Summit Lake

Within the Gauley Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest sits this 17-acre lake. Despite being small, the lake is charming because of the surrounding forest. The abundance of bass and panfish at Summit Lake makes fishing one of the most well-liked activities there. Rowboats and motorboats with less than 20 horsepower are permitted, however, swimming is not.

The Summit Lake Trail begins at the trailhead by ascending through a young forest that is still healing from a recent harvest. The track soon turns into a long series of switchbacks up the mountainside as you encounter more established areas of fir and hemlock. Reach a trail intersection with the Twin Lake and Carbon River Trail after about a mile of hiking. A brief, unmarked walk leads to solitary Twin Lake, which lacks both a twin and the breathtaking scenery Summit Lake offers.

The NE and S sides of Summit Lake also include a number of campsites that allow for more exploration along the Bearhead Mountain and Carbon River Trails that are close by. This lake is one of the best lakes to visit in West Virginia.

Location: Greenbrier County, West Virginia