Lake
Summersville Lake in West Virginia is the state's largest lake, covering about 2,700 surface acres and featuring over 60 miles of shoreline.
Created by the rock-fill Summersville Dam on the Gauley River, the dam stands 390 feet tall and stretches over 2,200 feet long; it was built between 1960 and 1966 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers primarily for flood control across an 803-square-mile watershed.
The lake’s clear, deep waters, reaching depths of up to 327 feet, make it a popular spot for fishing, boating, scuba diving, and rock climbing, and it is sometimes called “The Little Bahamas of the East Coast” due to its pristine water quality. The surrounding Summersville Lake State Park offers camping, hiking, and beach areas, with the lake also featuring West Virginia's only working lighthouse.
Summersville Lake attracts nearly a million visitors annually, combining natural beauty with outdoor recreation and regional history.
| Area | 10.93 km² |
| Fish | Rainbow trout, Walleye, Bluegill, Smallmouth bass, Florida bass |
| Inflow Source | Gauley River |
| Construction Began | 1960 |
| Location | Nicholas County, near Summersville, West Virginia |
| Maximum Water Depth | 327 ft (100 m) |
| Address | West Virginia, USA |
Summersville Lake is located in West Virginia, United States.
Summersville Lake is situated in the state of West Virginia.
The address of Summersville Lake is West Virginia, USA.
Yes, Summersville Lake is family-friendly and attracts visitors of all age groups.
Visitors usually spend a few hours to a full day exploring Summersville Lake.
Yes, there are several hotels and accommodations near Summersville Lake in West Virginia.
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