The Only Natural Lake In West Virginia, Trout Pond Is Slowly Sinking Out Of Sight
Cristy
Author
No one can characterize the state of West Virginia as a desert. We have so much water to enjoy throughout the state: creeks, rivers, reservoirs, and waterfalls. But are there any natural lakes in WV? It might surprise you to hear despite all of our beautiful bodies of water, there’s only one natural lake in the whole state – and it’s slowly disappearing from sight.
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Even though there are not many natural lakes in West Virginia, the Trout Pond Recreation Area is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors. Take a tour of the campground in this walk-through video showing the campground and a quick flyover of the beach on Rockcliffe Lake:
Did you get to see Trout Pond back when it was a larger lake? Did you realize how significantly it has shrunk in size since then? Just because there isn’t an abundance of natural lakes in WV doesn’t mean we don’t have plenty of places to enjoy a nice dip on a hot day.
Thankfully, Rockcliff Lake is still a beautiful, vibrant spot. Definitely add it to your list of great camping/hiking/swimming spots in West Virginia! To learn more about this area, visit the Trout Pond Recreation Area page on the US Forest Service website.
For another man-made lake (plus a resort!) to enjoy this summer in West Virginia, try Stonewall Resort.
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More to Explore
More lakes in West Virginia
What are the best lakes near me in West Virginia?
With plenty of man-made lakes in West Virginia to explore we have lots of options for enjoying water sports and a cool place to swim. Here are a few of the best lakes near you in West Virginia:
- Ridenour Lake: This small lake is owned and operated by the city of Nitro, WV. It is a fun recreational lake popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. Whether you enjoy shore fishing or getting out in the boat this lake is stocked with plenty of fish for a fun day out on the lake.
- Boley Lake: This beautiful lake located in the Babcock State Park near Clifftop, West Virginia is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. It may only be around 19 acres but it still has plenty of open water to enjoy.
- Summersville Lake: Any list of the best lakes in West Virginia can't be without Summersville Lake. It is an absolutely beautiful lake with sandy beaches and stunning rocky cliffs. Add the scenic forests and mountains that surround the lake and you have a picture-perfect lake that is perfect for a summer vacation, weekend getaway, or even a day trip.
- Laurel Lake: If you ever find yourself between Lenore and Dingess, West Virginia and in need of a quick nature fix, this lovely lake will be waiting for you. The Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area has nearly 13,000 acres of wilderness to explore and the lake itself is a hidden gem surrounded in beauty.
- Stonewall Jackson Lake: The lake is the crown jewel of this incredibly scenic area. Stonewall Resort State Park was only completed in 1990, so it is a fairly recent project. The lake has a large marina where you can rent boats for cruising the lake or you can enjoy a ride on the Little Sorrel cruise boat for a casual lake tour.