MAIN Beaches US West Virginia Beaches & Lakes

The Allegheny mountains of West Virginia offer some of the best white water rafting rivers in North America, but there are also sedate spots to enjoy calmer water activities.

At places like Summersville Lake (the state's largest) there is swimming, fishing, boating and other water sports rank high on the list of attractions in the Mountain State.

Other popular lake beaches include those at serene and peaceful Sutton Lake and sunny Shaw Beach at Jennings Randolph Lake.

And, in 2014, West Virginia celebrated the grand reopening of the Tygart Lake State Park beach following six long years of refurbishment.

Just up ahead, check out the complete tour for where to stay cool during a fun summer fling in West Virginia:

The perfect West Virginia summer getaway: Tygart Lake State Park near Grafton, WV.

More about West Virginia lake beaches around the Web:

Top 7 West Virginia Lakes for Family Fun - Here's a great overview of the lakes in the Mountain State with ideas for swimming, boating, fishing and other attractions.

Blue Stone State Park - With facilities for boating, fishing, skiing, swimming and camping (with the Appalachian Mountains as a back drop) check out pictures, accommodation guide, maps & pictures.

West Virginia Swimming Holes - The guide to everything from full-fledged swimming areas with amenities to "unofficial" off-the-beaten-path swimming holes with pictures maps & directions.