Summersville Lake

Summersville Lake Fun Book: A Fun and Educational Book About Summersville Lake

Summersville Lake Safety Book: The Essential Lake Safety Guide For Children

Summersville Lake, located in Nicholas County, West Virginia, is the largest lake in the state, known for its stunning scenery and diverse recreational activities. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

• Size and Location:

  • Surface area: 2,700 acres (1,100 hectares) at summer pool water level
  • Location: Nicholas County, West Virginia, south of Summersville town, along the Gauley River

• Dam and Creation:

  • Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1960 and 1966 as a flood control project for the Gauley and Kanawha River basins.
  • Summersville Dam is the second-largest rock-fill dam in the eastern United States, standing 390 feet (120 meters) tall and 2,280 feet (690 meters) long.

• Water Quality and Nickname:

  • Summersville Lake is known for its exceptional water clarity, earning it the nickname “The Little Bahamas of the East.” This clarity makes it ideal for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

• Activities and Amenities:

  • Boating: Enjoy cruising, watersports like jet skiing and water skiing, or exploring hidden coves by boat.
  • Fishing: The lake boasts a healthy fish population, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, panfish, catfish, and trout (stocked in the spring and fall below the dam).
  • Swimming: Public beaches offer designated areas for swimming and enjoying the refreshing lake water.
  • Scuba diving and snorkeling: Excellent water clarity allows exploration of underwater rock formations and aquatic life.
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails wind through the scenic mountains and forests surrounding the lake, offering stunning views and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Rock Climbing: The exposed cliffs around the lake provide some of the best rock climbing challenges in the eastern US, attracting climbers of all skill levels. A popular area is Pirates Cove, known for its world-class climbing routes.
  • Camping: Several campgrounds cater to tent campers and RV enthusiasts, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
  • Other Activities: Hunting, picnicking, and wildlife watching are also popular activities at Summersville Lake.

Points of Interest:

• Mountain Lake Campground: This full-service campground offers various camping options, a swimming pool, boat rentals, and a camp store.
• Sarge’s Dive Shop: Located on the lake, this shop caters to the needs of scuba divers and snorkelers, offering equipment rentals, air fills, and guided dives.
• Battle Run and Long Point Recreation Areas: These areas offer boat launches, picnic shelters, and public beaches.

Overall, Summersville Lake provides a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxation seekers. Its pristine waters, scenic beauty, and diverse recreational opportunities make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.