- Whitewater Rafting
- Water Sports / Beach
- Snow Skiing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Hiking
There are trails for everyone with difficulty levels ranging from very easy to very challenging!
- Rock Climbing
Climb the sandstone cliffs of the New River Gorge or Summersville Lake!
- Mountain Biking
Our mountain biking trails can be both beautiful and challenging or opt for a more relaxing ride. It's your call!
- Scuba Diving
- Photography
Whether you photograph wildlife, scenery, landscapes, or action shots, you can find it here!
- Equestrian
- Thrill Seekers
For true adrenaline junkies only!
Whitewater Rafting West Virginia offers the best whitewater in the east, and the best whitewater in West Virginia is within minutes of your cabin at Carnifex Ferry Cottages. The Gauley River is rated the best whitewater in the east and ranked in the top five in the country! The New River is also rated one of the best and offers trips for everyone from age six to eighty-six. These rivers may be run in rafts, duckies, kayaks, and canoes. Different sections of each river present you with different levels of challenge from mild to wild. The upper section of the New River is for family fun and fishing trips (fantastic smallmouth bass fishing). The lower New offers much greater challenges and depending on water levels, can rival the Gauley for excitement. The lower section of the Gauley River is mostly class III to class IV whitewater--very challenging but not too extreme for the beginner that likes excitement. The upper Gauley River is the “Beast of the East.” It offers the most challenging and exciting whitewater in the eastern United States. |
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You can observe class V whitewater action just a short hike from your cabin’s front door at Carnifex Ferry Cottages. Pillow Rock rapid slams Gauley River riders into the side of “Pillow Rock” every chance it gets. The rapid and the rock get their name from the water that billows up against the rock due to the high volumes of very fast water, creating a “pillow-like” visual effect. |
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Please visit our “Whitewater Picture Gallery” for a few pictures of the action on local whitewater. Photos like these can be taken from the vantage point afforded you when you stay at Carnifex Ferry Cottages. For a complete index of all whitewater rivers in West Virginia, follow me, and for river level information, go here. |
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Summersville Lake is FUN for ALL Summersville Lake offers recreational opportunities for everyone. In addition to fishing, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, scuba diving, and just relaxing at the beach, there are facilities for picnicking along with restrooms, showers, and open and wooded areas for hiking or exploring. |
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The lake offers a full service marina, an airport, and 3 boat-launching sites (Long Point, Battle Run, and Salmon Run), with parking for cars and trailers. There’s also a breathtaking scenic overlook with picnic and parking facilities. |
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Summersville Lake has 60-miles of shoreline, and from various locations you can feast your eyes on a scenic contrast of terrain ranging from rolling knolls to vertical rock cliffs. Background Lyndon B. Johnson dedicated Summersville Lake on September 3, 1966. The project was built by the Army Corps of Engineers between 1960 and 1966 at a cost of almost $48 million dollars. By the end of 1974 it had paid for itself by preventing nearly $67 million dollars in flood damage. The dam is on Gauley River near the town of Summersville in Nicholas County, West Virginia, and controls a drainage area of 803 square miles. It is one of the Corp’s most scenic dams. A rock-fill type, it gives the impression that nature, not man, planned and placed it. Summersville is the second largest dam of this type in the eastern United States and required 12 million cubic yards of earth and rock. The dam is 390 feet high and 2,280 feet long. Water is released through a 1,555-foot long, 29-foot diameter tunnel controlled at the lower end by three 9-foot diameter valves. On some days of sunshine, the torrents of water shooting from these valves create a beautiful rainbow. Strange But True The Corps of Engineers broke a long-standing tradition in naming the Summersville project after the nearest town and construction site. This name becomes permanent unless the project is later named for some famous person. Summersville was not the town nearest the dam site in this case. It was Gad, West Virginia, located near the present site of the Long Point Marina. After briefly considering the name “Gad Dam,” the name “Summersville” was used instead! Recreational Mecca Summersville Lake has become a mecca for tourists from all parts of the United States. Visitor influx is nearly 1,500,000 annually and is expected to keep growing. Contact us for more info on recreational opportunities at Summersville Lake. Carnifex Ferry Cottages are near Summersville Lake, offering you the best in location and unique lodging. |
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Snow Skiing Snow skiing is available at Winterplace Ski Resort, about a one-hour drive from your cabin at Carnifex Ferry Cottages. Winterplace has spent several million dollars in the last year or two upgrading and renovating their facilities. It is now one of the premiere snow skiing resorts in the southeast. |
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Trails
Lifts
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More Good Stuff
Restaurants
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Fishing West Virginia offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. Four distinct seasons means fishing for species indigenous to the north as well as the south. Of course, the most obvious opportunity is to hike the short distance from your cabin at Carnifex Ferry Cottages to the Gauley River to catch your meal! West Virginia is arguably the best trout fishing state in the east. The Cranberry, Williams, and Cherry rivers offer legendary trout fishing. Check the “Trout Report,” and “Trout Regulations” links below for more information. The New River is a smallmouth bass mecca. An ample population of trophy sized smallmouth bass propagate in the ideal habitat of stone ledges and boulders of the Upper New River. This section of the New River offers gentle rolling rapids, breathtaking scenery, an abundance of wildlife and miles of excellent fishing. New River fishing also includes muskie and catfish. The use of an experienced guide will ensure that you maximize your fishing experience on the Upper New. Check the “Guides” link below for our recommendations. |
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The Elk River and its numerous branches and forks is an excellent river for both trout and smallmouth bass while the Greenbrier River offers fantastic smallmouth bass fishing on the longest unimpounded river in the east. |
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Summersville Lake is excellent for smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, and the occasional rainbow trout. The lake is clean, clear, deep, and provides many rock cliffs, boulders and other cover--an excellent environment for fish to thrive. The tailwaters are stocked with trout. Whatever your preference for fishing, you’ll find it here in West Virginia. Guides are available for most of the rivers in the area and for the veteran fisherman, will help you find all the finest fishin’ holes quickly. For the novice fisherman, the guides will also help you develop your skills as a fisherman. For further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us via email or at 1-800-701-0809.. |
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Cranberry Wilderness Outfitters |
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Hunting
West Virginia has long been known for having the best hunting in the east, and with a successful Wildlife Management Program, this is still true today. The Driftwood Lodge and the Carnifex Ferry Cottages are at the heart of two Wildlife Management Areas (WMA).
Wildlife Management Areas
The Summersville Lake WMA (5,974-acres) in Nicholas County is located three miles south of Summersville on US RT. 19. The terrain ranges from rolling hills to vertical rock cliffs. Primarily forested, this area offers hunting for deer, turkey, squirrel, and grouse. The fish population in 2,979-acre Summersville Lake includes smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, and channel catfish. Rainbow trout are occasionally taken. The tailwaters are also stocked with trout. Facilities available include picnic areas, restrooms, showers, trailer disposal stations, and hiking areas. A public archery range is also available. The area is owned by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and managed by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.
The Cranberry WMA (160,990-acres) encompasses areas of Nicholas, Webster, Pocahontas, and Greenbrier Counties. State Routes 150, 39, 7, 48, and 46 provide access to the area. Located in the Monongahela National Forest, elevations range from 1,900 to 4,600 feet in mountainous terrain covered with mature hardwood forests. Hunting for bear, turkey, deer, snowshoe hare, and squirrel is very productive, as is trapping for raccoon, beaver, fox, mink, and muskrat. Summit Lake, 42-acres, North and South forks of the Cherry River, Williams River, and Cranberry River provide excellent trout fishing. The area contains the Cranberry Wilderness Area, totaling 35,864-acres. It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.
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Hiking Trails for hiking and backpacking are abundant in the part of West Virginia. As a matter of fact, there are four trails practically at your door of the Carnifex Ferry Cottages. The trails vary in length from six-tenths of a mile to two miles and trail difficulty ranges from moderate to strenuous. The trails at Carnifex Ferry State Battlefield afford you the opportunity to see many types of flora and fauna, as well as three magnificent overlooks of the Gauley River Canyon, and the class V+ rapid, "Pillow Rock.” |
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Our Driftwood Lodge cottage also offers easy access to hiking trails, two of which are at Summersville Lake. These two trails range in length from one and three-quarters miles to three miles and difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. These trails take you into state wildlife management areas, managed wildlife plots, and excellent views of the lake and recreation areas.
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The Trails Summersville Lake Trails Long Point Trail: Access this trail from the archery range, past the airport. It is three and one-half miles in length, round trip. The trail is easy with only mild changes in slope. The trail takes you through a state wildlife management area and ends with a magnificent view of the lake from the top of Long Point. Users must be cautious of footing around the trail’s end. Sheer rock cliffs and open fissures are common. New River Trails Carnifex Ferry Trails More information can be found on these trails at the Carnifex Ferry State Battlefield web site |
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Rock Climbing West Virginia is one of the fastest growing rock climbing destinations in the east, and for good reason. There are thousands of great rock climbing areas, many of which are very new and relatively unexplored. The scenery and availability of other “extreme” sports are a huge bonus and serve to attract many who are interested in more than just rock climbing. Why even the most avid “craggers” might enjoy a “relaxing” day on class V+ whitewater or mountain biking the New River Gorge canyon rim. There are many areas that will challenge the most experienced rock climber, but many of the area’s rock cliffs are suitable for the novice. Rock climbing outfitters are numerous and offer a wide range of services and trips. Many outfitters also offer mountain biking, whitewater trips, and horseback riding for the rock climber looking for an alternative way to unwind. The rock cliffs of Summersville Lake are rapidly gaining popularity and many guided trips are available from local outfitters. These cliffs are rated very highly by the “cragging community.” Climbing at the lake also has the advantage of easy access to scuba diving, boating, water skiing, and swimming when you need a break from the rocks (no pun intended). |
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Beauty Mountain is in this area also and offers some fantastic opportunities. |
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The Gauley River cliffs, close to the Carnifex Ferry Cottages, are also great for cragging. Not quite the challenge of the New River Gorge, and maybe not as fun as the cliffs at Summersville Lake, but while you’re in the area... The most convenient and unique place to stay while enjoying the rocks of West Virginia is the Driftwood Lodge or the Carnifex Ferry Cottages. Both properties are located in the heart of some of the best rock climbing in the east and the cabins offer a fantastic change from the “same old” hotel/motel room. Contact us today for more information regarding our cabins, rock climbing or rock climbing outfitters in the area. We’ll be happy to help! Many web sites featuring rock climbing in West Virginia are springing up. We’ve provided you with a link to the best related site we’ve found. Just click the site logo in the left margin. After logging on to this site, look for State Tools. Select Beauty Mountain, Summersville Lake, New River, or Gauley River from the pick-list for more info on cragging opportunities in this area. Rock Climbing Outfitters Searching for the best rock climbing outfitter can be tough with so many from which to choose and the limited information available. We recommend Hard Rock Climbing Services. They don’t offer rafting trips, horseback riding, or mountain biking. They simply offer the best rock climbing services in the area. From guided trips in the New River Gorge or Summersville Lake, to Basic Rock Climbing courses, Hard Rock Climbing Services has it all. They also have a full line climbing outfitters shop and are open 7 days a week. Hard Rock Climbing Services They can be reached by phone at: (304) 574-0735. Give them a call to arrange your next cragging adventure in West Virginia, and don’t forget to stay at Carnifex Ferry Cottages! |
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Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in West Virginia is not just for the extreme rider. There are trails for the entire family. Bring your own equipment or rent it here. There are several mountain biking outfitters in the area offering great equipment at reasonable prices.
Many outfitters also offer guided tours customized to your needs and experience level. The guided tours will help you take in more of the interesting historical and cultural sites of the area with some background and maybe a few tales as told by your guide. Tours along the rim of the New River Gorge are magnificent. Full day tours usually include a catered picnic lunch served along the banks of the New River. Along with spectacular scenery, you’ll see all types of wildlife, historic mining communities and complexes, fabulous foliage, and roaring rapids.
Of course, if your the kind of person that enjoys going “where no man has gone before,” there’s plenty of room for that too. You can find some of the most extreme mountain biking terrain in the east a short distance from your cabin.
If you’re into competitive realms of mountain biking, follow the link at the bottom of the page for a West Virginia Mountain Biking Association.
At Carnifex Ferry Cottages and the Driftwood Lodge, we strive to make your life easier, and we’ve done it again. You’ll find two of the best mountain biking outfitters in the area right here at our web site, eliminating that long-distance shopping headache and that “who should we trust” feeling. If you need any further assistance, please contact us. We’d be glad to help!
Ridge
Rider Mountain Bikes
103
Keller Avenue
Fayetteville, WV 25840
Phone: (304) 574-Bike (2453)
Ridge Rider is located just off US RT. 19, in Fayetteville,
WV. At the intersection of US 19 and RT. 16 (the stoplights) turn
into Fayetteville (right if traveling north, left if traveling south).
Their shop is directly behind the Little General Store. They offer
guided tours, bike rentals (with or without suspension), bike repairs,
and sales.
SCUBA Diving
Skin Diver Magazine calls Summersville Lake “The little Bahamas of the East” because of its excellent visibility. Visibility is twenty to forty-five feet and sometimes as much as eighty feet! The depth of the lake is zero to three-hundred-twenty-seven feet. Temperature is seventy-five to eighty-five degrees in season. The season runs from mid-May through mid September. Summersville Lake is the cleanest, clearest, freshwater lake east of the Mississippi.
What is there to see? Rock cliffs, boulders, and swim-throughs that run to one-hundred feet below the surface.
Dive Shops
Sarge’s
Dive Shop
Summersville Lake
Summersville, WV
Owner: Mark Allen
Phone: (304) 872-1782
Sarge’s Dive Shop floats on the lake and is open during the scuba season. They are a full service Sherwood dealer with sales and service on-site. Sarge’s offers daily charter service to the best sites on the lake. Weekends are very busy, so book in advance! Jet ski rentals are also available.
Interstate
Aquatics
827
Fairmont Rd #107
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 296-1501
Internet: http://www.interstateaquatics.com/
Five-Star PADI
IDC Development Center
Scubapro, Dacor, Sherwood
Scuba WV Inc
Rt. 9 Box 215
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: (304) 422-4398
Fax: (304) 422-4358
e-mail: scubawv@citynet.net
There’s not more unique lodging closer and more convenient to Summersville Lake than the Driftwood Lodge or Carnifex Ferry Cottages. Contact us for details!
Click on the scuba diver to be taken to a site that offers more info on scuba diving at Summersville Lake.
Photographers and Artists
Photographers will frolic in fantastic forests of fabulous flora and fauna and flaming fall foliage while craggers face the fissures of fabled fjords. Whew! Photo opportunities abound in the Nicholas and Fayette County areas of West Virginia. Nature photography is an obvious attraction for the photographer that enjoys wildlife, but the area satisfies nearly every outdoor photographic taste. Action photography is found easily along the many whitewater rivers in the area as well as along the rock cliffs of the New River Gorge and Summersville Lake. And speaking of the New River Gorge, here’s an opportunity to photograph one of nature’s wonders, the “Grand Canyon of the East,” and one of man’s great accomplishments, the New River Gorge Bridge. |
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The spectacular vistas of the Gauley River Canyon and the class V+ whitewater of the Gauley River can be photographed after a short hike on one of several trails accessible from your cabin at Carnifex Ferry Cottages. |
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Summersville Lake and its beautiful rock cliffs, including the most photographed spot on the lake, Long Point, can be seen and photographed from the Driftwood Lodge. In addition to the scenery, great shots of fishermen, boaters, water skiers, jet skis, and rock climbers can be found. For the photographer that is also a history buff, the Battle at Carnifex Ferry, an important Civil War Battle, is reenacted once each year at Carnifex Ferry State Battlefield Park, adjacent to our cottages. This provides an excellent opportunity to photograph not only the reenactment, but also the rest of the Park and the surrounding historic area, the Gauley River, the Summersville Dam and lake, and the other area attractions described above. With the abundance of photo opps in the area, surprisingly few photographers, camera shops, and photo labs exist. We tried to find a “Photo Safari” type trip to recommend but haven’t been able to find anything. Considering that we have lived here most of our lives and can’t find a service of this type when it seems to be such a great opportunity is shocking! Maybe one of you entrepreneurial photogs out there will take advantage of this opportunity. Contact us if you have any questions about exciting photo opportunities or lodging in this area that is really is “almost heaven.” |
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Horseback Riding Horseback is a great way to experience the wild, wonderful outdoors, and there are a couple of good stables to call to find the perfect ride for your level of expertise. |
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Autumn Breeze Farm Canyon Rim Ranch Horseshoe Creek Stables |
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Thrill-Seekers There is plenty to do in this area of West Virginia for the adventurist or thrill-seeker. Several extreme sports take place here with coverage by ESPN and MTV. For more info on those opportunities, take a look at the Mountain Biking and Snow Skiing pages. Extreme excitement, while not nationally televised, is also available. Check out the Whitewater and Rock Climbing pages. BASE Jumping BASE (Buildings, Antennae, Spans, Earth) jumping takes place at the New River Gorge Bridge on Bridge Day. The bridge is 876 feet high and overlooks the New River. Bridge Day, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., is the only time BASE jumping is legal. There are a limited number of slots available so you must register in advance to sure you will have the opportunity to jump. Bridge Day is the third Saturday in October. You should plan to arrive at least one day before the event and plan to stay at the Carnifex Ferry Cottages or the Driftwood Lodge, if available. Make reservations well in advance as this is a huge event that fills all rooms in the area quickly. If you are interested in jumping, Bridge Day is organized by Bridge Day Info and Vertical Visions, LLC. You may register to jump by clicking here but be advised--the requirements are quite strict! Rental gear has not been available in the past but you can get what you need to convert your own gear as long as you have the basics. You should also have reasonable accuracy skills, some exit practice, and live wet-water training. One-hundred jumps (sky diving) is a good minimum experience level. If you are a spectator, visit the official Bridge Day web site by clicking here for more information. Bunjee jumping is no longer allowed at Bridge Day. The organizers of the event felt that BASE jumping offered more excitement and fun for the crowd. |
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Bridge Day, the third Saturday of October, is the only day of the year when BASE jumping is legal at the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia. Bridge Day is one of the country’s top 100 festivals and is loads of fun. Be sure to reserve your cabin at Carnifex Ferry Cottages or the Driftwood Lodge early. This is a very popular date! |
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This adventure stuff is tough, and the place to recover, relax, and recharge your batteries for the next day’s adventure is at the Driftwood Lodge or the Carnifex Ferry Cottages. Both are great lodging alternatives to the same old hotel or motel room you’ve seen time after time. If you have any questions about any of the exciting offerings of the area, please don’t hesitate to contact us! |
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Click any of the headings above to begin a tour of the recreational opportunities found in our area.
There are many other recreational, sporting, and adventure opportunities in this area that we just don’t have the space to do justice. Golf, tennis, archery, shooting, and many others are accessible, and Carnifex Ferry Cottages are right in the middle of it all! Accommodations range range from rustic cabins to deluxe cottages. This is West Virginia lodging at its best! Please contact us for more information.