Summersville Lake is the reason to stop. The reservoir spreads over the Gauley River south of town, with clear water, wooded coves, and sandstone cliffs that make it feel less like a simple boating lake and more like a flooded gorge.
In warm weather people come for swimming, paddling, fishing, scuba diving, and climbing. The newer Summersville Lake State Park protects part of the north shore and gives easier access to picnic areas and cliff country, including climbing areas around Pirate's Cove. Treat the cliffs with care: the lake is beautiful, but it is not a theme park.