This Secluded Gem in West Virginia Is the Next Big Thing in Slow Travel

If you're planning an unforgettable West Virginia vacation, chances are you'll hit all the big attractions: New River Gorge, Harpers Ferry, Blackwater Falls State Park. But there's so much more to the Mountain State—so many beautiful, lesser-known places that will prove just as memorable. So, we'd invite you to give slow travel a try. This growing trend in the travel space is about fully experiencing one place rather than going for all the big-ticket places. And Summersville Lake is the perfect spot for a healthy dose of slow travel.

Summersville Lake isn't exactly undiscovered; among locals, it's been loved for generations. But if you're fairly new to West Virginia travel, you likely didn't have this picture-perfect reservoir on your radar. With a surface area measuring 2,700 acres, it's the largest lake in the state and boasts over 60 miles of shoreline characterized by staggering cliffs and hidden-away coves.

The area is largely undeveloped, and 177 acres of land on the lake's northern shore were recently designated as a state park. Summersville Lake State Park is a treasure trove of outdoor adventure, but it's most famous for its world-famous rock climbing. In fact, Summersville Lake State Park is the first state park in the country to offer rock climbing education.

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly planted, you'll appreciate the park's beautiful trails. Two beautiful trails, known as the Pirates Cove Trail and Climbers Trail, take you along the water and through the woods, offering stunning views along the way. The combined trail experience is just two miles and considered moderately easy. From the trail, you'll see a pathway leading down to the water and some smaller cliffs you can jump off. But, please keep in mind that it's illegal to jump off of any cliffs measuring six feet or taller—and this is strictly enforced.

When you're ready for a swim, head to Battle Run Public Beach, a clean, refreshing beach with plenty of room for relaxing. The sand is soft, the area is well-maintained, and the water is crystal clear. Plus, the gentle slope of the water makes it ideal for little ones.

While a handful of rentals are available near Summersville Lake, you might consider camping. The state park offers three different campgrounds: Overlook Campground, Deer Run Campground, and Joe Branch Campground (the most primitive of all three). As for food, there are plenty of delightful local finds in the area. Some popular places include The Local 805, famous for its burgers and bacon mac and cheese, or El Bandido, a family-friendly Mexican restaurant with a self-serve salsa bar.

Have you ever visited Summersville Lake? Who would you like to travel there with? Be sure to share this article with them and start planning your slow travel vacation today! Looking for more travel inspiration? Explore West Virginia's most scenic spots on this two-day road trip.