WEST VIRGINIA WATERWAYS

Summersville Lake

With 2,700 acres of water, a maximum depth of 327 feet and more than 60 miles of shoreline, Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia. The lake is sometimes referred to as the “Little Bahamas of the East” due to its clear blue water, and it is the perfect place for fishing, boating, rock climbing, snorkeling and even scuba diving.

Bluestone Lake

Bluestone Lake is formed by the Bluestone Dam and is located just between the historic town of Hinton and the confluence of the New and Greenbrier rivers. Near Bluestone State Park, it’s ideal for boating, fishing, tubing, paddle-boarding and swimming. Just a short drive down Rt. 20 is Pipestem Resort State Park which also features canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing and much more.

New River

Despite its name, the New River is geologically one of the oldest rivers on Earth. Every year, the New River attracts rafters from around the world for some of the finest whitewater rafting on the planet. The season runs from spring to fall, and outfitters like West Virginia Adventures, New & Gauley River Adventures and Cantrell Ultimate Rafting can take visitors of all experience levels on the ultimate river adventure. Other points of interest along the New River include Sandstone Falls, Grandview, Thurmond, the New River Gorge Bridge and Hawks Nest State Park.

Shenandoah & Potomac Rivers

The Shenandoah and Potomac rivers are two of the most iconic waterways in the Eastern Panhandle. Roughly an hour outside of Washington D.C., the confluence of the two rivers can be found along the banks of historic Harpers Ferry. Visitors can trace back through early Civil War-era history in Harpers Ferry, or River Riders Family Adventure Resort can give them their fill of excitement on the water. River Riders offers several packages ranging from intermediate rafting to leisurely floating along the river.