USA > South > West Virginia
Scenic Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia. The reservoir was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control on the Gauley and Kanawha Rivers, and boasts the largest earthen dam east of the Mississippi River. Since its completion in 1966, Summersville Lake has developed into the jewel of the state, offering wonderful recreational opportunities to all visitors.
Boaters love to explore Summersville Lake's 2790 acres. Several public boat ramps are available for launching. Visitors are drawn to the lake's rolling hills, cascading cliffs, and 60 miles of gentle shoreline. Whitewater enthusiasts will find adventure at the nearby Gauley River National Recreation Area. The Gauley River contains several Class V rapids as it flows through scenic gorges and valleys.
Fishing is another activity to enjoy immense popularity at Summersville Lake with healthy populations of smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, and channel catfish. The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources stocks trout in the tail waters below the dam. Keep in mind that all anglers are required to have a West Virginia fishing license.
Though it may seem out of the ordinary, diving is one of the lake's premier activities. The two main options are to rent your own boat or take a spot on one of the local dive shop's boats; whichever you choose, don't miss this unique opportunity. Skin Diver magazine calls Summersville Lake the "Little Bahamas of the East" due to its relatively warm waters, steep cliffs that disappear below the lake's surface, and visibility of 20-45 feet. Though you won't see the neon offerings of the Bahamas, you will get a front row seat to sunfish, walleye, bass, and whiskered catfish circling around you.
This beautiful lake offers spectacular scenery, not just in the green summer months, but in autumn, when the leaves begin to change. Imagine deep sapphire skies, green emerald grasses, and distant mountains perfectly crowned by deep red, orange, and yellow leaves. It's a special site, especially from your perch on a cliff plateau overlooking the lake. Such beauty is hard to find, so bring your camera and spend some time to properly explore and search for the perfect view.
Normal summer pool elevation of Summersville Lake is 1,652 feet above sea level. The Corps of Engineers lowers water levels from October through March in anticipation of winter snows and spring rains. The lake's winter pool elevation is 1,575 feet above sea level to provide maximum space for storage of floodwaters.
As the largest lake in the state, Summersville Lake attracts visitors with all kinds of wish lists. Though their vacation goals differ, they all come away with the same impression of this reservoir: it's an ideal vacation spot, sure to exceed your expectations.
Summersville Lake: Messaging Forums
Summersville Lake: Water Levels
Gauley River National Recreation Area (Posted by Lisa Raub [lisaraub])
Summersville Annual Events (Posted by Lisa Raub [lisaraub])
Summersville Convention and Visitors Bureau (Posted by Lisa Raub [lisaraub])
Summersville Lake and Dam (Posted by Lisa Raub [lisaraub])
This lake was last edited by Lisa Raub (lisaraub) on 6/3/08.
This description was contributed to by the following users:
