Almost Heaven Swings
Why the water looks like that
Summersville Lake is impounded on the Gauley River, and the surrounding geology and low sediment load give it visibility that is genuinely unusual east of the Mississippi. The blue-green color in photographs is not a filter.
That clarity is why it has become a scuba destination as well as a swimming and boating one — which is a strange sentence to write about a landlocked Appalachian reservoir, and true nonetheless.
Cliffs, and what people do on them
Sandstone walls rise straight out of the water around much of the shoreline. Climbers use them two ways: roped sport climbing on the lakeside crags, and deep-water soloing directly out of a boat with the water as the landing.
Cliff jumping happens here too, off overhanging rock with boats moored below. It is not a supervised activity, depths and submerged hazards vary, and the sensible approach is to go with people who know the specific spot rather than the general reputation.
Swimming, boating and beaches
There are developed swimming areas and boat access, and the lake is large enough to absorb a summer weekend without feeling like a car park. Kayaks and paddleboards work well along the cliff lines, which is the best way to see the place.
Specific horsepower and no-wake rules for the lake were not obtainable from an authoritative source at the time of writing — the Corps of Engineers pages were unreachable. Check posted regulations at the ramp, and with the marina if you are bringing a boat.
The Gauley connection
Each autumn the dam draws the lake down and sends scheduled releases into the Gauley gorge, producing the release weekends that begin the Friday after Labor Day. If you are here in late September or October, the lake will be lower and the river below will be full of rafts.
That also means the best lake season and the best river season do not overlap. July and August are the lake months. September and October belong to the Gauley.
Nearby
Long Point Trail on the lake gives a rim view over the water and cliffs. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is close and has genuine Gauley canyon overlooks that almost nobody visits. Summersville town has the practical services.
The New River Gorge is half an hour south, which makes the lake a viable side trip on a gorge holiday rather than a destination you have to commit a week to.
Reach people planning this trip
Placement alongside guides for outfitters, guides, shops and lodging.
List your business hereQuestions
Can you swim in Summersville Lake?
Is cliff jumping allowed at Summersville Lake?
Why is Summersville Lake water so clear?
When is the best time to visit Summersville Lake?
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