West Virginia is the perfect place to visit when dreaming of a vacation in the States, especially during the summers. The Mountain State, nestled at the core of The Appalachians, has a rustic charm with magnificent river gorges. Lakes in West Virginia allow easy access to fishing, boating, swimming, diving, scuba diving, rafting, and hiking. Every activity will leave you with memories, making you want to revisit the place. Check out the following lakes to make the most of your time.
Best Lakes in West Virginia
1. Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake is West Virginia’s largest lake. It has 60 miles of dynamic shoreline and 2,700 surface acres of water. It was opened in 1966, giving rise to the first lake park in West Virginia, the Summersville Lake State Park. On this lake, you can boat, swim, hike, and bike on the park’s trail. You can also engage in rock climbing and scuba diving while enjoying the scenery.
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2. Cheat Lake
Cheat Lake, in northern Monongalia County, is a man-made reservoir. This lake is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts who love riding a canoe, pontoon, powerboat, and ski boat. You can find rentals of all these boats here. There are many marinas and swimming areas on the lake. The Cheat Lake Trail is a wooded 4.5-mile trail following the east bank of this lake. It has a playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and fishing piers.
3. East Lynn Lake
East Lynn Lake is one of the best lakes in West Virginia for having a great time with your family. You can find boating launch ramps at the Lakeside Recreation Area, the Lick Creek Launch Area, and the East Fork Camping Area here, while camping is accessible for a nominal fee at the East Fork Campground. There are also many cozy lakeside shelters along the northern edge of the lake. Anglers will find many red-breast sunfish, black crappie, walleye, and channel catfish on this lake.
4. Lake Sherwood
Lake Sherwood is one of the gorgeous mountain lakes in West Virginia. This 165-acre mountain lake is tucked in the Monongahela National Forest. That’s why a visit to this lake offers a look at a wide selection of mountain wildlife. Visitors can explore the area by hiking on the Lake Sherwood Trail, Upper Meadow Trail, or Meadow Mountain Trail. You can also fish, swim, or set up a picnic shelter here.
read more: Romantic Getaways in WV
5. Stonewall Jackson Lake
Stonewall Jackson Lake is an impoundment and a flood control project on West Fork River in Lewis County. It is located in an area that is historically rich and filled with Appalachian tradition. Stonewall Jackson Lake provides the ideal setting for watercraft fun. There are boating rentals for you to enjoy kayaking, jet skiing, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The Stonewall Resort Marina provides CraigCat rentals. CraigCats have seats for two people and serve as a great alternative to jet skis or pontoons.
6. Burnsville Lake
Burnsville Lake is one of the largest lakes in central West Virginia. It’s a part of the 12,579-acre Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This area protects old farm fields and forests on gentle uplands along the Little Kanawha River. Burnsville Lake is surrounded by scenic hills and is a popular tourist site in Braxton County. On the Riffie Run Day-use Area, which is accessible from 1-79, Exit 79, you can find a boat launch ramp, picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, play areas, and restrooms. Camping sites are available at Riffle Run Campground and Bulltown Campground. Burnsville Lake also has many hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding trails.
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7. Kimsey Run Lake
Kimsey Run Lake is a hidden gem in West Virginia for fishing. Trout, Bass, and Catfish are present in large numbers here. This 83-acre lake is an impoundment close to Corridor H and was built in the 18970s. There are no campgrounds near the lake, but you can find one at the Lost River Campground, which is a little further down the road.
Excluding swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking are allowed on the water. If you’re serious about catching some good and delicious fish, Kimsey Run Lake is a great place to explore.
8. Sleepy Creek Lake
One of the top lakes in West Virginia for fishing and watersports is Sleepy Creel Lake. This 205-acre lake, located in Berkeley and Morgan counties, is rich in fish, like largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. It is encompassed by Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, which is full of forests, wildlife species, birds, and hiking trails. For hiking, you can explore the Tuscarora Hiking Trail or the Devil’s Nose Hiking Trail. You can easily find accommodation at a primitive camping site.
9. Bluestone Lake
Bluestone Lake is a reservoir that controls floods and is at an elevation of 1,406 feet. It is located on New River near Hinton and is one of the largest lakes in West Virginia. The 2,040-acre lake and the adjoining Bluestone State Park are a haven for boaters and fishing enthusiasts.
You can find launch ramps for small-to-medium boats in various areas like Bluestone Marina, Bull Falls, and Bluestone State Park. Developed camping areas can be found at the Meador and Old Mill Campgrounds. Moreover, Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management is noteworthy for being one of the most popular public hunting sites in West Virginia.
read more: Best Resorts in West Virginia
10. Tygart Lake
Tygart Lake is an expansive lake situated at the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. The 1,750-acre lake, surrounded by its park, offers a variety of water activities. From boating, water skiing, scuba diving, and swimming to kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, there is almost nothing that you cannot have.
This lake is one of the first 16 projects for flood damage reduction in the Pittsburgh District. You can access it through any of the three launching ramps and a public marina. Lodge and cabin facilities at the Tygart Lake State Park and the rustic campgrounds are good overnight stay options.
Concluding Words
Lakes in West Virginia make it a thrilling tourist spot. The lakes are not only alluring but also challenge you with hiking trails. Moreover, the scenic beauty around it will set your mind at ease and make you feel one with nature.
