Featured Activities
Rock Climbing
Summersville Lake has been a national and international destination known for its clear blue waters and unique rock formations since opening in 1966. Located on 177 acres of the park, well-known crags and climbing areas are available to explore.
About This Park
Introducing West Virginia’s newest state park, Summersville Lake State Park. Summersville Lake State Park is the state’s first new state park to be added in more than 30 years and sits on 177 acres on the northern shore of the state’s largest lake in Nicholas County. Making history, Governor Justice signed the bill to officially designate this new state park on August 11, 2023.
Summersville Lake State Park will become West Virginia’s first state park with climbing access and the nation’s first state park with an emphasis on climbing education. The park currently features hiking and biking trails, day use picnic areas with many more planned recreational activities and amenities on the way including water activities, aerial sports, camping, cabins, and more.
Stay tuned as more activities and amenities are added to Summersville Lake State Park.
Learn More About This Historic Designation
Contact
- Phone: 304-558-6200
- Email: Summersvillelakesp@wv.gov
- Address: 62 Farmhouse Lane, Summersville, WV 26651
Visitor Details
When you arrive at Summersville Lake State Park, take advantage of the newly expanded parking area right off of US-19. Once parked and ready to explore, check out the two hiking trails and new picnic area. Visitors hoping for a photo-op will be thrilled to find a brand new “Almost Heaven” swing, crafted by Nicholas County Career and Technical Center students.
History
On August 6, Governor Jim Justice announced West Virginia would open its 36th state park, Summersville Lake State Park. As the newest park to open in more than 30 years, this 177-acre outdoor oasis sits on the northern shore of the state’s largest lake in Nicholas County and will be transformed into a premiere outdoor adventure park in one of West Virginia’s most iconic spots. The park currently features hiking and biking trails, a picnic area and an Almost Heaven swing, with more access to outdoor recreation opening in the coming months. Slated to be developed through an innovative public-private partnership, this park is sure to be one-of-a-kind. As this partnership continues to grow, the Division of Natural Resources will host a public meeting in the near future to receive input from the public on this project.
Read the press release that announced Summersville Lake State Park would be West Virginia’s 36th state park and learn more about the park and its amenities.
Nearby Attractions
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is set on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon, was the setting for the 1861 Civil War battle during which Confederate troops were driven out of the Kanawha Valley. The park features the Patterson House Museum and three overlooks of the Gauley River. The Battle of Carnifex Ferry is re-enacted here on odd-numbered years so be sure not to miss out.
Babcock State Park
One of West Virginia’s most iconic locations, Babcock State Park has 4,127 acres of stunning scenery. Located 20 miles southeast of the New River Gorge Bridge, the park is most known for the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional replica of the original Cooper’s Mill, which once stood on the grounds. Other attractions include recreational activities like hiking, fishing and mountain biking, as well as whitewater rafting nearby in the New River Gorge.
Hawks Nest State Park
Nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country, Hawks Nest State Park is a 270-acre recreational area with a nature museum, aerial tramway*, jetboat rides, hiking trails and one of the most challenging whitewater boating waterways in the nation. Its 31-room lodge offers luxurious rooms, dining and spacious conference and meeting facilities. Located just 10 miles north of the New River Gorge Bridge, Hawks Nest is known for its scenic overlook, which provides a bird’s eye view of the rugged New River Gorge National Park and Preserve below.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the New River from Bluestone Dam to Hawk’s Nest Lake. A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep and spectacular canyons, the New River is actually among the oldest rivers on Earth.