the middle of January.

HUNTING SEASONS AND REGULATIONS

Shooting Range

Shooting ranges are the perfect — and safest — opportunity for firearm training and/or to improve your shooting skills. The Dents Run Shooting Range is equipped with 25, 50 and 100 yard backstops with five covered shooting benches. All firearms must be unloaded and firearm handling must cease while any person is forward of the firing line. Firearms may be loaded and discharged only at established shooting stations.

The range is open from 9 a.m. until sunset (unless otherwise announced on the Dents Run Wildlife Management Facebook page).

No fully automatic firearms are permitted in the shooting range.

Wildlife

Visitors are likely to see native wildlife throughout the area including snakes, raccoons, water fowl, various bird species, wild turkeys, deer, and potentially, black bear. For the safety of yourself and the animals, please don’t directly engage with wildlife.

Camping

Camping is prohibited in the WMA. Open fires are also not permitted.

Photography

Photography is permitted and encouraged. Share your photos with @MarionCVB on Facebook and Instagram.

To avoid disturbance to the wildlife, drones are not permitted in the wildlife area.

NOTICE: Please review the WMA Rules and Regulations before visiting Dents Run.

A private graveyard is located in the wildlife area.

Joel McCann Memorial Trail (part of the county’s rail trail system)

The Mystery Vault Escape Room

Lodging:

Senator’s Mansion AirBnB

Curtisville Lake Campground

Discover nearby West Virginia State Parks

Prepare for your visit and learn everything you need to know about Pricketts Fort State Park with the Complete Guide to Pricketts Fort.

Just 15 miles from Pricketts Fort is Valley Falls State Park. Prepare for your visit with the Complete Guide to Valley Falls. Don’t forget your VIPP card!