Summersville Lake and its trails
Summersville Lake covers more than 2,800 acres of water and has 60 miles of shoreline. These figures convey the scale of the lake. Year-round activities are also relevant when planning your trip: technical climbing and whitewater rafting are possible at the lake. If these activities influence your travel dates, you don’t have to plan your trip around summer alone.
On the north shore of West Virginia’s largest lake, Summersville Lake State Park spans 177 acres. Two hiking trails lead around the lake and through the park landscape; bike trails run through lush forests and along the shoreline. The options therefore differ not only by mode of travel but also by landscape: the lake and park for hiking trails, and the forest and shoreline for bike trails. The water and parkland offer two distinct ways to get your bearings in this landscape.
History and events
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is a significant site from the American Civil War and lies on the edge of the Gauley River Canyon. Its historical significance and canyon setting give visitors two specific points of reference. This makes the park thematically different from the activities available at Summersville Lake. If you’re looking for a historical focus alongside outdoor experiences on your trip, this park offers a clearly defined point of interest.
The Nicholas County Fair takes place every July at Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park in Summersville, West Virginia. The park also has a walking path, a swimming pool, camping facilities, and picnic shelters. It is therefore both a venue for the fair and a park with other public amenities.
Views and local offerings
The Summersville Lake Lighthouse is located nearby in Mount Nebo, West Virginia. Visitors can climb 122 steps to a 360-degree observation platform. The climb and panoramic view distinguish this viewpoint from the hiking and biking trails at the lake: here, the focus is on climbing up to a platform.
Kirkwood Winery offers wine tastings and tours. It also hosts the annual “Grape Stompin' Festival” of wine and music; dates may vary. The winery claims to be the region’s first vineyard. Tastings and tours, as well as the recurring annual festival, offer different reasons to visit.
In Summersville, Gad Dam Brewing serves specialty coffee, craft beer, wine, smoothies, nonalcoholic beverages, and appetizers. You can sort the offerings by type of drink: they range from coffee and nonalcoholic beverages to beer and wine, with appetizers rounding out the selection.
When choosing your travel dates, it’s worth comparing the different schedules: technical climbing and whitewater rafting are possible year-round, the fair takes place every July, and the dates of the Grape Stompin' Festival may vary. If a festival is the deciding factor for your trip, check the exact event dates in advance.
For the broader travel overview: Nicholas County.
