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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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Brian M. Powell (user Bitmapped on en.wikipedia)
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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
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Discussion
Ranking factors for beautiful lake
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.
Water clarity and quality
Clear, clean water indicates a healthy lake ecosystem and provides better conditions for swimming and other recreational activities.
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.
Recreational opportunities
A variety of recreational options, such as hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, and boating, can make a lake more appealing to visitors.
Accessibility
The ease of accessing the lake, including available parking, nearby roads, and public transportation options, can influence its popularity and overall appeal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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