The Most Beautiful Lake in West Virginia: A Stunning Natural Gem

Choose the lake you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Sep 15, 2023 05:55
Discover the hidden gems of West Virginia as we embark on a quest to unveil the most beautiful lake in this serene state. At StrawPoll, we have curated a list of breathtaking lakes that capture the essence of West Virginia's natural splendor. Join thousands of nature enthusiasts in casting your vote for the most picturesque lake or suggest a missing option that deserves recognition. Immerse yourself in this interactive experience and contribute to a definitive ranking that showcases the stunning aquatic wonders of West Virginia. Dive into the world of StrawPoll and let your voice be heard as we explore the captivating charm of these pristine lakes together.

What Is the Most Beautiful Lake in West Virginia? (September 2023)

  1. 1
    59
    votes
    Summersville Lake
    Ken Thomas · Public domain
    With its crystal clear water and stunning cliffs, Summersville Lake is often considered the most beautiful lake in West Virginia. The lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are plenty of hiking trails nearby.
    Description
    Summersville Lake is a stunning lake located in Nicholas County, West Virginia. It is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters and picturesque surroundings, making it one of the most beautiful lakes in the state.
    • Size: 2,700 acres
    • Maximum Depth: 327 feet
    • Length of Shoreline: 60 miles
    • Surface Elevation: 1,633 feet above sea level
    • Activities: Boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, scuba diving
  2. 2
    34
    votes

    Cheat Lake

    Cheat River
    Located near Morgantown, Cheat Lake is a popular destination for boating and fishing. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, making for a picturesque setting.
    Description
    Cheat Lake is a stunning reservoir located in Monongalia County, West Virginia. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and offers an array of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.
    • Location: Monongalia County, West Virginia
    • Surface Area: 1,730 acres
    • Max Depth: 40 feet
    • Length: 13 miles
    • Shoreline Length: 30 miles
  3. 3
    26
    votes
    This 2,630-acre lake is known for its scenic beauty and excellent fishing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and boating.
    Description
    Stonewall Jackson Lake is a picturesque reservoir located in West Virginia that offers breathtaking natural beauty and a variety of recreational activities. Nestled amidst rolling hills and dense forests, the lake provides a serene retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
    • Location: West Virginia
    • Type: Reservoir
    • Size: 2,630 acres (10.6 km²)
    • Max Depth: 88 feet (26.8 meters)
    • Shoreline Length: 82 miles (132 km)
  4. 4
    20
    votes

    Tygart Lake

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
    Tygart Lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake is surrounded by green hills and forests, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
    Description
    Tygart Lake is a stunning reservoir located in the north-central part of West Virginia. It nestled amidst serene rolling hills and lush forests, offering a picturesque and tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. The lake was formed by the Tygart Dam, which was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1930s.
    • Location: Grafton, West Virginia
    • Surface Area: 1,750 acres
    • Max Depth: 75 feet
    • Length: 10 miles
    • Shoreline Length: 13 miles
  5. 5
    9
    votes
    With its clear blue water and rugged shoreline, Bluestone Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping. The lake is surrounded by the stunning Appalachian Mountains.
    Description
    Bluestone Lake is a stunning reservoir located in southern West Virginia, encompassing parts of both Summers and Mercer counties. It is known for its breathtaking beauty and tranquil atmosphere, attracting nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers from all over. The lake was created by the Bluestone Dam which was constructed across the New River, forming a peaceful oasis amidst the rugged Appalachian Mountains.
    • Size: 2,040 acres
    • Maximum Depth: 130 feet
    • Shoreline Length: 36 miles
    • Average Water Clarity: 15 feet
    • Purpose: Flood control, recreation, and water supply
  6. 6
    10
    votes

    Sutton Lake

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
    Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, Sutton Lake is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The lake is known for its excellent fishing and scenic beauty.
    Description
    Sutton Lake is a stunning man-made reservoir located in central West Virginia. It was created as part of a flood control project on the Elk River.
    • Surrounding Landscape: Rolling hills and lush forests
    • Location: Central West Virginia
    • Type: Man-made reservoir
    • Purpose: Flood control
    • Size: Approximately 1,520 acres
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Beech Fork Lake
    Youngamerican · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Beech Fork Lake

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
    Beech Fork Lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and camping. The lake is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including forests and rolling hills.
    Description
    Beech Fork Lake is a stunning reservoir located in West Virginia. Nestled in the rolling hills of Wayne County, it offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. The lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and it has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
    • Size: Approximately 720 acres
    • Maximum Depth: 67 feet
    • Shoreline Length: 27 miles
    • Water Source: Beech Fork River
    • Year Established: 1978
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Located in the heart of West Virginia, Burnsville Lake is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The lake is known for its excellent fishing and scenic beauty.
    Description
    Burnsville Lake is a stunning man-made lake located in central West Virginia. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers due to its serene beauty and recreational opportunities.
    • Location: Central West Virginia
    • Size: 968 acres
    • Water Source: Little Kanawha River
    • Maximum Depth: 95 feet
    • Miles of Shoreline: 50 miles
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    Elk River
    123dieinafire at en.wikipedia · Public domain

    Elk River

    Natural formation
    Though not technically a lake, the Elk River is a popular destination for kayaking and fishing. The river is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, making it a great place to explore.
    Description
    Elk River is a stunning lake located in West Virginia, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and offering a variety of recreational activities. It is known for its crystal-clear blue waters and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
    • Location: West Virginia
    • Surface Area: Approximately 43 square miles
    • Length: Approximately 186 miles
    • Average Depth: 20 feet
    • Maximum Depth: 80 feet
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    East Lynn Lake
    Brian M. Powell (user Bitmapped on en.wikipedia) · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Located in Wayne County, East Lynn Lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and camping. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests.
    Description
    East Lynn Lake is a stunning reservoir located in Wayne County, West Virginia. It offers visitors a picturesque and serene setting, surrounded by beautiful Appalachian Mountains.
    • Location: Wayne County, West Virginia
    • Size: Approximately 1,005 acres
    • Water Source: Big Sandy River
    • Maximum Depth: 65 feet
    • Shoreline Length: 28 miles

Missing your favorite lake?

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Ranking factors for beautiful lake

  1. Size and depth
    Larger and deeper lakes can generally offer more diverse recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming, making them more attractive to visitors.
  2. Water clarity and quality
    Clear, clean water indicates a healthy lake ecosystem and provides better conditions for swimming and other recreational activities.
  3. Surrounding scenery
    The natural beauty of the landscape surrounding the lake, including forests, mountains, wildlife, and vegetation, can greatly enhance the overall beauty of a lake.
  4. Recreational opportunities
    A variety of recreational options, such as hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, and boating, can make a lake more appealing to visitors.
  5. Accessibility
    The ease of accessing the lake, including available parking, nearby roads, and public transportation options, can influence its popularity and overall appeal.
  6. Wildlife and biodiversity
    A lake with a diverse range of plants and animals can be more interesting and enjoyable for visitors, particularly wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers.
  7. Seasonal changes
    Some lakes may be more beautiful during specific seasons or times of the year, like fall foliage or spring flowers. This can influence the overall ranking of a lake's beauty.
  8. Cultural or historical significance
    Lakes with significant cultural or historical value can have an added appeal, making them more attractive to tourists and locals alike.
  9. Facilities and amenities
    The availability of facilities such as restrooms, picnic areas, boat launches, and interpretive signs can enhance the enjoyment of a lake visit.
  10. Popularity and crowds
    A less crowded lake may be considered more beautiful due to its peaceful atmosphere and the ability to enjoy the landscape without interruption. However, a popular lake may also be considered beautiful due to public opinion and associated attractions.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful lake in West Virginia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite lake is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

  • 1880 views
  • 187 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each lake once every 24 hours. The rank of each lake is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful lake in west virginia

Nestled in the heartland of Appalachia, West Virginia boasts some of the most picturesque lakes in the country. From serene clear water to rugged mountain backdrops, the state's lakes offer a diverse range of stunning natural beauty. Whether you're an avid angler, water sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, these lakes are sure to captivate you with their breathtaking views, wildlife, and tranquil surroundings. In this article, we'll explore some of the most beautiful lakes in West Virginia and what makes them so special.