Rustic Retreat Cabins are located less than a mile from Summersville Lake, amid one of the largest outdoor recreation destinations in the U.S. Thousands of hikers, bikers, climbers, and paddlers (notably whitewater rafters) visit the region each year. Two national park areas — protecting the New River Gorge and Gauley River Canyon — and seemingly endless parks, historic sites, and national landmarks surround the cabin areas on all sides. A walking trail is being carefully cleared through the forest among the cabins, providing access to a small wetlands and moss- and fern-covered rock formations that include a small cave.
Summersville Lake Rock Climbing
Trail-head parking for four of Summersville Lake’s rock-climbing areas are a drive of less than five minutes from your cabin door, while climbing areas along the Meadow River and New River Gorge National River are an easy expressway drive 15 minutes south of the cabins by way of U.S. Route 19. The cliff-line along the rims of the New, Gauley, and Meadow Rivers attract thousands of climbers and are parts of the largest rock-climbing area in the Eastern U.S. If you’ve never attempted climbing, professional guide companies provide lessons for beginners.
Summersville Lake Fishing, Boating, and Scuba Diving
Summersville Lake is among the most popular summer recreation destinations in West Virginia; thousands of campers, boaters, and anglers begin vacationing at the lake as soon as the weather warms. The lake’s clear waters also attract scuba divers, who delight in exploring the strange rock formations beneath the surface. Several diving services are available in the region to lead expeditions and beginner’s excursions.
Whitewater Paddling and “Gauley Season”
Gauley River whitewater draws thousands of paddlers in spring and summer — as does the world-famous New River, 20-minutes to the south — but in Autumn, during “Gauley Season,” Summersville Lake is lowered, and the resulting torrent downstream on the Gauley lures tens of thousands of world-class paddlers and seasoned rafters. Our parking is arranged to meet the needs of boaters and river-goers alike.
The New River Gorge and New River Gorge Bridge
Less than a drive of 20 minutes south of the cabin areas, the U.S. 19 expressway spans the yawning canyon of the New River. The National Park Service operates a Museum and Visitor Center on the northern side of the bridge, where tourists can view the gorge or follow a broad staircase to outdoor overlooks atop cliffs below the span. We encourage all visitors to stop at the center, where park rangers can provide information on trails, historic sites, and other outdoor recreation.
Winterplace Ski Resort and Winter Getaways
Winterplace Ski Resort, among the most popular ski areas in the South, is located just-off I-77 south of Beckley, WV, and an hour’s expressway-drive south of Mount Nebo and the cabins. Many Winterplace guests lodge near Summersville to avoid higher rental rates and avail themselves to the ghost towns and natural wonders of the New River Gorge region if the weather is too warm to ski.
Other Attractions
Museums, ghost towns, hiking trails, walking trails, kayaking streams, aerial tram rides, horse riding, trout fishing — endless opportunities for outdoor recreation!
Area Links of Intrest
www.summersvillewv.org
www.nicholascountywv.org
www.summersvillecvb.com
www.tamarackwv.com
www.officialbridgeday.com
