Summersville Lake Recreational Opportunities

Boating related activities
Boating activities are also popular on Summersville Lake due to the clarity of water and the 68-80 degree water temperatures during June-September. Waterskiing and knee boarding are favorite activities and boats may be rented at the lake. Many groups of friends and families also simply spend the day relaxing, talking, swimming, and exploring the shoreline in search of the best swimming hole. Some great places for cliff jumping and swimming are Long Point, Whippoorwill cliffs, and Waterfall cliffs. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also very popular in this oligotrophic lake. Bubbles Cove and Long Point are favorite spots to snorkel and scuba in what Skin Diver magazine refers to as “The Little Bahamas of the east.” At Long Point, the area is roped off just for access by scuba divers, snorklers, and swimmers. Visibility and water temperature are optimum for diving between 35-45 feet. While diving, cliffs which exist about 100 feet below the surface, rock walls and overhangs may be seen.

Fishing
Summersville Lake is one of the best small and largemouth bass fishing lakes in the state of West Virginia. The lake is also stocked at the tailwater, bi-weekly, in the fall, with trout. The assortment of fish which include; walleye, bluegill, an occasional rainbow trout, crappie and channel catfish, as well as the 30-50 feet water depth, with buoys marking fish attractors make this lake optimal for fishing with the entire family. Night fishing and using minnows for bait is permitted. When fishing for Walleye, bottom bouncing night crawlers, crank baits, or trolling is recommended. Catfish pursue chicken livers and bass tend to prefer plastic bait or top water plugs. On the lake, there is unlimited horse power with no wake zones and speed zones.

Land activities
Along with the numerous water activities, many visitors choose to also take advantage of the more than 9,000 acres of land surrounding Summersville Lake. Hiking and biking trails link and provide opportunities to all levels of enthusiasts as well as wonderful wildlife viewing. With over 100 different climbs, climbing and bouldering are popular among visitors. Satisfaction Area, Rats Hole, Jeff’s Bunny Hop, That Eight, and Hippie Dreams are some favorite spots among climbers. For those who boulder, in the fall and spring water levels recede and expose many boulders such as those in Pirates Cove. Currently, there are close to 6,000 acres available for hunting deer, turkey, squirrel, and grouse.

Click Here to View a Map of Summersville Lake and Surrounding Area

	Whitewater Rafting Fayetteville lies in the epicenter of an area known for world class whitewater. The New River is famous for its classic whitewater experiences, steep canyons and beautiful forests. Alternating from Class I to Class V rapids, different seasons bring different adventures - from big water excitement in the spring to warm water challenges in the summer and fall. Each autumn, during the "Fall Drawdown", Summersville Lake releases its water and creates 28 miles of extreme whitewater. Tens of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts flock to Summersville for this once-a-year adventure.
	Mountain Biking West Virginia was recently rated as one of the top five mountain biking destinations in the United States by Mountain Biking magazine. The New River Gorge has numerous bikable trails along its banks that showcase the area's rich history. You can explore the banks of Summersville Lake on its network of trails, ride through the Monongahela National Forest, or try the new Cranberry/Tri-Rivers Rail Trail in Richwood. Many outfitters offer guided tours that range from beginning riders to more advanced terrain.
	Rock Climbing The New River Gorge area and Summersville Lake have become internationally famous over the past few years due to the enormous number of vertical cliffs available to rock climb or rappel. Most climbing areas are easily accessible and guided trips are available from several outfitters in our area.
	Fishing West Virginia's rivers offer an abundant variety of fish. The hard-fighting smallmouth bass finds prime habitat in the rich ledges provided by the New River and Summersville Lake. The Gauley River shelters the gigantic, elusive muskie. Some of the best trout fishing in the nation can be found in the rivers flowing from eastern parts of West Virginia such as the Cranberry, Williams, Cherry and Upper Gauley.
	Golf Courses Just outside of Fayetteville lies Bridge Haven Golf Club a beautiful 18 hole golf course. The surrounding area has an abundance of other golf courses that wind through the forested mountains and rolling hills. Play nine holes of golf in the scenic mountains of Richwood at Cherry Hill Country Club (304) 846-9876, or try Nicholas Memorial Golf Course, a nine hole public links located north of Summersville on Route 19. There are also numerous options to the south surrounding the city of Beckley.