By Samantha Cart
The Mountain State might be land-locked, but it is home to a host of beautiful lakes, rivers and waterfalls that can wow even the most zealous water lovers. In an effort to show off these stunning waterways, the staff at Discover West Virginia reached out to its readers for their best water destination photos, and, as always, they delivered. These photos showcase some of the state’s most striking scenery while also offering adventure lovers the chance to find their next destination for kayaking, swimming, fishing and boating. Grab your swimwear and your sunscreen and get out on the water in West Virginia.
Flat Top Lake
A member-only lake located in Ghent, WV, this 230-acre waterway is known for fantastic fishing as well as a variety of other water sports.
Photo by Kevin Arbogast.
Sandstone Falls
Located on the New River in Fayette County, Sandstone Falls is 1,500 feet wide and drops 10-25 feet. Visitors should be sure to include a stop at the Sandstone Falls Overlook to experience the falls from 600 feet above.
Photo by Sarah Coleman Photography.
Potomac River
Harpers Ferry, WV, is home to the point where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers merge, creating an area ripe with water adventure.
Photo by Michael Martin/River Riders Family Adventure Resort.
Little Kanawha River
Fidler’s Mill, located on the Little Kanawha River, is named for William Fidler, whose family owned the mill for 140 years. The mill is still operational, so guests can take a tour before heading out to swim or fish on the river.
Photo by Robbie Skinner.
Blackwater Falls
Blackwater Falls is one of the most iconic natural features in West Virginia. The falls create a 57-foot drop and breathtaking views year-round, as the flow can be found frozen during the coldest months.
Photo by Matt Dugas.
Summersville Lake
The largest lake in West Virginia, Summersville Lake is located in Nicholas County and has more than 28,000 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline to enjoy.
Photo by Anne Johnson.
Valley Falls
Before it was known as Valley Falls State Park, this beautiful gorge was home to a railroad community. Today, this 1,145-acre park, located near Fairmont, hosts beautiful views for swimming and kayaking.
Photo by CVB of Marion County.
Kanawha River
The Kanawha River is full of history dating back to the 1600s. While the current uses still include moving products around the region, this 97-mile-long river runs directly through the Capital City and allows for a myriad of water sports and events.
Photo by Dena Jarrell Photography.
Moncove Lake
Located near Union in Monroe County, Moncove Lake State Park is a 25-acre park that accommodates all the water sport adventures visitors could hope for.
Photo by WV Department of Commerce.
Cheat River
Cheat River is unique in that it runs uninterrupted for 78 miles from its headwaters to a dam near Morgantown, WV, making it a perfect place for all visitors seeking adventure in West Virginia’s waterways.
Photo by Kimberly Fowler.
Ohio River
The 39-mile section of the Ohio River that finds its home in Wood County, WV, can be easily enjoyed with kayak rentals and plenty of other water sport opportunities.
Stonewall Lake
While still new in comparison to other parks in West Virginia, Stonewall Resort State Park, which was created as a flood control dam and completed in 1990, offers plenty of water sports to enjoy on Stonewall Jackson Lake.
Photo by Sherry Post.
