West Virginia is set to open its 36th state park, Summersville Lake State Park, on the northern shore of Summersville Lake. The park, located just a 15-minute drive from the recently established New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, will offer a range of outdoor adventure activities.
Governor Jim Justice has announced that a bill to officially designate the land as a state park has been sent to the West Virginia Legislature on August 6, 2023. Once the bill is passed and signed by the governor, the park will open to the public, providing new recreational opportunities.
Summersville Lake is renowned for its clear blue waters and unique rock formations, attracting boaters, divers, and rock climbers from both national and international locations. It is estimated that over one million visitors enjoy watersports at the lake each year. The 177-acre park will provide access to additional recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.
The park will be developed through a public-private partnership and will feature amenities such as additional climbing and bouldering opportunities, hiking and biking trails, water activities, aerial sports, camping, and cabins. The Division of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting in the near future to gather input from the public.
This project comes as part of a significant investment in the state park system, with more than $150 million being spent on improvements, including upgrades at every lodge and cabin. Last year’s state park revenue marked a fourth consecutive year of record-breaking revenue, indicating growth in both in-state and out-of-state visitation.
An official designation event for the park will be held in the near future, during which it will be officially opened to the public. Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism, Chelsea Ruby, expressed gratitude for Governor Justice’s vision and highlighted the accomplishments in expanding and improving recreation in the state.
The director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Brett McMillion, praised the governor’s efforts in enhancing the state’s tourism infrastructure and expressed excitement about adding 177 acres to the state park system. James Bailey, secretary of the West Virginia Department of Commerce, emphasized the nationwide recognition of Summersville Lake as a destination and the plan to develop the site into the nation’s premier outdoor adventure park.
You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
Post a comment as Anonymous Commenter
Report
Watch this discussion.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.