Nicholas County

The Lake District

Offering diverse recreational activities like swimming, fishing, hiking and whitewater rafting, Nicholas County is a destination for both casual visitors and outdoor enthusiasts.

The area highlights West Virginia’s largest lake, Summersville Lake, covering 28,000 acres and boasting 60 miles of shoreline. Additionally, there’s Summersville Lake State Park, the state’s newest park, encompassing 177 acres on the lake’s northern shore. Located in the Gauley River National Recreation Area, the lake is controlled by Summersville Dam, supplying water to the famous Gauley River. Each fall, adventurers worldwide come to tackle the river’s challenging whitewater rapids.

Beyond its aquatic allure, Nicholas County is steeped in history, with early settlements, significant Civil War sites like Carnifex Ferry State Park and insights into West Virginia’s lumber industry that shaped the town of Richwood.

End your days with local libations. Visit Kirkwood Winery and Isaiah Morgan Distillery for a one-of-a-kind West Virginia wine-tasting experience. Tour the distillery to learn about the Appalachian tradition of small-batch corn whiskey — and take home a bottle to savor. Then, head to Gad Dam Brewing in Summersville, a pet-friendly spot with fire pits, a spacious outdoor deck and more.

The vibrant spirit of Nicholas County is evident in its lively fairs and festivals. From the Feast of the Ramson in April and the Music in the Mountains Bluegrass Festival in June to the Civil War Weekend and Gauley Fest in September, there’s always a reason to celebrate. In the county seat, Summersville, the Summersville Arena and Conference Center stands as a hub of entertainment and events, spanning 73,000 square feet and attracting top-tier performances and gatherings to Southern West Virginia.
For more information, reach out to the respective chambers and visitors bureaus: Summersville Area Chamber of Commerce at 304-872-1588, Richwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 304-846-6790 or the Summersville Convention & Visitors Bureau at 304-872-3722.