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Like countless other people, my family enjoys certain road trip songs. One of our favorites has always been “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver—a curiosity since the tune was popular well before my kids were born and we don’t live in the country. Nonetheless, there’s something about its gentle acoustic beat, harmonies, and nostalgic lyrics that makes any jaunt more enjoyable.
And then there’s its romanticizing of West Virginia, a mountainous state bursting with outdoor adventures, natural wonders, scenery, and, yes, country roads, whether you’re hiking the Appalachians or visiting historic Harpers Ferry. One such area that encapsulates the state’s splendor is Summersville Lake, a jaw-dropping destination that’s ideal for vacationers of all kinds, whether you’re a beach bum, hiker, or adventurer.
The location
Summersville, West Virginia (population: around 3,400), epitomizes the mantra of “location, location, location” by being easily accessible to millions of drivers. How many other cities can boast about being less than an eight-hour drive from New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Nashville, Atlanta, and Myrtle Beach? In addition, Washington, Louisville, and Cleveland are all about five hours away, while Pittsburgh and Charlotte are less than four hours away.
In fact, Visit Greater Summersville states that this remarkable body of water is a six-to-eight-hour car drive for 60 percent of America’s urban population. If you have a vehicle, you can get here—and it’s well worth the trip.
The lake
Summersville Lake is a man-made body of water that welcomes around one million visitors annually. It’s not only West Virginia’s largest lake at 2,790 surface acres but also distinctly shaped, winding snakelike from west to east while providing over sixty miles of shoreline. (For comparison’s sake, the New Jersey coast extends about 130 miles.) Combined with a 177-acre state park located just north, there’s adventure around every corner.
Water activities
Summersville Lake itself is ideal for endless aquatic fun. You’ll experience relatively warm temperatures in the lake during summer—usually between 60 and 70 degrees but sometimes in the 80s—for swimming, as well as crystal-clear water since the average summertime visibility is between twenty and forty-five feet beneath the surface, making it ideal (and popular) for scuba diving. Skin Diver magazine even named it “the cleanest, clearest freshwater lake east of the Mississippi,” a further indication of the water’s purity and clarity.
Of course, there’s plenty to do in and around it. For a true summer vibe, head toward its southwestern tip to Battle Run Beach, which also conveniently sits adjacent to a 110-site campground. Or you can opt to get out on the water by renting one of the many water vehicles available, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. If a faster turn on the water is more your style, pontoons, Jet Skis, and even WaveRunners are possibilities, and white-water rafting down the Gauley River is a popular recreational activity. And don’t miss out on Pirates Cove, a popular nook that has its own waterfall.
On the opposite end of the thrill spectrum, the area is also renowned as a serene fisherman’s paradise, with the lake brimming with bass, catfish, trout, walleye, and more. You may even have the opportunity to reel in a bass during a summer or fall tournament.
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Climbing
For those who prefer higher ground, the lake is also surrounded by sandstone cliffs that tower up to 100 feet above its surface. This makes for particularly enticing opportunities for rock-climbing enthusiasts, who flock to Summersville Lake—so much so that it’s the country’s first state park to focus on climbing education.
Another highlight is the Summersville Lake Lighthouse, which stands over 100 feet tall and rises 2,100 feet above sea level. Climbing its 122 steps to the top rewards your cardio with amazing vantage points of the entire area. You can also book a stay at its award-winning campground, which offers cabins, RV and motorhome sites, and more, all about a mile from the water.
Trails
If you love hiking or biking, Summersville Lake offers something for every skill level. The most popular trail is Battle Run, a three-mile-long trek along the water that conveniently has ample spots for picnicking. For a similar yet even easier trip, try Muddlety Trail, a tree-lined, creekside option. In contrast, the two-mile Salmon Run Trail takes you through a wooded area sprinkled with history, including a wooden bridge, cemetery, and a variety of old homesteads to observe, before ending right at the lake itself.
But if you’re seeking the best overall scenery, take on Long Point Trail, which brings you to a cliff with a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake. Overall, there are nearly four miles of renovated and newly constructed multiuse trails in the park, including Pirates Cove Trail, Climbers Trail, and the new 2.4-mile Sunset Loop Trail.
The dam
As is the case with most man-made lakes, Summersville Lake has its own dam. Located just off Route 19 and standing almost 390 feet high and extending 2,280 feet long, this barrier is the second-largest rock-fill dam in the eastern part of the country. Stop by to read about its 1960s origins, take selfies near its giant valves, and get impressive views of the lake. If you visit in early autumn, you might even witness “Gauley Season,” when water is released from Summersville Lake, creating incredibly wild conditions for white-water rafting.
Seasonal events
You can also partake in quaint local celebrations during summer as well, from a car show and a hootenanny in June to the Cherry River Festival and county fair in July. Or consider scheduling your trip for early August to experience the Summersville Lake Retreat Lighthouse Festival, which offers plenty of food, music, and arts and crafts.
Nearby attractions
Amazing adventures aren’t just confined to the greater Summersville area, either. For instance, a mere twenty minutes southwest is the grand New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel span bridge in the western hemisphere and the third-highest bridge in America. It’s set in a 70,000-acre state park and reserve that offers activities like ziplining and white-water rafting; however, for a truly unique thrill, dare to do the New River Gorge Bridge Walk—a two-foot-wide, 3,030-foot-long trek that’s 876 feet in the air.
Care to hit the road for a relaxing drive after a day of activity? Just pick up the 170-mile Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway (Route 39) or the 211-mile Cranberry Corridor, picturesque, tree-lined drives that both run through town. In addition, history buffs can indulge their interests in a place like Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, 156 acres steeped in American lore.
Summersville Lake has it all for a summer outdoor adventure, blending majestic scenery, exhilarating activities in, under, and above its pristine water, and plenty of nature-focused exploration opportunities. Follow the country roads to and within this destination, and you’ll discover just how many amazing memories can be made in the heart of the Mountain State.
For more info, visit wvtourism.com/summersville or summersvillecvb.com
