SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — Devoted fans of scenic Summersville Lake in central West Virginia are being invited to volunteer for a litter clean-up there in late August.
The Plateau Action Network will host a community clean-up at Summersville Lake on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will gather at the Salmon Run Boat Launch to clear litter from the adjacent Salmon Run Point Trail, one of the lake’s most popular access points.
Participants will receive gloves, pickers, and bags to ensure safe and efficient cleanup. Bud’s Recycling will assist with sorting recyclable materials and provide equipment for removing broken glass. A free lunch will be served to all volunteers.
Following the cleanup, community members are invited to take part in a brainstorming session with Summersville Lake management and local organizations to discuss strategies for reducing litter and preserving the natural character of the park.
At more than 2,700 acres and with 60 miles of shoreline, Summersville Lake is the largest reservoir in West Virginia, known for its clear water, rock-climbing cliffs, and boating, fishing, and diving opportunities.
Formed in 1966 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake has become a regional recreation hub and, in 2023, welcomed the state’s first new park in more than three decades — Summersville Lake State Park.
“This event is about more than picking up trash,” according to Saja Montague, a spokesperson for the W.Va. Department of Environmental Protection. “It’s about protecting a place that defines recreation in southern West Virginia and ensuring it remains pristine for future generations.”
The cleanup is a partnership between Plateau Action Network, Bud’s Recycling, Summersville Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Leave-No-Trace, and the W.Va. DEP–REAP program.
For more information, contact Plateau Action Network or sign up online here. Find out more on Facebook.
More about Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake is West Virginia’s largest reservoir, covering approximately 2,700 acres and boasting more than 60 miles of shoreline at summer pool levels. Its crystalline waters and towering sandstone cliffs have made it a premier destination for recreation and adventure in the region.
Origins and Engineering Marvel
Built between 1960 and 1966 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it was created to control flooding across an 803-square-mile watershed that feeds the Kanawha River. The resulting Summersville Dam, which is 390 feet high and 2,280 feet long, is the second-largest rock-fill dam east of the Mississippi River.
The lake and dam were officially dedicated by President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 3, 1966, marking a significant milestone in regional infrastructure and safety.
Recreation and Adventure
Summersville Lake offers an extraordinary variety of outdoor activities. Its remarkable visibility and clear waters—earning nicknames like the “Little Bahamas of the East”—make it a hotspot for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and fishing for species such as smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish.
- Cliff enthusiasts flock to the lake’s dramatic shorelines, where rock-climbing and even deep-water soloing opportunities abound amid breathtaking geology.
- Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other watercraft activities are also popular, with calm no-wake zones for leisurely outings.
- Adding to the local charm is the Summersville Lake Lighthouse—a landmark unexpected in landlocked West Virginia—serving as a quirky focal point and scenic lookout.
Gateway to Gauley River adventure
Below the dam, the Gauley River National Recreation Area begins, featuring world-class Class IV–V whitewater rapids. Each fall, during the renowned “Gauley Season,” controlled water releases attract rafting enthusiasts from across the globe.
Summersville Lake State Park: A New Chapter
In August 2023, Summersville Lake entered a new era with the creation of Summersville Lake State Park—the first new state park in West Virginia in over 30 years. Encompassing 177 acres on the northern shore, this park emphasizes rock climbing education, becoming the nation’s first state park with such a focus.
Governor Jim Justice officially signed the legislation on August 11, 2023, unveiling the park during a ceremony attended by hundreds. Public access to two hiking trails, a picnic area, and expanded parking launched immediately, with plans to develop climbing and bouldering areas, biking trails, water sports, and even overnight accommodations, all envisioned as part of a public-private partnership.
A legacy of natural beauty and purpose
For more than half a century, the lake has balanced its roles in flood control, energy production, and recreation—including a hydroelectric installation added in 2001—while emerging as a celebrated site for scenic escape and outdoor sports.
With the new state park now formalized, Summersville Lake looks forward to welcoming even more visitors to marvel at its clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and thrilling recreational opportunities—securing its status as a treasured West Virginia landmark for generations to come.
Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
