The Small Town Lake In West Virginia That’s An Idyllic Summer Day Trip

Ridenour Lake, located in Nitro, West Virginia, is a beautiful and serene destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This 50-acre lake is owned and operated by the City of Nitro and offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking.

One of the best things about Ridenour Lake is its excellent fishing: it's one of the best fishing spots in the Kanawha Valley.

The lake is stocked with a variety of fish including bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Anglers can fish from the shore or rent a boat to explore the lake’s deeper waters.

In addition to fishing, Ridenour Lake offers opportunities for boating enthusiasts as well. The lake has a boat ramp for public use, and visitors can bring their own boats or rent rowboats, canoes, and kayaks. With the lake’s calm waters, it’s an ideal spot to paddle around and enjoy the scenery.

For those who prefer to stay on land, Ridenour Lake has a hiking trail that encircles the lake. The trail is approximately 1.2 miles long and is an easy walk.

Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning lake views, spot beautiful flowers, and watch interesting wildlife such as turtles, birds, and frogs.

There are also other trails through the nearby woods, and many of them are suitable for biking as well as hiking.

Finally, Ridenour Lake offers many great spots for picnicking. The park features restrooms, picnic tables, grills, and a playground. Visitors can pack a picnic lunch or grab a quick bite to go from a restaurant in Nitro.

Overall, Ridenour Lake in Nitro, West Virginia is a great spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway. With its beautiful scenery and variety of activities, it’s no wonder that Nitro locals and out-of-town visitors alike enjoy spending time here. And Ridenour Lake isn't the only interesting reason to visit Nitro, either, so plan a trip to this amazing small town soon!