West Virginia’s beautiful lakes offer a variety of fun summer activities
By Sam Cioffi
While some pools have reopened for the remainder of the summer, you might not be ready to return to your favorite spots just yet. Check out these West Virginia lakes that offer a variety of activities—from boating to swimming to canoeing. This summer, consider ditching the chlorine and heading out to the fresh waters.
Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse is about an hour and a half from the West Virginia capital of Charleston. The property is home to the largest lake in West Virginia, Summersville Lake, which stretches for 60 miles of shoreline. Visitors are welcome to use the lake for a variety of recreational activities, including boating, scuba diving, water skiing and fishing. Pontoon boats are available for rent, with enough room for up to 10 people. The lake offers more than 28,000 acres of water to be used for fun and relaxation.
Cheat Lake
Cheat Lake is located in Morgantown, in the northern part of West Virginia. The lake provides visitors with both land and water activities. There are three restaurants available on the grounds, as well as camping spots. On the water, guests can choose to go boating, kayaking or fishing, or participate in stand-up paddleboard yoga. There are four recognized boat launches and three marinas, which provide guests with the opportunity to stock up on gas and snacks. Some marinas and launch locations also offer boat and kayak rentals. If visitors choose to swim, there are several designated areas all across Cheat Lake, including a swimming beach.
Bluestone Lake
Bluestone Lake can be found in Hinton, West Virginia, in the southern part of the state. Guests are given the opportunity to go boating and fishing on the lake, as well as camp near the lake with views of the water. Bluestone Lake is West Virginia’s third largest body of water, and it stretches for 2,040 acres. If visitors choose to go boating, they are able to rent fishing and pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes at the Bluestone Lake Marina. The lake is a prime spot to catch catfish, bass and bluegill.
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