Issuu

Nicholas County Demographics Pennsylvania

541

24,604

CLAY COUNTY

Ohio

Population (2022)

Total Employer Establishments (2022)

19%

46 Median Age (2022)

PROJECT SITE

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher (2022)

$49,280

$114,400 Median Property Value (2018-2022)

Median Annual Income (2022)

Data Collected from The U.S. Census Bureau and The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute

PROJECT SITE

I-79 (30 min.) Morgantown, WV (2 HR) Pittsburgh, PA (3 HR)

Dille Kentucky

Virginia

Widen NICHOLAS COUNTY TY

Spruce Run Rd.

N TY OU OUN C AY SC CL OLA CH NI

PROJECT SITE Site Entrance

North Carolina

Site Introduction

Powell Mountain, located in Nicholas County, is one of the tallest peaks in central West Virginia at 2,417 feet. Despite its proximity to U.S. Route 19, the area remains relatively remote and provides a natural setting for outdoor recreation. For nearly two decades, a free-range goat lived on Powell Mountain after escaping a nearby farm. The goat became a local landmark, drawing visitors from across the region. Though now gone, a monument on the cliffside preserves its story and cultural significance. The site was selected for planning due to its mix of accessibility and natural character. Existing logging and mining roads create opportunities for mountain biking, ATV use, and off-road vehicles. The peak supports a range of camping options, from highelevation views to forested, secluded sites.

Although the surrounding population is small—approximately 1,333 residents within 10 miles—the site benefits from close access to Summersville. Located 10 minutes from downtown, it connects directly to grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, and services. Summersville Lake State Park is 15 minutes away, and the New River Gorge National Park is within 30 minutes, placing Powell Mountain within reach of a growing outdoor recreation economy. Proximity to Summersville and Fayetteville also provides potential to expand housing and lodging options. The following sections detail site inventory, analysis, and master plan recommendations, along with phasing and implementation strategies.

Summersville Lake State Park (15 min.)

Forest Carbon Credit Conservation

New River Gorge National Park (30 min.)

State Garage Rd. Mining History Ramp Run Surface Mine A-3 Active, Reclaimed 535.45 Acres

Spruce Run Surface Mine Revoked 196.79 Acres

Future Expansion Area

N/A

Completely Released 224 Acres

N/A

PV-Phase 1 Release 107.50 Acres

Property Owner: Alegheny Forestlands LLC, Webster Woodlands Inc., Mine Status: Revoked & Completely Released Size: Approx. 1,646 AC

Current State of Outdoor Recreation in Southern West Virginia

Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area

Since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, West Virginia has seen a continual growth in the recreation sector, which contributes billions of dollars to the state’s economy while creating a large amount of jobs. Much of this growth is being driven by the wealth of beautiful public lands and a supportive economic development team at the state government level as well as hundreds of non-profits and friends groups who are advocating for public lands and preserving the wild and wonderful spaces that are here. One of the primary areas that is seeing a tremendous amount of growth is southern West Virginia. Southern West Virginia is a key hub, anchored by New River Gorge National Park (over 1 million visitors annually) and supported by new investments like Summersville Lake State Park. Nicholas and Fayette Counties are also advancing recreation efforts. Nicholas and Fayette Counties have emphasized the importance of expanding tourism and outdoor recreation in their comprehensive plans while maintaining the small town feel. West Virginia has also targeted southern WV as a prime location to invest in outdoor recreation and tourism. By adding in additional tourism locations it will help to spread visitors throughout the systems.

Frozen Camp Elk Fork Lake O’Brien Lake Wildlife Management Areas

Kumbrabow State Forest

Wallback Wildlife Management Area

Powell Mountain Proposed Site Development

Powell Mountain is within 2.5-hours of over 200,000-acres of public lands and wildlife management areas. While many are not going to experience all of the areas there is a unique opportunity to tie together wonderful day trips between Summersville Lake State Park, only 15-minutes from the site, New River Gorge National Park, only 30-minutes from the site, Buffalo Creek Rail Explorers, 30-45-minutes from the site, and Gauley River National Recreation Area. Together these recreational assets can form a network, that provides a diverse recreational experience and compliment one another. Adding Powell Mountain strengthens this regional network, creates new opportunities for trails, camping, and events, and helps drive sustained economic benefits for southern West Virginia. Summersville Lake

New River Gorge

Holly River State Park

Elk River Wildlife Management Area

Monongahela National Forest

Cranberry Wildlife Management Area

Summersville Lake State Park

Kanawha State Forest

Buffalo Creek Rail Explorers

Seneca State Forest

Hawks Nest State Park

Beartown State Park

New River Gorge National Park

Plum Orchard Lark Wildlife Management Area

Jefferson National Forest

Babcock State Park Kanawha State Forest

Project Goals and Objectives 1. Develop a regional recreation asset for economic development

2. Expand Camping and Lodging Opportunities

• Objective 1A: Utilize the proximity to Summersville Lake, New River Gorge National Park, Gauley River, Buffalo Creek Rail Explorers, and additional assets in southern WV, to position Powell Mountain as a connector and complimentary recreational asset.

• Objective 2A: Introduce unique camping and lodging opportunities that mix traditional opportunities with new or luxury styles. Primitive campsite, RV areas, overland camping areas, bunk houses, yurts, sky cabins.

• Objective 1B: Create a series of destination quality trails, camping, amenities, and overland camping connections to attract regional and out-of-state visitors.

• Objective 2B: Create a Valley View Resort Hotel that offers scenic overnight accommodations, event space, and is accessible via a paved road.

• Objective 1C: Establish Powell Mountain as an ecofriendly destination that encourages longer stays and spending in other nearby towns such as Summersville.

• Objective 2C: Provide amenities and opportunities for group camping with buddy and group camp sites.

3. Enhance Access and Connectivity

4. Celebrate Natural and Cultural Heritage

• Objective 3A: Improve and designate site access along Spruce Run Road and the haul road on the western side.

• Objective 4A: Integrate storytelling elements such as the Powell Mountain Goat and build references trough trail naming or interpretation.

• Objective 3B: Create roadways and trails throughout site that connect ridge lines, meadows, and scenic lookouts while promoting looped circulation.

• Objective 4B: Develop lookout and view points along ridges and strip benches as well as developing a fire lookout tower to serve as both a water tower and a scenic overlook. • Objective 4C: Use educational and interpretive signs to talk about logging and mining history and how the site is being used for forest carbon credits today.

Powell Mountain Site Today Powell Mountain’s landscape is shaped by expansive ridgelines, flat benches, and deep forest cover, offering an ideal setting for recreation, preservation, and eco-tourism. With direct access from US Route 19, the site sits just minutes from Summersville Lake State Park, positioning it as a natural extension of the region’s outdoor offerings. Highlights include plateaus ideal for lodging or camping, forest preservation zones, and connections to Clay County developments like the Buffalo Creek Rail Trail. Existing roads throughout the site provide access and development flexibility without disturbing the untouched wilderness that defines Powell Mountain. The Primary Site Ingress/Egress off Route 19 leads into the heart of the site, where Spruce Run Road and a haul road provide access to two distinct development plateaus. Good viewsheds throughout the property offer potential for scenic overlooks, while existing benches and logging roads can be repurposed for trail systems or recreation areas. With proximity to the proposed Buffalo Creek Rail Trail and routes to Widen and Interstate 79, the site blends easy access with remote, elevated escapes—perfect for creating a layered recreation experience.

Widen

County road access across the site provides the opportunity to connect to developments in Clay County which is adjacent to the site, such as proposed Buffalo Creek Rail Trail, Elk River Trail, or the Rail Explorers Adventure.

nty y u o y C Count a l C las o h Nic This ridgeline features several ridgetop plateus that lend themselves to development. The large flat areas and slopes between them create opportunities for recreation, lodging / camping areas, or viewing areas. Each plateu features a road that can provide easy access to the sites for future uses.

25 mins to Interstate 79 30 mins to Widen (Proposed Buffalo Creek Rail Trail)

By utilizing existing ridges, valleys, haul and access roads, we are able to design within the existing contours so that there is minimal earthwork needed to develop the site. By doing this many of the programmatic items can be put in place with minimal development.

Spruce Run Road

Large expanse of land provides an opportunity to create forest preservation areas with remote recreation opportunities.

Main Site Access Route Utilizing Existing Roads Primary Vehicular Circulation Roads Surrounding Site Ideal Developable Areas Opportunity Areas Outside of Parcels Identified

This ridgeline features several ridgetop plateus that lend themselves to development. The large flat areas and slopes between them create opportunities for recreation, lodging / camping areas, or viewing areas. Each plateu features a road that can provide easy access to the sites for future uses.

Spruce Run Road

Primary Site Ingress / Egress

10 mins to Summersville

Hookersville Road

As you follow the existing county road, Spruce Run Road, you can split off onto and existing haul road that is in good condition. This road takes you out to a point that looks down into the valley’s and could be developed as a destination point on a trail system.

Powell Mountain Site Today - Cont.

30 mins to Widen hed

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Spruce Run Road

Utility Considerations for Development

25 mins to Interstate 79

Good viewsheds Go

Good viewsheds

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WV American Water - Provides public water service Mon Power Company - Provides electric service Nicholas Sanitation - Provides trash pickup service Frontier / Shentel / Hughesnet - Offers internet access in the surrounding areas, but there is not currently internet access on site.

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Existing infrastructure will need to be considered for development of the Powell Mountain site. System capacity will need to be evaluated and any necessary system upgrades will need to be made. Currently water and sewer do not run onto site, however, the county road, Spruce Run Rd, has public water access running parallel up to some existing homes along the road. This puts water access in reach for the site. There are several power rights-of-way which could offer access for running electric to the site.

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(Proposed Buffalo Creek Rail Trail)

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Powell Mountain offers an opportunity to build within the landscape and create a outdoor recreation tourism destination. The existing roads on site offer immediate access to vehicles and RVs with little improvement. The open landscape allows for the land that is being used as Forest Carbon Credit preserve to be programmed with backcountry mountain bike trails. The large flat plateaus and benches allow for the creation of unique overnight accommodations such as sky cabins and ridge top camping providing a diverse experience for visitors. These same plateaus, benches, and ridges provide amazing views down into the valleys. Water and electric access would be available very close to the site due to the county road and surrounding homes making this a perfect site for outdoor recreation development.

This area is located at one of the highest points on site and is directly accessible from Spruce Run Road, an existing county road. The highpoint has a plateu which provides the opportunity for developing and area with fantastic views. Wrapping below the highpoint is an existing strip bench which provides and opportunity to develop along that bench.

Spruce Run Road This area has direct access via an existing haul road and has the oppotunity to develop two areas. There is a lower plateu and an upper plateu which allow for different levels of access and programming. The high elevations provide outstanding views into the valleys.

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Primary Site Ingress / Egress While this area is not within the parcels identified as a part of the WVU FML project, it presents an opportunity to expand programing on land with several logging and haul roads that could be utilized for recreational trails.

There is direct access to the site from US Route 19. This provides a great opportunity to develop an area that is in close proximity to several outdoor recreation destinations such as, New River Gorge National Park, Summersville Lake State Park and many others.

10 mins to Summersville

Main Site Access Route Utilizing Existing Roads Primary Vehicular Circulation Roads Surrounding Site Public Water Infrastructure Transmission Line ROW Ideal Developable Areas Opportunity Areas Outside of Parcels Identified Good Viewshed

Program Development

The proposed development for Powell Mountain aims to create a diverse outdoor recreation destination by utilizing much of the site’s existing infrastructure and natural features. The proximity to U.S. Route 19 makes providing access to the site extremely easy. The main entry will provide a welcome center / entry plaza to welcome guests and direct them to the correct location for their stay. From that main entry there are two existing options for creating on-site access. On the western side of the site there is an existing haul road that provides access to the Lower Development Area and the Mountain Bike Park. This existing access needs minor improvements to be accessible for most vehicles. The Upper Development Area is

accessible via an existing paved county road, Spruce Run Road, making development of this site accessible with little to no improvements. Both the lower and upper development areas have existing landforms and site connections that allow for the program to be created utilizing the existing topography and reduced the impact from extensive earthwork. In addition to the program elements to be developed additional programmatic elements tie back into some of the sites cultural history of the Powell Mountain Goat. Utilizing goats, sheep, or other livestock for vegetation and invasive species management provides an opportunity for local farmers to become involved, and promoting an eco-friendly maintenance strategy.

Upper Development Area

The upper development area provides an accessible campsite with direct connection to the existing Spruce Run Road. This allows for a different typer of user to experience the site. This area is perfect for cabins, campgrounds, and boutique hotels / lodges. The natural benches and ridges allow for development without creating extensive earthwork. Spruce Run Road

Connection Road / Trail

Lower Development Area

While not accessible for normal vehicles, this access road is perfect for overland camping and off-road vehicles to access the site as well as a hiking and biking trail.

Powell Mountain offers ideal conditions for developing a unique camping / lodging experience. The lower development area is accessible via an existing haul road and provides several opportunities to develop along existing ridges and benches to create camping / lodging opportunities. Some of these developments could be tailored to RV camping while others could cater to overland camping enthusiasts.

Entry / Welcome Center Spruce Run Road

Mountain Bike Park

NORTH 0

375

With an extensive network of existing haul and logging roads, Powell Mountain could become a premier mountain bike trail park. By utilizing the existing roads and terrain a series of trails could be created that can offer a range of trail difficulties. With minimal grading needed and a strong regional connection to existing recreation this offers a cost-effective way to program the site to attract visitors.

Existing Haul Road

Powell Mountain provides a great opportunity for easy access due to its direct connection to US Route 19. After turning into the site, there are two primary access points, Spruce Run Road, an existing county route, and a haul road that is in really great condition. Together both routes provide immediate access to the site with minimal upgrades. The entry plaza serves as a visitors first interaction and directs them to their preferred location.

Spruce Run Road

Overland Campground / Welcome Center

Luxury Lodging / Lookout Tower

Powell Mountain Redevelopment Masterplan

The masterplan proposed for Powell Mountain utilizes the existing landscape and haul road system to create a regional outdoor recreation destination that continues to build on the already robust tourism economy in West Virginia. Located between Summersville Lake State Park and the New River Gorge National Park, the site offers several opportunities to create sustainable, trail based recreation that will support adventure, tourism, camping / lodging, and even outdoor education. Powell Mountain supports key regional and state wide initiatives of creating new and upgrading existing access to public lands, expanding camping and lodging experiences, and preservation of our natural environment. With designated spaces for RV camping, overland camping, primitive campsites, bunkhouses, cabins, and boutique hotel / lodge, the masterplan can appeal to a broad range of visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. The infrastructure on site is developed intentionally as low-impact by utilizing existing haul roads, natural clearings, and strip benches to minimize disturbance while improving access and amenities across the site. New facilities such as the welcome center, trailheads, and gathering areas are distributed across the sites upper and lower developments to enhance the visitors experience and encourage longer stays on site. By creating a flexible design, it can support seasonal and yearlong activities for groups, families, or individuals.

Spruce Run Road

With minimal impact, Powell Mountain can help serve as a recreational anchor to the already strong recreational landscape in southern West Virginia. While this land was shaped by extraction industries it can now begin to offer new and sustainable uses that focus on stewardship, sustainability, recreation, green energy, and even rotational grazing to help with land management. The final section of this document will explore additional land reuse models and their potential to contribute to a broader regional network of outdoor destinations

Plan Key

Mountain Bike Adventure Park

Campground Solar Development RV Campground Bike Trails Community Trail Network

Entry / Welcome Plaza

Tent Camping Overland Camp Experience

30 Minutes to Widen

Luxury Lodging / Lookout Tower Camp

5 Minutes to U.S. 19

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The Luxury Lodging / Lookout Tower area offers excellent development potential with direct access from Spruce Run Road, making it ideal for camping, cabins, and a valley-view hotel. Its mix of terrain, views, and accessibility supports a wide range of outdoor experiences appealing to both casual campers and higher-end visitors. At the high point, primitive campsites tucked among the trees provide secluded retreats, supported by a bathhouse and picnic area. A central fire tower doubles as a scenic lookout and water tower, adding both infrastructure and educational value.

ky Cabins

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The lower bench is suited for sky cabins elevated to capture dramatic valley views, blending adventure and luxury with large windows and decks. A small hotel for up to 40 guests will offer resort amenities, valley views, and a central gathering space.

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In total, the plan includes 12 sky cabins, 37 individual campsites, 3 buddy campsites, and the hotel—accommodating up to 95 guests. This mix of primitive and luxury lodging ensures memorable outdoor experiences, scenic views, and modern comforts for diverse visitors.

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Sky Cabin Section

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. .O.W

13 11 7

Key Map

Campsit

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Spr

2 Valley View Resort Hotel - 40 Rooms - Event Space - Event Deck - Conference Space

Trailhead Parking and Picnic Area

Signage

Trail

Hotel Parking

Sky Cabins

Single Camp Site

9 Buddy Camp Site 10 Bathhouse 11

Rd.

Overland Trail Gateway

Run

uce

8 Plan Key

Picnic Area

12 Tower Feature

- Observation Platform - Water Tank - Wind Turbine - Restaurant

6 7

Unit Totals

13 Tower Parking 14 Entry 15 Existing Access Road (Can

4x4 Overland Camp Access Road

Accommodate Regular Vehicles)

16 Spruce Run Road/County Road

200

NORTH

5 1

Valley View Hotel Sky Cabins Buddy Sites (3) Single Camping Site

40 12 6 37

Total Lodging Units

Luxury Lodging / Lookout Tower Camp Sky Cabins

Look Out Tower

Sky Cabins

Camping Sites

Po w

Overland Campground / Welcome Center

A haul road provides direct access to the Overland Campground / Welcome Center, making it ideal for RVs, overland campers, Jeeps, and off-road vehicles. A designated check-in area ensures visitors receive guidance for their stay, whether parking an RV, setting up a tent, or preparing to explore the trail network across the site.

O .W .

The campground is designed for both traditional and RV camping, with easy vehicle access that appeals to families, retirees, and groups. Dedicated overland sites give off-road enthusiasts a basecamp experience, blending vehicle-based adventure with direct trail access. Buddy campsites create shared but semi-private setups for friends or multi-family visitors, while bunkhouses provide lodging for larger gatherings such as school groups or retreats.

14 9

Campsit

t en

4x4 Overland Access Road

• 24 Spaces Availabe in RV Campground • 48 Tent / Yurt / Rustic Cabin Opportunities • Two Bunkhouses accomdating 40 guests (20-each)

19 18

Sustainability is built into the design by working with the existing topography—using flat benches, natural clearings, and former haul roads to minimize disturbance and reduce the need for extensive grading. This approach preserves the character of the land while supporting long-term recreation opportunities.

10 9

With its flexible accommodations, vehicle-friendly access, and environmentally conscious design, the Overland Campground / Welcome Center is positioned as the welcoming hub for recreation, gathering, and exploration on Powell Mountain.

ome Cent c l e

10 14 11

5 2

Entry Road

10 Buddy Camp Site

2 Welcome Center

11 Family Campground

12 Solar 14 Bunkhouse (20 Rooms)

Trailhead Parking and Information Kiosk

Large RV Sites (11)

Regular RV Sites (11)

Buddy RV Site (1)

Bathhouse

17 Sewage Plant

Playground

18 Overland Trail Entrance/Trailhead

Single Camp Site

19 Overland Trail

Unit Totals

/ Cabi rts n u Y

13 Parking

Key Map

- Camp Store - Rentals - Check In - Trailhead - Concessions

Plan Key 1

- 14,000 Sq. Ft. Building - Covered Porch - Event Deck

15 Mountain Bike Trail 16 Camp Store

NORTH

200

5 Minutes to U.S. 19

RV Campground Large Adventure Sites Regular Sites Buddy Site (1) Total RV Sites Southern Campground Camp Site Total Overland Resort Bunkhouse (2 @ 20 units each) Buddy Sites (6) Family Campground Campsite Total Total Lodging Units

11 11 2 24 5 5 40 12 4 33 89 118

Overland Campground / Welcome Center Tent Camping

Yurt / Cabin Spots

Welcome Center

Yurt / E-Bike Charing Stations

Located just off US Route 19 and a short drive from Summersville Lake State Park, the Entry Area serves as the gateway to the site. Its convenient location makes it highly accessible to local and regional visitors, positioning it as an ideal extension of the area’s outdoor recreation network.

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Entry / Check-in Station

As an orientation hub, the Entry Area will welcome guests heading to the Overland Campground / Welcome Center for traditional or RV camping, or venturing toward the Luxury Lodging / Lookout Tower for a more elevated experience. At its center, a flexible welcome kiosk can operate as either a staffed station or a self-guided information point, depending on the resources of the developer. This allows the Entry Area to scale with demand—running lean with minimal staffing when needed, or offering a more robust, personal guest experience when staff and funding are available. The kiosk will provide maps, camping info, site rules, and seasonal updates. Prominent wayfinding signage and interpretive displays will direct visitors while sharing background on the landscape, ecology, and heritage of Powell Mountain.

10 Minutes to I-79

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Or i

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Parking and staging areas near the kiosk will support shortterm stops and allow guests to prepare before exploring. From here, trailheads and activity zones are easily accessed, making it the operational and symbolic starting point for the site.

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The site’s position along US Route 19 ensures direct, uncomplicated access for travelers moving between Beckley, Summersville, and Fayetteville. Its visibility and proximity to a major highway corridor make it a logical stop for visitors already drawn to the region’s recreation assets, reducing barriers to entry and reinforcing its role as a central, connected hub.

4 3

Entry Road

2 Signage / Wayfinding 3

Orientation Center

Trail Head Kiosk

RV / Vehicle Stacking

Trail head Parking

Spruce Run Road

Existing Haul Access Road

NORTH

10 Minutes to Summersville 100

Head Kio s

Plan Key

ail

Key Map

WIDEN

Overall Powell Mountain Development

22-Minutes to Interstate 79

Nicholas Street Existing County Road

NORTH

EE K

Buffalo Creek Trail Connections PO W EL L

The Powell Mountain Development balances outdoor recreation and tourism with conservation, ensuring that the majority of the site remains preserved for forest conservation. By maintaining 99.99% of the property for Forest Carbon Credits and backcountry trails, the projects helps to protect forestland, supports carbon sequestration, and protect habitat and streams from development. At the same time by utilizing the natural topography to create backcountry hiking and biking trails it opens the site up to outdoor enthusiast who are seeking an immersive backcountry experience while also maintaining the natural integrity of the site. This approach positions Powell Mountain as an economic driver and a model project for conservation-based recreation in West Virginia.

Spruce Run Road Existing County Road

Y Y NT NT U U O C CO AY LAS L C O CH NI

e S g T a I e r ED c A CR l a N t o O S T L f B I o R A Less Than .01% of A R % Acreage for C T 9 Development 9 + T . S 9 9 RE O F C EY RK

TA YL OR

Luxury Lodging / Lookout Tower Camp

Improved Access Road

Existing Haul Road

TAYLOR CR EEK

See Concept Above for More Detail

M EL

Spruce Run Road

Primary Site Entry

See Concept Above for More Detail

LE R D

VA LL EY

Overland Campground / Welcome Center

3 Luxury Lodging / Lookout Tower Camp

LET

YV ALL

SVIL

Site Entry

KER

Existing Haul Road

HOO

LEGEND

Improved Access Road

K EE CR

Overland Campground / Welcome Center

ON NS

Existing County Road

Site Access Roads Existing Roads Streams

11-Minutes to Interstate 79 0

1,500

3,000

6,000 US Feet