Nestled in the Virginia Mountains, Lake Moomaw Has Some of the Clearest Water in Virginia

There's a little-known lake nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of western Virginia, and it promises to delight. The area around Lake Moomaw in Covington, VA, offers miles and miles of hiking trails, picturesque campsites, and even boat ramps, but the real draw is the water itself. This pristine mountain lake is perfect for swimming or sunbathing, whichever you prefer. When you visit, you'll discover that this beautiful body of water is perhaps the clearest lake in Virginia. Here's more on what you can expect from your visit to Lake Moomaw, one of the largest and most beautiful Virginia lakes:

Next time you find yourself searching for "clear water lakes near me," look no further than Lake Moomaw. Tucked away near the border of West Virginia in the sprawling George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, this stunning Virginia lake offers nearly endless opportunities for adventure. And it's nice that it's surrounded by mountains, peaceful woodlands, and over 40 miles of shoreline. Since it's only about 90 miles away, the lake is a great destination for a day trip from Roanoke,

There are two sandy beaches on the water: one on the north end near Bolar Mountain Campground and the other near the southern end of the lake near Coles Point. Aside from the beaches, there are several ways to take advantage of the water. Kayak and canoe rentals are available, but few things beat jumping in the water! Anglers, bring your rods for a peaceful day on the lake, reeling in catfish, crappie, and bass as you soak up the mountain views. Come early spring and winter, and you'll find that the trout will be biting in the deeper part of the lake.

This tranquil and clear lake is the perfect remedy for a hot summer day. And we all know how high those temperatures can get during summer in Virginia. In some areas of the lake, you'll notice the water has a dramatically green color. How fascinating is that? Also, the color of the water tends to change depending on the lighting. This can be observed as you take a stroll along one of the lake's nearby hiking trails.

The Lake Moomaw Greenwood Point Trail is marked as hard, and you can expect narrow sections with an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet. That said, you'll have some incredible views of the lake along the way, and we think it's worth the hike. Just keep in mind that it’s almost six miles out and back, and it will take about 3 hours to complete. I recommend having an offline map handy in case you run into any issues on the route.  

All in all, the lake offers lots of opportunities for outdoor fun for the entire family. Whether you're visiting for the afternoon or decide to camp for a few nights, you'll love exploring one of the most beautiful lakes in Virginia.

Have you ever visited Lake Moomaw? Did you think it was the clearest lake in Virginia? Share this article with someone you want to visit with. And if you happen to come to this remote area of the state, you might also consider adding the beach and waterfalls at Douthat State Park to your trip. The park is about 40 miles from the lake, meaning you can explore both spots in one day. There's so much to do in this corner of the state, and you can discover more places on the Visit Virginia page.