Summersville Between the Lake, Trails, and History

When planning a stay in Summersville, you can focus on several different things: the lake, trails through parkland, year-round activities, Civil War history, or events. These options also differ in timing: certain activities at Summersville Lake are available year-round, while the Nicholas County Fair takes place every July. Wine tastings, tours, and a wine and music festival add to the options.

Summersville Lake: Water, Trails, and Activities

Summersville Lake covers more than 2,800 hectares of water and has 60 miles of shoreline. The Summersville Lake State Park extends over 177 hectares along the north shore of West Virginia’s largest lake. Two hiking trails in the park run around the lake and through the parkland; cycling trails wind through lush forests and along the shore. When choosing between hiking and cycling, the landscapes differ: the hiking trails feature the lake and park, while the cycling trails take in the forest and shoreline.

Technical climbing and whitewater rafting are available at Summersville Lake year-round. When planning your travel dates, this year-round availability is a useful distinction from the fair, which takes place in July. You can decide whether to plan your stay around a particular event or around activities available throughout the year.

Views and Civil War History

Near Summersville, the Summersville Lake Lighthouse is located in Mount Nebo. The climb to the 360-degree observation deck includes 122 steps. This gives you a specific point of reference for your visit: the observation deck is reached by climbing these steps.

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is a significant site of the American Civil War and is located on the edge of the Gauley River Canyon. Historical significance and a connection to the landscape come together here. If you’d like to include a historical focus alongside outdoor activities, the park offers a specific place to do so.

Events and Places to Take a Break

The Nicholas County Fair takes place every July at Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park in Summersville. The park has a walking path, a swimming pool, camping facilities, and picnic shelters. If you’d like to combine your stay with the fair, July is the relevant month; check the specific event dates before you travel.

Gad Dam Brewing in Summersville offers specialty coffee, craft beer, wine, smoothies, nonalcoholic drinks, and appetizers. The selection includes both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks as well as light bites. Kirkwood Winery offers wine tastings and tours and hosts the annual “Grape Stompin' Festival,” a wine and music festival. Festival dates may vary; check the dates if you want the festival to determine when you travel. Kirkwood Winery also claims to be the region’s first vineyard.

For the broader travel overview: Nicholas County.