We’re called the Mountain State here in West Virginia for good reason, but perhaps it would be just as accurate to call us the Mountain Lake State — we have that many pristine, beautiful, peaceful, out-of-the-way mountain lakes to our name. Here are just six lakes clustered within a 3.5-hour drive along the mid-eastern border of West Virginia, near Bluefield, Princeton, Beckley, and Lewisburg.
1. Moncove Lake State Park
Moncove Lake State Park, 695 Moncove Lake Access Rd, Gap Mills, WV 24941, USA
Moncove Lake is the crown jewel of Moncove Lake State Park, located in Gap Mills, West Virginia. It's a great spot for fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, and generally just relaxing in nature. Summer is the time for boating and swimming in the lakeside pool, but my family and I visited in the winter and that was also beautiful.
2. Little Beaver State Park
Little Beaver State Park, 1402 Grandview Rd, Beaver, WV 25813, USA
The next stop on this lakes trip is Little Beaver State Park, an underrated gem near Beckley, West Virginia. Featuring hiking trails, picnic areas, and of course, a lake, it's a great spot to spend a quiet afternoon. I particularly love the dense canopy of rhododendron on the trails surrounding the lake. In season, a variety of boat rentals are available from the park office. And don't miss the spillway that forms a picturesque waterfall at one end of the lake!
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3. Pipestem Resort State Park
Pipestem Resort State Park, 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979, USA
The lake at Pipestem Resort State Park is unique in that it is an Adventure Lake complete with its very own water park. Bring the kids, bring the snacks, and bring a bunch of energy, a perfect trifecta that will ensure a wildly good time.
Tucked away in the city of Princeton, Glenwood Lake in the Glenwood Recreational Park is a convenient spot for a stroll along the trail that runs around the lake.
5. James P Bailey Lake
James P Bailey Lake, 1130 Bull Tail Hollow Rd, Bluefield, WV 24701, USA
This is a small lake, only a couple acres in size, but a true hidden gem tucked away in Bluefield. Once when I was here, there was a fishing tournament in progress.
6. Jimmy Lewis Lake
Jimmy Lewis Lake, Pinnacle Rock Lake Number One, Bluefield, WV 24701, USA
A little known feature of Pinnacle Rock State Park (it's on the opposite end of the park as Pinnacle Rock itself), Jimmy Lewis Lake boasts two boat launches and spots for bank fishing. It's a good spot for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Trout are stocked throughout the spring months (February to May).
I don't know about you, but mountain lake life is the life for me! What a treat, to have so many great options when it comes to scenic lakes here in West Virginia.
What’s your favorite lake in Almost Heaven, West Virginia? Have you been to any of these, which are all quite near Beckley, West Virginia (less than two hours away!)? This lakes road trip also passes near or through Bluefield, Princeton, and Lewisburg, West Virginia, all of which are towns worth exploring in and of themselves. And if you’re embarking on this road trip, make sure you’re prepared with all the right road trip essentials!
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