West Virginia’s Water Wonders Await
By Pagett Dusic
Photo by Adventures on the Gorge
West Virginia may be known as the Mountain State, but did you know it also has over 32,000 miles of rushing river water, 121 public fishing lakes, nearly 300 rivers and creeks and countless private ponds? In fact, 48 of the state’s 55 counties have at least one public lake, with some counties having as many as seven.
This landlocked piece of Appalachia offers a variety of water activities and events. Whether it’s boating on Stonewall Jackson Lake, fly fishing on the Blackwater River, rafting Class V rapids on the Upper Gauley or floating down the Potomac River with friends, there’s truly something for everyone in West Virginia’s waters.
Some of the most beautiful lakes in the country are found right here in West Virginia. The state’s newest state park, Summersville Lake State Park, boasts 28,000 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline. The water is so clear, it’s sometimes called the Little Bahamas of the East, which makes it excellent for swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling.
Contrary to its name, the New River is one of the oldest rivers on the continent. The only river that is older in the world is the Nile River. Floating down the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, you’ll find some of the most beautiful views and best whitewater rafting on the East Coast.
Grab your bathing suit, towel and plenty of sunscreen, and get ready for some amazing water activities all can do right here in the heart of Appalachia.
Things to Do
Photo by Braxton County CVB
Let’s go swimming. There’s nothing quite as refreshing as taking a quick dip to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Adults, families and kids at heart will have a hard time choosing from the abundance of natural swim spots in Almost Heaven. Bask under a waterfall or jump into a swimming hole in Shupe’s Chute at Holly River State Park, dip your toes in the water while you work on your tan at Beech Fork Lake or spend the day at Ace Adventure Resort’s waterpark in Oak Hill, WV.
Paddleboarding is a fun and versatile water sport and has become increasingly popular for people of all ages. You can stand, kneel or lie down on a board while using a paddle to move through the water. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, exercise your whole body and improve your balance and coordination. Your kids and dogs can enjoy it too.
Canoeing, kayaking and rafting are some other ways to get out on the water solo or with friends. Paddle through the heart of Mountaineer Country on the Monongahela River to do a little fishing, birdwatching or sightseeing in this north-flowing river. Travel along the Tug Fork River and imagine how the historic Hatfield-McCoy battles played out.
Boating is an amazing way to get out on the water and explore the Mountain State. Enjoy a relaxing day on Bluestone Lake on a pontoon with family and friends, slowly cruising the water or stopping for a swim. Rent a houseboat on Sutton Lake for a weekend and watch the stars from your own bed.
If you have the need for speed, take a motorboat out and go waterskiing, wakeboarding or tubing. You can also rent a jet ski and travel the Cheat River Water Trail, known as Northern West Virginia’s Aquatic Playground.
Take the Plunge
Photo by YakFest
The hardest part of planning your next trip may be choosing from the many adventure groups throughout West Virginia—and many are open year-round.
Want to escape the bustle of the big city? River Riders Inc. in Harpers Ferry, WV, is only an hour from the D.C. and Baltimore area. Originally started as a whitewater guide service, it has now expanded to include tubing, aerial forest adventure parks, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, snowtubing and fishing adventures.
There’s more than whitewater rafting at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Adventures on the Gorge offers zipline canopy tours, an aerial obstacle course, float fishing trips, kayaking and more. There’s so much adventure to be found for kids and kids at heart. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a relaxing escape or anything in between, it’s all right here.
Festivals and Events
Photo by Charleston Sternwheel Regatta
Many rivers have their own festivals where boating is the central theme.
Take a scenic van from Hawks Nest State Park then ride the 21-foot jet boat to a spectacular view of the New River Gorge bridge. Cruise in comfort with a U.S. Coast Guard captain any day of the week during summer.
Cheat River Festival is held in early May and hosted by Friends of the Cheat on the banks of the Cheat River. Boaters, music lovers and families can enjoy a day full of live music, dancing, art, vendors and fun.
Come celebrate one of earth’s oldest rivers at New River Gorge Fest in mid-May at ACE Adventure Resort. Beginners can enjoy the film festival, live music, vendors and kid-friendly adventure zone activities. Intermediate and advanced kayakers can compete in the River and Rolling Race or raft a Class III section of the New River while working to clean up trash with the New River Conservancy.
Step into summer with the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta at Haddad Riverfront Park in the state capital. Bring the whole family because this event has something for everyone: free live music from major artists, vendors, carnival rides, wiener dog and rubber duck races, fireworks and more. Sternwheel and private boats from all over converge on the Kanawha River to make for a special event.
In July, make plans to participate in YakFest in St. Albans, the flatwater capital of West Virginia. YakFest features live music, art, food and craft beer, along with many vendors highlighting kayaking, fishing and other recreational activities. Paddle all day, dance all night.
Love sailing? Head out to Mountain Mama Hospice Regatta at Summersville Lake in August, West Virginia’s only sailing regatta. The Sewell Mountain Sailing Association invites you to have fun on the clear blue water and help raise money for Hospice of Southern West Virginia at the same time.
Paddlefest in Parkersburg, WV, is a fun-filled event for kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Held in September, this people-powered watercraft event kicks off at Point Park and offers downriver treks to historic Blennerhassett Island and back. Plus, there’s food trucks, live music, Blennerhassett Mansion tours and horse-drawn wagon rides.
With so many water activities and events across the state, West Virginia truly is wild and wonderful.
