Lakeside Voyages Across the Mountain State

West Virginia’s famed country roads offer an open invitation. Weaving across rugged terrain and through spirited small towns to uncrowded gems and world-class outdoor adventures alike, the roads form a latticework of endless possibilities for road trip itineraries. Five customized Mountain Rides can help connect activities that range from pristine biking to productive fishing, with prime camping options all along the way. While whitewater river sections rightfully earn their share of attention, diverse waterways and lakes across the state offer unique paddling adventures for every skill level. Start your trip-planning with route options that lean into West Virginia’s best serene paddling experiences.

Family Friendly

Summersville Lake may share a shore with West Virginia’s newest state park as of 2023, but paddlers have flocked here for decades to cruise the lake’s clear waters and 60-plus miles of shoreline. Starting from Salmon Run boat launch, kayak or stand-up paddle a mile to Pirate’s Cove for its signature waterfall that pours into the lake. For added miles, paddle three miles from Salmon Run to Long Point, where the sandstone cliffline juts 60 feet above the water. Rock climbers know Summersville Lake (pictured above) as a premier deep-water soloing destination, though regulations prohibit jumping from cliffs into the water from higher than six feet.

Local Gem

Cheat Lake is the mecca for watersports in Mountaineer Country; everyone from swimmers to jet skiers shares this 14-mile section of the dammed Cheat River. On a kayak or SUP, launch at Edgewater Marina and paddle a mile upstream to Quarry Run, where you’ll find a waterfall near the confluence. Or sign up for a stand-up paddleboard yoga class on Cheat Lake, complete with a private put-in.

Road-Trip Tip > Morgantown, along with Cheat Lake, is the perfect start and end point to the Birdeye Bend road trip, with plenty of outdoor adventure options and just as many restaurants.

Next Level

The 10.5-mile section of the Bluestone River—a designated National Scenic River—flows between the launch at the Old Mill camping area in Bluestone State Park. Paddle upstream for mellow Class I water along a secluded river stretch or downstream on Bluestone Lake, created by the dam. Plan time to pit-stop at the Pipestem Resort State Park Adventure Lake and Splash Park, which includes a dozen large inflatables that notch up the fun of a lake day.

+ Refuel Detour: After your float on Summersville Lake, have an ice cream float at Fat Eddie’s. Claim a free pup cup if you’ve brought your dog on the adventure. July sees perfect lake temperatures and Fat Eddie’s hot dog–eating contest. Near Cheat Lake is the popular downtown Morgantown restaurant Von Blaze. Enjoy a comfort-food sandwich and a craft West Virginia beer on the patio. Check the calendar regularly—events like the monthly Wakaba Ramen “takeover” sell out in minutes.

Explore spirited small towns, undiscovered and uncrowded hidden gems, and world-class outdoor adventures in the Mountain State, where country roads lead you far away from everything—and a little closer to heaven. wvtourism.com