One of the earliest Department owned Game Department lands, the T. M. Gathright Wildlife Management Area’s contribution to Virginia’s wildlife resource has been long and far reaching. Described as, “some of the most beautiful mountain habitat imaginable,” Gathright can also boast of producing the wild brood stock for some of the most successful wild turkey restorations imaginable. Lake Moomaw, occupying land that was once part of the management area, adds to the recreational opportunity offered by Gathright. Located in Bath County and divided by Lake Moomaw, the two tracts of the Gathright Wildlife Management Area contains 13,428 acres, encompassing three major mountains, Allegheny and Bolar Mountains west of the lake, and Coles Mountain to the east. Elevations range from 1,400 to 3,600 feet. The area’s long northwest boundary is marked by the crest of Allegheny Mountain where Virginia and West Virginia adjoin. Numerous streams flow eastward from the steep side of Allegheny Mountain and have created a series of secondary ridges and hollows that terminate at Mill Creek. The primary habitat found on the area is upland hardwood forest. Stands of oak/hickory and mixed oaks are the major forest types. Tulip popular grows in the more fertile hollows and small herbaceous openings are interspersed throughout much of the management area. The ridges and hollows of this area provide challenging hunting in a scenic environment. The area is managed mainly for forest wildlife and the best hunting opportunities are for deer, wild turkey, squirrel, bear and grouse. Management activities are concentrated in areas accessible by roads. Habitat diversity is gained with timber sales in the form of small clear-cuts, which provides wildlife openings, and thinnings to enhance hard mast production. Herbaceous habitat is created with the development and maintenance of grass/clover clearings. The lake provides a limited amount of waterfowl hunting.