General Information

Authorized by Congress in the Flood control Act of 1938, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1961, John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir is a part of the Big Sandy flood protection system. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed and supervised construction of the dam and now operates it for public benefits. Construction of the dam, spillway, and outlet works began in 1960, and was completed by 1964. The dam is 250 feet high and 916 feet long. The earth-filled dam is constructed of rock with a central clay core, which prevents water from passing through the dam. A 1,145-acre lake is formed behind the dam with almost 40 miles of shoreline. South of the dam is the emergency spillway. The spillway contains six 42-foot by 38-foot gates used to control high water and prevent the lake from flowing over the top of the dam. The outlet works consist of an intake structure and an outlet tunnel. The 262-foot-high intake structure is located north of the dam, and contains 8 foot by 4-foot gates which control the amount of water released into Pound River. Built primarily for flood control, the lake surface is kept at an elevation of 1,396 feet above sea level for recreation during the summer. During the fall, the lake is lowered 16 feet to hold additional water from winter and spring runoff. When flooding occurs, the gates in the intake structure are closed to the minimum level. The water, which runs off from the 221 square mile drainage basin behind the dam, is stored in the reservoir to protect life and property downstream. When the danger of downstream flooding has passed, the intake structure gates are opened to lower the reservoir. Opening the gates is coordinated with other dams on the Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers as a part of a larger flood control system. The dam has prevented millions of dollars of damage in excess of the $20 million it cost to build. Restrooms are located at the Project Office, Below Dam Area, Junction Area, Cranesnest Area #1, and #3, Lower Twin Area, Spillway Area, and Pound River Area. During the first four full weekends in October Flannagan has whitewater releases to achieve winter pool. From the dam, the first two miles are class II rapids which progresses downstream reaching Class V + rapids. Some of the most challenging rapids in the eastern U.S. can be found while traveling through Breaks Interstate Park with names like 20 Stitches, Broken Nose and Triple Drop.

Handicapped Access

Universally Accessible Facilities are provided at the Project Office and all of the recreation areas.

Historical Info

There are no significant historical/cultural sites at John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir.

Recreation

Bicycling

Bicycles are permitted on main roads and campground areas.

Boating

Launch ramps for boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at the Spillway Launch Area, Junction Area, and Cranesnest Area. Fees are charged at the Junction. Campers have launch ramps at Pound River and Lower Twin Camping Areas.

Camping

John W. Flannagan Reservoir has three campgrounds, Lower Twin, Cranesnest Areas #1 and #3 and Pound River Area all operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The three campgrounds combined have a total of 93 sites. All sites except the "Tent Only" sites have electrical hook-ups. Water tank filling and sewage dump stations are available at all campgrounds. Camping fees are charged at all sites. Camping is available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Camping at John W. Flannagan Lake is prohibited outside of the developed campgrounds.

See policy on the use of Assistive Mobility Devices within our campground(s), as posted on the main page of this website under the Recreation button, or by contacting the lake office or campground for more information.

Fishing

Fishing and hunting regulations may be obtained from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' website www.dgif.virginia.gov or by contacting their regional office in Marion, Virginia (276)783-4860.

Hiking

(none)

Horseback Riding

John W. Flannagan Pound River Area offers a horse show ring which is managed by the Cumberland Mountain Trail Riders. Shows are scheduled the second of the month, June - August. Trail Ride outings are in May and September.

Hunting

Fishing and hunting regulations may be obtained from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' website www.dgif.virginia.gov or by contacting their regional office in Marion, Virginia (276)783-4860.

Marina

John W. Flannagan Boat Dock is located at the Junction Area and provides visitors with docking facilities, a gas station, fishing supplies, and a snack bar.

Picnicking

Picnic shelters are located at the Below Dam Area and Spillway Launch Ramp Area. All shelters are available on a first come - first served basis EXCEPT WHEN RESERVED IN ADVANCE (a fee is required for reserving a shelter). Picnic shelters at the Below Dam Area may be reserved online by visiting www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Shelters cannot be reserved by calling the project office.

Swimming

John W. Flannagan Reservoir has no developed swimming area. Swimming around the lake is at your own risk.

Visitor Center

The John W. Flannagan visitor center is located at the project office and has a variety of animal mounts of local species. Rangers are available for visitors from 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.