Life at the Lake: These 5 West Virginia Spots are Perfect for Summer
Have you ever had one of those days spent on the lake when everything just seems perfect? Sun-kissed skin, playing in the water, lounging on a boat and laughing with your friends and family until your stomach hurts are what those days are all about. If you’re in need of a summer filled with days like this, then it’s a must that you visit these gorgeous West Virginia lakes.
Summersville Lake
Nicknamed the “Little Bahamas of the East,” Summersville Lake is West Virginia’s largest lake with more than 2,800 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline for you to explore. Head to Sarge’s Dive Shop for all your water adventure needs. They offer scuba diving certification classes and lesson; scuba, swimming and snorkeling charters; kayak and paddle board rentals; and evening cruises with a catered dinner! Visit the Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse for a little exploration. Here, you can rent vacation cabins, camp, rent boats and take a tour of the Summersville Lake Lighthouse–the only lighthouse in West Virginia! If you’re in need of a break from the water, then stop by the beautiful Kirkwood Winery and Isaiah Morgan Distillery nearby for tours and tastings of from the winery and distillery.
Stonewall Jackson Lake
Stay at the stunning Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, which sits within Stonewall Resort State Park and provides incredible views of West Virginia’s rolling mountains and tranquil waters of Stonewall Jackson Lake. Stonewall Jackson Resort is the perfect place to relax or have an adventure. Here you can take a cruise aboard the Little Sorrel excursion boat, have a blast on a CraigCat mini powerboat, have an adventure on a pontoon boat, canoe, kayak, paddle board and aqua cycle. There is something for everyone! While at the resort you can also dine at its three incredible restaurants, play a round of golf on the Palmer Course or make a reservation at the Mtn. Laurel Spa for some relaxation.
Cheat Lake
Spend a weekend discovering all 13 miles of beautiful Cheat Lake in Monongalia County. For all your lake needs, head to Sunset Beach Marina where you can rent ski boats, large pontoons, canoes, kayaks, skis, waterboards, tubes and stand up paddle boards. For something both fun and relaxing, take a stand-up paddle board yoga class or a yoga class. When your stomach starts to rumble, enjoy lunch take at the Lake House Restaurant or Crab Shack Carribba. Both are the perfect places to enjoy delicious, fresh seafood and bask in the stunning views that Cheat Lake provides you.
Bluestone Lake
Relax and unwind at the Mountain States third-largest body of water: Bluestone Lake in Hinton. Bluestone Lake was created by the Bluestone Dam, which was authorized by presidential proclamation and approved by an act of Congress in the 1930s. Today the lake and its scenic surrounding area is perfect for hiking, fishing and camping. At Bluestone Lake Marina you can do all three. At the marina you can rent fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes and slip rentals as well as cozy cabin rentals conveniently located near Bluestone Lake and Bluestone State Park.
Beech Fork Lake
Visit Beech Fork State Park in Barboursville where you can spend the day bathing in the sun on Beech Fork Lake. The lake is a 720-acre reservoir, with 31 miles of shoreline, perfect for fishing largemouth and hybrid striped bass, crappie, catfish, sauger and bluegill. At Beech Fork Lake Marina, you can rent pontoon boats, bass boats, fishing boats, canoes and kayaks. Spend your weekend boating, fishing, swimming at the public beach area and wildlife viewing, which all make Beech Fork Lake the perfect weekend getaway. The lake is just 12 miles from Huntington where you can find all your dining, shopping and entertainment needs.
Do you plan to have one of those perfect lake days this summer?
This post was last updated on April 1, 2024