List of lakes of West Virginia facts for kids
West Virginia is a beautiful state known for its mountains and forests. It also has many lovely lakes! These lakes are great places where people can have fun and enjoy nature. Some lakes are perfect for swimming, while others are better for fishing or boating. Not every lake allows all these activities, so it's always good to check before you visit.
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What Are Lakes?
A lake is a large body of water that is surrounded by land. Lakes are different from rivers because rivers flow, but lakes usually stay in one place. Most lakes get their water from rivers, rain, or melting snow. West Virginia has both natural lakes and man-made lakes. Man-made lakes are often called reservoirs. They are created by building a dam across a river. These reservoirs are important for things like controlling floods, providing drinking water, and generating electricity.
Fun Activities at West Virginia Lakes
West Virginia's lakes offer many exciting ways to spend time outdoors.
Swimming
On a hot day, there's nothing quite like taking a dip in a cool lake. Many lakes in West Virginia have designated swimming areas. These spots are usually safe and supervised, making them perfect for families and friends to cool off.
Fishing
If you enjoy fishing, West Virginia's lakes are a great spot. You can find many types of fish, like bass, trout, and catfish. Remember to always have a fishing license and follow the local rules. It's a relaxing way to spend time by the water.
Boating
Boating is another popular activity. You can enjoy different kinds of boats, from small canoes and kayaks to larger motorboats. Some lakes are perfect for calm paddling, while others allow faster boats for water skiing or tubing. Always wear a life jacket and be safe on the water.
List of Lakes in West Virginia
Here is a list of some of the important lakes you can find in West Virginia:
- Alpine Lake
- Beech Fork Lake
- Big Ditch Lake
- Bluestone Lake
- Boley Lake
- Brushy Fork Lake
- Buffalo Creek Reservoir
- Burnsville Lake
- Cheat Lake
- Conaway Run Lake
- East Lynn Lake
- Elk Fork Lake
- Lake Floyd
- Hawks Nest Lake
- Jennings Randolph Lake
- Kimsey Run Lake
- Moncove Lake
- Mount Storm Lake
- North Bend Lake
- O'Brien Lake
- Parker Hollow Lake
- Plum Orchard Lake
- R.D. Bailey Lake
- Lake Sherwood
- Sleepy Creek Lake
- Spruce Knob Lake
- Stephens Lake
- Stonecoal Lake
- Stonewall Jackson Lake
- Stony River Reservoir
- Summersville Lake
- Summit Lake
- Sutton Lake
- Trout Pond
- Tygart Lake
- Upper Mud Lake
- Warden Lake
- Woodrum Lake
Protecting Our Lakes
Lakes are a valuable part of West Virginia's natural beauty. It's important to protect them so everyone can enjoy them for years to come. This means not littering, respecting wildlife, and following all rules when visiting. Keeping our lakes clean helps the environment and all the plants and animals that live there.
