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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 while relaxing 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. 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 of 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.
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.
group shelter nonelectric 1-50 people $65, 51-100 people $100, standard non electric is $19.00 per night
From Strasburg, VA, follow State Route 55 west for 18 miles to Wardensville, WV. Turn left on SR 23/10, and travel for about 6 miles. Turn right on CR 16, and travel for 6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 500, and drive about 1 mile to the Trout Pond Recreation Area entrance.
I'm a city girl and wasn't sure about sleeping in a tent with 4 kids but listen carefully when I say. WE. CANT. WAIT. TO. GO. BACK. LOVED IT. LOVED IT. The whole environment was family friendly and had so many different activities for all ages and personalities. I simply can't wait to go back. Learned how to start an actual fire and took a 20 min up hill hike to a breathtaking view.
Rockcliff Lake at Trout Pond Recreation Area is a pristine lake near Wardensville, West Virginia. Clear, wonderful water teeming with fish, salamanders and even freshwater jellies (Medusas). Great place to camp, fish and paddle— no motorboats except electric. I highly recommend a de-stressing visit to this paradise.
We had a great time with my family and friends here.. the only issue we had
Was like some of my members couldn’t get in the park because they closed gate at 9am
If you wanna come and visit this place is highly recommended but please come
Early like
5am
To make the line and fine great spot for grills
Beautiful place for a hike. We did the ~1 mile loop around the pond. If you go counterclockwise, the path is mostly finely crushed gravel and flat for the first part, then you briefly enter an open field at the end, and the return on the other side through shaded woods that has some slight elevation changes and rocky footing, but overall a very easy but varied and beautiful hike. You can add on using the side trails. The wooded part of the trail especially has some incredibly beautiful native plants, and we saw some sort of newts in the pond on that side. Definitely recommend. FYI, there's a day use fee of $8 per car.
Just visited Trout Pond Recreation Area for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised the area was so beautiful and very well taken care of. After walking around the beach area, my son and I walked the path along the pond and then drove around looking at campsites. I will add that my son is disabled and I typically have to worry about stumps sticking up along pathways. There were none visible and he was able to walk independently along the trail. We didn’t go too far but we did walk was lovely. I will definitely be returning.
