Summersville Lake is not in the NRG Proper, but due to it's proximity it is considered a part of the area. It is home to a host of high quality single-pitch sport routes along its northern shore. Ratings range from 5.easy (such as at the Orange Oswald Wall) to 5.14 (in the Coliseum), and there are even a pair of outrageous projects yet to be done, as well as much untouched cliffline that is either inaccessible or would require a boat. Water levels in the lake vary seasonally, which in turn affects the accessibility of certain routes. During warm months, deep water soloing can be a great relief from oppressive summer heat.
Getting There
Follow Rte. 19 north out of Fayetteville for about 20 miles, almost reaching the town of Summersville. After crossing the obvious Gauley River bridge, park in a large lot on the east (right) side of the road. Follow a wide trail east for a ways until it descends down, crosses a stream at an old bridge, and then heads back up again. Shortly thereafter head right into the woods at a well-marked trail. Follow this trail past a few branches until it descends steeply by a stream and small waterfall. There is a ladder here to faciliate the scrambling. This will deposit you very near the DC Memorial Boulder. Head climber's left along the cliff band to access the Perot Wall and the Coliseum, or right along the cliff to the Long Wall, Narcissus Cave, and Orange Oswald Wall. Pirates' Cove, a great area that is only accessible during low water, can be reached via a separate trail or by scrambling around from the Colosseum.
The approach includes a 15ft ladder, if you are bringing lassie, plan on lowering it down.
A classic jug haul. Some will argue the grade (ie they think it is soft, it may be only 12d but I give credit to Porter and honestly once you have any route dialed it does feel easier...) Tough crux at 2nd bolt with many different sequences, most people use a right knee bar to pull through. Grab anything smaller than a handful for the next 50 feet and look again...jugs abound. Pumpy redpoint crux above 8th bolt, then a fun roof....[more]
Does anyone know some good cheap cabins around the lake? I have tent camped across from the parking lot at the lake @ mountain lake campgrounds but that is like 10 bucks a person per night. Dont want to camp the dam etiher and figured I'd live it up a bit this year, also want ac for that july heat!! I have heard good stuff about carnifax ferry cottages with 1 good review online.
Either way I figure I could get a cabin for less than tent camping if we have a group of 6. I also found for 30 a night economy cabins at rays cabins and 18 per person at rift rafters.
Lastly for a few years now on memoiral day weekend there have been big groups of drunks camping the approach to whipporwill, where the fire star is at the trail merger. they said they know the people that owns the land but i doubt that, seems to be an option but dont want to get fined. What are the consequences for camping in the woods randomly?
Any beta greatly appreciated (ps I know that DWS is "Banned" but last I checked the police here don't climb rocks so good luck catching me)
Summersville Lake
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