A visit to Nicholas County can be shaped around a wide range of discoveries. Summersville Lake offers scenic views, a swimming beach and boat ramps; the Gauley River has a stretch with more than a hundred rapids. There are also hiking trails, an American Civil War battlefield, local events and a distillery. You can tailor your stay to focus on the scenery, history or local flavors.
Experience the Lake and River
The Summersville Lake Lighthouse is 104 feet tall. Visitors can climb 122 steps to its 360-degree observation platform. The Battle Run area of Summersville Lake has a 1,000-foot-long swimming beach. Boat ramps are available at Battle Run, Salmon Run and Long Point—three named locations for anyone who wants to explore the lake by boat.
The Gauley River offers a very different landscape. In this section of the recreation area, the river drops more than 668 feet and has more than 100 rapids. During Gauley season, several commercial rafting companies offer trips on the river. If rafting is one of your interests, factor the season into your plans.
Hiking Trails and Climbing
Summersville Lake State Park is West Virginia’s first state park to offer access to climbing. Two hiking trails wind around the lake and through the park’s 177 acres. Those specifically looking for a hiking option suited to beginners will find one among the nearly three miles of trails at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. By contrast, the trails at Summersville Lake State Park are associated with the lake and park.
The Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail Trail also has a distinctive feature: it passes through Sarah’s Tunnel, which is 640 feet long. The tunnel provides a specific landmark along this trail, while the trails at Summersville Lake and Carnifex have different details about their routes and lengths.
History at Gauley River Canyon
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is a 156-acre American Civil War battlefield on the edge of Gauley River Canyon. Its inclusion on the Civil War Discovery Trail places the site in a broader historical context: the trail connects more than 300 historic sites in 16 states. History enthusiasts can encounter both a specific battlefield landscape and a multistate route linking historic places.
Distillery and Local Events
Isaiah Morgan Distillery is West Virginia’s first mini distillery. Visitors can watch the production process and buy souvenirs and 50 ml and 750 ml bottles of Southern Moon, Rye, Bourbon and Grappa on site. Tours and tastings of the vineyards, winery and distillery are available throughout the week. The experience ranges from a look at production to a tasting, with the listed bottle sizes available for purchase.
The annual Feast of the Ramson Ramp Festival is held in Richwood, in Nicholas County. The menu includes ramps, potatoes, beans and cornbread, and there is also an arts and crafts show. The program may vary from year to year. For your trip planning, the festival is another opportunity to discover local cuisine and crafts.
Discover more destinations: Summersville, Hardy County, Boone County, Greenbrier, Logan, Marshall County, Harrison, Grant County.
For the main travel overview: West Virginia.
