Summersville Lake, WV

WARNING: Climbing is Potentially Dangerous!

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Summersville lake climbing page.

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The Coliseum at Summersville

The Waterfall

Drained for Winter

Introduction:
Summersville Lake is located just North of the New River Gorge (about 20 miles). This one of my favorite areas to climb! the access is decent and there are many moderate and hard sport routes. There are also a few nice easy sport routes for beginning leaders: Jeff's Bunny Hop (5.8), Sniff the Drill (5.8), That Eight (5.7), & Hippie Dreams (5.7) to name a few.
The sandstone cliffs range from 30 ft - 80ft. In height, providing enjoyable face and overhanging routes on edges and pockets. The Lake itself is a reservoir for the Gauley River and gets drained every fall to make room for winter run off. From fall to spring the Lake takes on a completely different appearance as the water level will drop around 75 feet below normal levels. Exposing large boulders and the area called "Pirates Cove" is becomes accessible. The low lake levels also allow for some great bouldering. In the summer the lake will provide you with much needed relief from the heat, great for swimming and boating. The land is owned by the
Army Core of Engineers and should be treated with respect.

Summersville Lake is also the reservoir for the Gauley river. In the fall the lake is drained (via the Gauley river) which marks the beginning of "Gauley Season", when white water kayakers and rafters flok to the Gauley river to enjoy the added water flow. This usually begins in September and runs for about 6 weeks. During the summer the lake is enjoyed by fishermen, boaters, and jet skis, it is also very refreshing after a long day of climbing. The New River Gorge bridge provides some attractions, including the annual Bridge Day, which allows many lunatics to base jump to the river 1000ft. below (held in October). West Virginia offers plenty of other activities especially near "The New". The New river and the Gauley river both offer White water rafting, Kayaking, Mountain biking and miles of scenic hiking. Summersville Lake offers great boating, fishing, and of course climbing.

Directions

Recommended Gear

Lead (Sport & Trad):
• Full Rack
• Various sized slings
• 12-14 Quick draws
• 60m Rope
• Rope bag

Guidebooks:
• New River Gorge rock climbers guidebook (2nd edition), Cater, KCP publishing
• Rock Climbing: Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, E.Horst, Falcon Books
• Sport Crags of the East, Cater, KCP publishing

Season:
Just as the New River Gorge, fall and spring are the best times to visit. Summer tends to be hot and damp, while October is the dryest month. It is always a good idea to plan a bail destination, if the weather is bad in one areahead to your second choice.

Click HERE For current weather conditions and the five day weather forecast.

Emergency: (Thanks to Mary Swim for updated information)
Plateau Medica Center, Oak Hill
(304)465-0561
Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley
(304)469-6213
National Park Service
(304)465-0508

Emergency Only Call 911

Rock Climbing
Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland
By Eric Horst.
This book covers over 1,200 routes in 23 different areas, form popular top ropes to classic multi pitches.

Buy this book

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