Trout Pond Recreation Area

Trout Pond Recreation Area boasts two bodies of water, Rock Cliff Lake and Trout Pond. Relax on a sandy mountain beach or fish for stocked trout along the cool waters of Rock Cliff Lake. Trout Pond, home to native brook trout, is the only natural lake in West Virginia. A designated swimming area, easy lakeside trails and a children's playground make this a perfect family destination. A trail surrounding the entire lake provides bank fishing access at Rock Cliff Lake, and all types of boating from motor to sailboats are welcome. Hike the Trout Pond Loop trail, an easy 4-mile excursion with an optional 2-mile side route to an overlook of Rockcliff Lake. For a more challenging hike, a connecting trail provides a steep climb up Long and Devil's Hole Mountains. Campsites come with a campfire ring and picnic table, and some have electric hookups. Hot showers and flush toilets are an easy walk away from each site. The day-use area includes a white-sand swim beach, boat ramp, showers, playground and 30 picnic sites, and there is a nonelectric group shelter for groups of up to 100 people. Rock Cliff Lake is a 17-acre man-made lake with a maximum depth of 36 feet and an average depth of 12 feet. Trout Pond, the naturally formed lake, was created by a sinkhole that filled with mountain stream water and run-off from Long Mountain, and its waterflow can vary. This location has limited staffing.