A little over 200 miles downstream from the city of Pittsburgh, the Belleville Pools of the Ohio River are the site of an important lock and dam used for navigation. The Army Corps provides two locks, one of them for commercial use. The upper pool created by the Belleville Dam, which is the eighth on the Ohio River, allows boats to travel upstream to reach the Willow Island Locks and Dam.
The US Army Corps of Engineers lake at Belleville Pools is along the famous Lewis and Clark Route and sits near Reedsville, Ohio. The dam was constructed in 1964, and the pool was at full capacity in November of 1968. The name of the dam comes from its proximity to the West Virginian town of Belleville, less than a mile above the locks and dam. This location is also home to the Belleville Hydroelectric Plant. It's on the other side of the River, in West Virginia, opposite the locks.
Visitors to the Belleville Pools will have access to great fishing, boating, and swimming. The Ohio River's surroundings in this area are both rural and urban, making for a fantastic vacation. While in the area, many different sections of the Wayne National Forest are within an hour's drive.
Unfortunately, there are no COE campgrounds at the Belleville Pools site. Campers will need head a few miles downstream to find camping facilities at Forked Run State Park. The amenities, as well as the picturesque natural setting at this park, make for a wonderful camping experience. Large RVs and trailers are welcome in this campground that provides easy access for boating and swimming.
The drive from the major city of Pittsburg in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania is paved and lasts anywhere from two and a half to three hours, depending on your route. There are no obstructions in good weather that would affect your trip in a large rig. You'll head southwest and pass the scenic towns of Wheeling, Old Washington, Marietta, and Parkersburg.
This area of the U.S. can see difficult weather conditions in the winter as you travel through the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. Carry winter gear like snow chains and snow tires to ensure you are equipped to make it to your destination.
There is parking available at the Belleville Pools Locks and Dam as well as at the campground at Forked Run State Park. The campground area is easily explored on foot or by bike as is the area around the pools.
Following the river south for about three miles will get you to the campground at Forked Run State Park. This park, in the heart of Appalachia, covers almost 800 acres and has 143 campsites in total. Of those sites, 79 have 50 amp electric hookups and sites here can accommodate rigs up to 58 feet in length.
For a change of pace, this park also offers three camper cabins that can be rented. They have both heat and air conditioning, bunks, a small fridge, and a microwave. These cabins do not allow pets, but the regular campsites do. They also have a picnic table on the covered porch and a charcoal grill.
If you simply can't wait to get on the water, there are boat launches to gain access to the Ohio River near the entrance to this state park. There is a trail from the campground to this area where you can also rent boats. Another trail takes you to the Forked Run State Park swimming beach.
The campground has all the amenities you'll need on your vacation. It has the convenience of restrooms and showers as well as a dump station. The kids can head to one of the two playgrounds after a day swimming, and there are taps with drinking water scattered throughout the grounds.
No hiking trails are found within the seven recreation areas that make up the Ohio River - Belleville Pools Army Corps of Engineers Park. You can explore the shores of the river and the lock site on foot but for true trails, you are best to travel the short distance to Forked Run State Park.
Forked Run has a total of three hiking trails that should appeal to everyone. The Honeysuckle Trail is easy and covers 0.6 miles. For moderate hikers, the Lakeview Trail (2.2 miles) and the Riverview Trail (0.75 miles) will keep you busy. Whichever trail you choose, you'll be rewarded with water views, dense trees, or wildlife.
There's nothing like a picnic when you're spending time outside. Luckily, visitors to the Army Corps of Engineers park at the Belleville Pools have a large grassy area in which to spread out. There are trees and a view of the water making it a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy a meal. The Corps provides drinking water and restrooms here.
For a little more comfort, you can use one of the picnic tables and grills or the picnic shelter at Belleville Pools. Forked Run State Park also provides picnic facilities if you are spending the day swimming at their beach.
The Ohio River has many different types of wildlife that visitors might encounter during their time exploring the area in and around the pools. While touring the water, you are likely to spot ducks and other waterfowl and might even catch a glimpse of a river otter.
On the land surrounding this COE park, you'll have the chance to see deer, wild turkey, grouse, and squirrels. Just don't forget your camera when you're wandering the area.
All types of boats are permitted on the Belleville Pools and there are three boat launches to aid your entry to the water. These ramps are located at the recreation areas of Parkersburg 47, Williamstown, and Coolville.
If you wish to explore the area, you can travel the upper pool for just over 40 miles to the Willow Island Dam. Bring your fishing gear to cast your line directly in the Belleville Pools. You can also head to one of the many tributaries of the Ohio River to take in the miles and miles of beautiful shoreline. The pools can also be a great place to canoe and kayak or enjoy some tubing or waterskiing.
If you aren't traveling with a boat, head to Forked Run State Park where you can rent a boat for the day. There's a boat launch here as well in case you need it.
Anglers flock to the Belleville Pools for the peace and quiet, as well as the excellent fishing opportunities. You can fish from the banks of the river or use one of the boat ramps to head out onto the water. There is a fish cleaning station and a pier at the Belleville Abutment Recreation Area.
It's best to focus on the lower end of the pool since it's more wooded and less populated. The weed beds here are the perfect habitat to catch dinner.
Branching out from the pool itself, many of the tributaries provide additional fishing locales. At the Old Lock #17, near mile marker 167, there are large populations of sauger and walleye, and although less common, black bass have been caught here too.
Another common area to find game fish is the mouth of the Little Muskingum River. The mouth of this Belleville Pool tributary is a deep section of water, and the river provides good protection for the fish.
With a valid Ohio fishing license, the lake at Forked Run State Park is an excellent spot to catch many different types of fish. The common ones are catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, and crappie.
Your best bet for a day in the water is at the swimming beach of nearby Forked Run State Park. Swimming at this 400-foot sandy beach is unsupervised, but buoys mark the swimming area. The beach is between Forked Run Lake and Forked Run River, a tributary of the Ohio River.
The water is relatively clear, depending on the weather, and shallow enough for kids to enjoy. The surrounding area makes for a scenic backdrop with thick trees and other green vegetation. There's no reason not to set up for a relaxing day in the sun, but be aware that pets are not permitted at the beach.
