Most People Have No Idea There's An Underwater Ghost Town Hiding In West Virginia
Rachel Whetstone
Author
Summersville Lake is a popular attraction in Nicholas County, West Virginia for tourists and locals to have some outdoor fun. While the lake is an ideal destination for a day of play, you might be surprised to learn that Gad, West Virginia, used to exist where the water now is. If you’re curious to know more about the town under Summersville lake, read on to learn Gad’s unique history.
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Occasionally Summersville Lake is drained for repairs, and you can still see parts of the roadway, foundations, and carvings in the rock from Gad’s former residents. Although those who lived there miss their old town, the Gad dam has saved the area from an estimated $407,400,000 in flood damages over the years.
If you’re a bit of a history buff and want to keep learning about forgotten ghost towns, take a look at this town that’s like Gad, West Virginia, And, if you’ve been to Summersville Lake, feel free to share what your experience was like in the comment section below.
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More to Explore
Gad West Virginia
What is the most scenic town in West Virginia?
- Thomas and Davis
- Lewisburg
- Fayetteville
Now that you've learned about the town of Gad, how about exploring other scenic towns in West Virginia? Just like spending the day on the water at Summersville Lake, there's plenty to do in these small towns when you want to have an outdoor adventure or a weekend away. This includes strolling through one of these scenic towns' downtown areas, grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant, taking in some of the historical sites, and using the town as a base to explore nearby parts of West Virginia too.
What are the best little-known attractions in West Virginia?
- As you've discovered, not many people know about the ghost town of Gad. However, unlike Gad, West Virginia, there are many lesser-known places around the state that you’re able to see and visit nowadays too. To make it easy for you, follow this road trip to West Virginia's hidden gems scattered around the Mountain State. You’ll find tips on where to go on this massive list of lesser-known attractions in West Virginia as well.
What are the best outdoor adventures in West Virginia?
Along with Summersville Lake, there are many other popular destinations to check out if you’re looking for outdoor adventures in West Virginia. If you’re into hiking, there are a considerable amount of easy trails in the Mountain State to explore with your family. Feel to also reference this West Virginia nature guide for more ideas about some of the best outdoor adventures in the state.