Outdoor Adventures
written by pagett dusic
Make Waves
west virginia ’ s water wonders await
Photo by Adventures on the Gorge .
West Virginia may be known as the Mountain State , but did you know it also has over 32,000 miles of rushing river water , 121 public fishing lakes , nearly 300 rivers and creeks and countless private ponds ? In fact , 48 of the state ’ s 55 counties have at least one public lake , with some counties having as many as seven .
This landlocked piece of Appalachia offers a variety of water activities and events . Whether it ’ s boating on Stonewall Jackson Lake , fly fishing on the Blackwater River , rafting Class V rapids on the Upper Gauley or floating down the Potomac River with friends , there ’ s truly something for everyone in West Virginia ’ s waters .
Photo by Webster County CVB .
Some of the most beautiful lakes in the country are found right here in West Virginia . The state ’ s newest state park , Summersville Lake State Park , boasts 28,000 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline . The water is so clear , it ’ s sometimes called the Little Bahamas of the East , which makes it excellent for swimming , scuba diving and snorkeling .
Contrary to its name , the New River is one of the oldest rivers on the continent . The only river that is older in the world is the Nile River . Floating down the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve , you ’ ll find some of the most beautiful views and best whitewater rafting on the East Coast .
Grab your bathing suit , towel and plenty of sunscreen , and get ready for some amazing water activities all can do right here in the heart of Appalachia .
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