About 10 minutes · 7 miles
Town of Summersville
The county seat has the region's best concentration of hotels, chain restaurants and stores, plus the historic Nicholas County Courthouse. It's the natural resupply stop for a lake trip.
Nearby Guide
Things to Do Near Summersville Lake
West Virginia's largest lake is the summer playground of the New River Gorge region, with clear water, sandstone cliffs and world-class rafting just downstream.
Why Summersville Lake Is a Great Base
Created when the Gauley River was dammed in the 1960s, Summersville Lake covers about 2,700 acres with some of the cleanest water in the state. In summer it's a haven for swimming, paddling, scuba diving and climbing on the exposed sandstone cliffs at Long Point and Summersville Lake Retreat.
In fall the lake becomes the staging area for the famous Gauley River dam releases, when whitewater rafters from around the world descend on the region. Use the town of Summersville for groceries, fuel and restaurants.
Closest to the Lake
About 15 minutes
Summersville Dam Overlook
The dam itself is 390 feet high and one of the largest rock-fill dams east of the Mississippi. An overlook and visitor area explain the Gauley River releases that power fall rafting.
Gauley River & Fall Rafting Season
The Gauley River National Recreation Area begins just below Summersville Dam and runs about 25 miles to the New River at Gauley Bridge. For a handful of weekends each fall, scheduled dam releases turn the river into one of the most intense commercial whitewater runs in the world.
Outfitters run day trips and multi-day expeditions from the lake area. If you're not paddling, the rim overlooks and the route 19 corridor still offer dramatic views of the gorge.
Carnifex Ferry & Babcock State Park
About 25 minutes south, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park preserves the site of an 1861 Civil War battle overlooking the Gauley River, with a museum, picnic areas and the Patterson House.
About 45 minutes away, Babcock State Park and its Glade Creek Grist Mill are a photographer's dream, especially in autumn when the mill and creek glow with color.
New River Gorge & Hawks Nest
About 40 minutes south lies the New River Gorge Bridge and the town of Fayetteville, the gateway to the national park. The route over US-19 crosses the gorge on a spectacular four-lane span with pull-offs on both sides.
About 35 minutes south, Hawks Nest State Park sits on a bluff above the New River with an aerial tramway, jetboat rides and a lodge. It makes an easy half-day add-on from the lake.
Top Nearby Attractions at a Glance
Summersville Lake
Swimming, paddling and cliffs.
On site
Town of Summersville
Hotels, food and supplies.
10 min · 7 mi
Gauley River Rafting
World-class fall dam releases.
15 min
New River Gorge
Bridge, trails and overlooks.
40 min
Babcock State Park
Glade Creek Grist Mill.
45 min
Lake Fishing
Bass and walleye in clear water.
On site
Lakeside Camping
Campgrounds around the water.
Varies
Gorge Overlooks
Rim views along US-19.
Varies
Map of Summersville Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Summersville Lake?
Yes. There are designated swimming areas with beaches, including Battle Run. The water is notably clear for a large reservoir.
When is Gauley River rafting season?
The marquee releases run on select weekends from early September through mid-October. Summer flows are lower and gentler.
How far is the New River Gorge Bridge?
About 40 minutes south via US-19. The drive itself crosses the gorge with scenic pull-offs on both sides of the bridge.
Is there cell service around the lake?
Coverage is decent near Summersville and US-19 but can be spotty in the coves and along the back roads. Download offline maps before you go.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel guide to West Virginia's rivers, lakes, mountains and small towns. We help travelers build memorable Mountain State itineraries. Learn more about us.