Laurel Lake, a 12,854 acre state recreational area, is located seven miles northeast of Lenore, West Virginia. Laurel Lake was born in 1960 when 75 acres of land were leased from Cotiga Development Company for the construction of the 29 acre lake. In more recent years, additional lease agreements were obtained from Cotiga Development Company, Island Creek Company, and Georgia Pacific Corporation which expanded the lake to its present size. Besides being a place for recreation, Laurel Lake has evolved into an extensive ecosystem.
Many forms of life call Laurel Lake home.
Researching the Laurel Lake area, many of the environmental necessities for life can readily be seen. These necessities include food, water, clean air, etc. Although the original concept of Laurel Lake was for man, it has taken on an existence in which man feels he is a visitor into nature's realm. When one enters the Laurel Lake area, the true feel of nature is experienced. You may see an angler reeling in a rainbow trout, or you may see one of the many wild animals that inhabit the area.