Area Information

Established in 1824, Summersville was named after Judge Lewis Summers. Judge Summers was instrumental in the formation of Nicholas County. It later became the major crossroads of the Pocahontas Trails. Today, Summersville and Nicholas County offer the Cherry River and Gauley River Festivals, the mountain triathlon in the Monongahela National Forest, the Gauley Kayak Race, the Nicholas County Fair, "Music in the Mountains" bluegrass festival, The Good Gauley Chili Fest, Easter egg hunts, gospel singing concerts, conventions, WV women's commissions, golf courses and much more.

Plus don't forget the New River Gorge Bridge, which cost almost $37 million dollars when it opened in 1977. Only 3 miles south of Summersville on US Route 19 is Summersville Lake with nearly 2,800 acres and 60 miles of shoreline! The lake offers large and smallmouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill and even occasional rainbow trout! The lake has outstanding water clarity and a scenic terrain ranging from vertical rock cliffs to rolling hills. Nearly a million visitors enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, camping, rock climbing, scuba diving and more every year. Another area claim to fame is "America's Best Whitewater" on the New and Gauley rivers! The New River is known as "The Grand Canyon of the East" during high water in the spring. Summer levels are more sedate and offer a great opportunity for teaching kids about the thrills of whitewater. The Upper New is ideal for younger children with its smaller rapids and swimming holes. The Gauley River is small, but steeper and more serious. It's known as one of the top ten commercially rafted rivers in the world. The Upper Gauley is the ultimate in whitewater with exciting steep, technical and undercut features. The scenic Lower Gauley is a step up from the New but a step down from the Upper - it's exciting but not as serious. There's lots to see and do in Summersville and Nicholas County. Historic Carnifex Ferry State Park was the site of a Civil War battle in 1861. Gauley River National Recreation Area is ranked in the top three in the nation! Muddelty Creek Hiking Trail is a converted railroad grade. The Highland Scenic Highway is the only National Scenic Byway in the state. Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Cranberry/Tri-Rivers Rail Trail and Cranberry Wilderness Backcountry are also points of interest. Summersville and Nicholas County offer so much to see and do. There's something here for everyone! Come and see for yourself.

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