Natural swimming hole
Rock Cliff Lake - Trout Pond Recreation Area
Lake · West Virginia
About this swimming hole
Rock Cliff Lake is a 17-acre man-made lake in the George Washington National Forest's Trout Pond Recreation Area, next to Trout Pond, West Virginia's only natural lake. The Forest Service describes a sandy mountain beach and designated swimming area on Rock Cliff Lake, with kids splashing in its cool waters. The day-use area also has a boat ramp, showers and picnic sites.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Depth | Rock Cliff Lake maximum depth 36 feet and average depth 12 feet per Forest Service description |
| Best season | May-October |
| Fees | Unknown |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Daylight hours; recreation area open early May through late October per Forest Service |
| Parking | Trout Pond Recreation Area parking, 814 Trout Pond Campground Road, Lost City |
| Amenities | restrooms, campground, picnic tables |
| County | Hardy County |
| Nearest town | Lost City |
| Safety notes | No lifeguards at the designated swimming area per campground listings; swim at your own risk |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Rock Cliff Lake - Trout Pond Recreation Area?
Yes — Rock Cliff Lake - Trout Pond Recreation Area is listed as a natural swimming spot in West Virginia. Heads-up: No lifeguards at the designated swimming area per campground listings; swim at your own risk. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Rock Cliff Lake - Trout Pond Recreation Area require reservations?
No reservations are required at Rock Cliff Lake - Trout Pond Recreation Area based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Rock Cliff Lake - Trout Pond Recreation Area?
Reported fee info: Unknown. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Rock Cliff Lake - Trout Pond Recreation Area?
The best season is typically May-October.