The Only Natural Lake In West Virginia, Trout Pond Is Slowly Sinking Out Of Sight
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, waterfalls. But did you know that for all that water, there’s only one natural lake in the whole state? And it’s slowly disappearing from sight.
That lake is located in Hardy County, and you may have heard of it; it's called Trout Pond (formerly, it was known as Old Pond).
But it was created by a natural sinkhole in an area full of underground limestone that is slowly dissolving away...
Now, almost 20 years later, Trout Pond is down from 3 acres in size to a mere puddle (as seen in this photo from September of 2019).
It's a beautiful lake fed by a babbling brook, with interesting rock formations and forests all around, and you can boat, hike, and swim on the beach at this lake.
...even if you can't see much of West Virginia's single, slowly disappearing natural lake any more.
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? But thankfully Rockcliffe 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 website.
For another man-made lake (plus a resort!) to enjoy this summer in West Virginia, try this article.
Address: 814 Trout Pond Campground Rd, Lost City, WV 26810, USA
