West Virginia 2008 Official State Travel Guide - (Page 59) Wild West Virginia REPORTS WATER WAYS by Robin Boyd LAKES WATERFALLS RIVERS When most people think about West Virginia, they think of mountains – but the state is also home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls, pristine lakes and rushing rivers in the country. Lakes West Virginia’s Summersville Lake has steep rocky cliffs hidden about 100 feet below the surface, making it a haven for scuba divers. The lake attracts 1.5 million people each year for boating, jet skiing, fishing, swimming and scuba diving. Central West Virginia’s Sutton Lake winds 14 miles along the Elk River and is known for having many coves along its 20 miles of shoreline. The lake, located in the historic town of Sutton, is a favorite spot for boating, fishing and water skiing. Stonewall Jackson’s Lake is a destination for canoeists and paddlers who like to explore the many inlets and backwater areas along the lake. In addition, the 374-slip marina and location at the luxurious Stonewall Jackson Resort & State Park make the lake a popular vacation spot for boaters and fishermen. Blackwater Falls near Davis g. Rivers The state’s whitewater rivers are ideal for rafting and kayaking at all skill levels. The Gauley River is widely known as one of the most advanced whitewater runs in the world, while the milder New River offers opportunities for mid- to less-experienced rafters. The lesser-known (but equally beautiful) Cherry, Cranberry, Tygart Valley and Williams rivers, near Richwood, and the Eastern Panhandle’s Cacapon River, offer recreational activities such as fishing and swimming. IF YOU GO: Blackwater Falls State Park, 800-CALL WVA, www.blackwaterfalls.com. Cacapon River, 304-535-2627, www.hello-wv.com. Gauley River, 304-465-0508, www.nps.gov. New River Gorge, 800-927-0263, www.newrivercvb.com. Richwood Convention & Visitors Bureau, 304-846-6790, www.richwoodwv.com. Stonewall Jackson Resort & State Park, 888-278-8150, www.stonewallresort.com. Summersville Lake, 304-872-1331, www.summersville.org. Sutton Lake, 304-765-3300, www.braxtonwv.org. Twin Falls State Park, 800-CALL WVA, www.twinfallsresort.com. W W W . C A L L W VA . C O M Glade Creek, Fayette County h. Waterfalls At the magnificent Blackwater Falls near Davis, amber-colored waters plunge five stories then wind their way through an eight-mile-long gorge. A walker-friendly staircase and multiple observation points provide excellent views of the 500-foot deep gorge. Two strikingly beautiful 20-foot waterfalls at Twin Falls State Park in Mullens are worth the short hike to get there. The clear water cascades powerfully into two small streams alongside a popular hiking/biking trail. Another wonderful set of waterfalls is tucked away in a narrow gorge just off the Highland Scenic Highway. The Falls of Hills Creek boasts three successively higher waterfalls at 25, 45 and 63 feet. 59 http://www.blackwaterfalls.com http://www.hello-wv.com http://www.nps.gov http://www.newrivercvb.com http://www.richwoodwv.com http://www.stonewallresort.com http://www.summersville.org http://www.braxtonwv.org http://www.twinfallsresort.com http://www.callwva.com
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