West Virginia, also known as the Mountain State, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, deep river gorges, and stunning natural beauty. While it boasts numerous lakes, one stands out for its impressive depth and sheer scale: Summersville Lake. This man-made reservoir, nestled in Nicholas County, is not only the deepest lake in West Virginia but also its largest, offering a unique combination of breathtaking scenery and unparalleled recreational opportunities.
Plumbing the Depths: How Deep is Summersville?
Summersville Lake plunges to remarkable depths, making it unique in the region.
- Maximum Depth: It reaches a significant maximum depth of approximately 327 feet (about 100 meters). This depth is primarily found near the Summersville Dam.
- Formation: Summersville Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of the Summersville Dam on the Gauley River, completed in 1966.
- Purpose: The primary purposes for its creation were flood control for the Gauley and Kanawha River valleys, but it has since become one of West Virginia's premier recreational destinations.
A Lake of Superlatives: West Virginia's Largest Too
Beyond being the deepest, Summersville Lake also holds the title for the largest lake in West Virginia.
- Surface Area: The lake covers approximately 2,700 acres (over 4.2 square miles) at its summer pool elevation.
- Shoreline: It features over 60 miles of shoreline, characterized by striking sandstone cliffs, hidden coves, and dense forests.
The "Little Bahamas of the East": Unique Features & Recreation
Summersville Lake has earned the nickname the "Little Bahamas of the East" for good reason:
- Water Clarity: The lake is renowned for its exceptionally clear, clean, deep blue water, offering excellent visibility, especially for a mountain lake.
- Sandstone Cliffs: Towering sandstone cliffs line much of the shoreline, providing not only stunning scenery but also unique recreational opportunities.
- Recreational Paradise: Its depth and clarity make it a haven for:
- Scuba Diving: It's a popular destination for scuba divers, with underwater rock formations, sheer drop-offs, and even intentionally sunk boats to explore.
- Rock Climbing & Deep Water Soloing: The cliffs surrounding the lake offer challenging routes for rock climbers.
- Boating & Water Sports: All forms of boating, from powerboats and pontoons to kayaks and paddleboards, are popular.
- Fishing: The lake supports a healthy fishery, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and panfish.
- Swimming: Designated swimming areas and secluded coves are perfect for taking a dip.
Summersville Lake unequivocally holds the title of West Virginia's deepest lake, plunging to depths of around 327 feet. This, combined with its status as the state's largest lake and its remarkably clear waters and iconic sandstone cliffs, makes it a truly unique and invaluable natural and recreational resource. Whether you're diving into its cool depths, climbing its rugged cliffs, or simply cruising its scenic surface, Summersville Lake offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Mountain State.
Sources:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Huntington District - for Summersville Dam & Lake information)
- West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR)
- West Virginia Tourism Office (GoToWV.com)
- Summersville Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Local diving and outdoor recreation outfitters
