Complete Guide to Dents Run Wildlife Management Area

Dents Run Wildlife Management Area, Marion County, West Virginia, surrounded by hardwood forest and rolling hills

A serene view at Dents Run Wildlife Management Area — a 1,387-acre WMA in Marion County, WV, managed by the WV Division of Natural Resources and owned in part by Consol Energy. The area features steep wooded terrain and supports wildlife, hunting, and fishing activities.

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. This is the complete guide to Dents Run Wildlife Management area

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 wildlife area is open year-round.

Google Maps to Dents Run

Apple Maps to Dents Run

Dents Run Wildlife Management Area Plus Code

Directions

From I-79 South:

Take Exit 137 Downtown Fairmont

Follow Fairmont Gateway Connector N to the Jefferson Street Bridge

Turn left onto Jackson Street

Turn right onto Cleveland Avenue (turns into Husky Highway)

From Mannington to Dents Run Wildlife Management Area:

Head southwest on Buffalo Street (County Route 1) in Mannington.

Continue on Buffalo Street for about 1 mile.

Turn left onto Dents Run Road (County Route 5).

Dents Run Wildlife Management Area is located approximately 3⁄4 of a mile down

Dents Run Road.

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.

Dents Run Lake: 39.54281, -80.38986

Mannington Lake: 39.531169, -80.367070 or 39.539895, -80.368564

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. – Download the West Virginia DNR Regulations to your phone

When hiking in Dents Run, wear at minimum 400 square inches of blaze orange during West Virginia 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. 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 may remain on the WMA for no more than 48 hours.
Hunters must carry a valid hunting license with the correct tags for the season. For questions, call the District Office at 304-825-6787.
Hunters don’t need to contact the DNR after harvesting game but must check in by phone or online. Anyone in the area should wear orange during hunting season, which typically runs from mid-September through mid-January.

WV HUNTING SEASONS AND REGULATIONS

Shooting Range

The Dents Run Shooting Range offers a safe and convenient place to train or sharpen your shooting skills. The range includes 25-, 50-, and 100-yard backstops with five covered benches. Keep firearms unloaded when someone is forward of the firing line, and only load or discharge them at designated shooting stations.

The range is open from 9 a.m. until sunset, unless otherwise noted on the Dents Run Wildlife Management Facebook page.
Fully automatic firearms are not allowed.

Full West Virginia Firearms Regulations

No fully automatic firearms are permitted in the shooting range.

Full West Virginia Fire Arms Regulations

Wildlife

Visitors can expect to see a variety of native species including snakes, raccoons, waterfowl, wild turkeys, deer, and occasionally black bears.

For everyone’s safety, please enjoy wildlife from a distance and avoid direct interaction.