There’s something so refreshing about a beautiful blue lake nestled in the mountains—in West Virginia, we have many of them! But one you may not have visited in a while that’s worth a trip is Jennings Randolph Lake in Mineral County, West Virginia.
The approximately 950-acre Jennings Randolph Lake is a reservoir that spans the state boundary between Mineral County, West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland.
Famartin/Wikimedia The lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in an attempt to improve water quality and decrease flood damage downstream of the reservoir.
The lake boasts beautiful blue water, surroundings of gently rolling mountains, and several stretches of serene beach.
Famartin/Wikimedia
Jennings Randolph Lake is a popular tourist attraction, offering many recreational opportunities for visitors in both West Virginia and Maryland.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Flickr Recreational areas include Howell Run Picnic Area and Boat Launch, Robert W. Craig Campground, Shaw Beach, the West Virginia Overlook and the Maryland Overlook, and the Maryland Boat Launch.
You can see all sorts of wildlife enjoying the lake, as well!
Jennings Randolph Lake/recreation.gov Keep your eyes open for eagles when you visit. It’s also a great spot to fish for walleye, smallmouth bass, and trout.
The reservoir lies along the North Branch of the Potomac River.
Brian M. Powell/Wikipedia The impoundment not only removes acid mine drainage from the water (improving it for use downstream) but is also used as an emergency reservoir for the Washington, D.C. area.
The Jennings Randolph Lake Dam is almost 300 feet high and over 2,000 feet long.
Famartin/Wikimedia
The ruins of the community of Shaw, West Virginia lie at the bottom of Jennings Randolph Lake, as does the old path of West Virginia Route 46.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Flickr
So next time you have a hankering to spend time on the lake, consider heading to Jennings Randolph Reservoir for a relaxing day of fun on the water! To learn more, visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page for the lake.
Famartin/Wikimedia
The lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in an attempt to improve water quality and decrease flood damage downstream of the reservoir.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Flickr
Recreational areas include Howell Run Picnic Area and Boat Launch, Robert W. Craig Campground, Shaw Beach, the West Virginia Overlook and the Maryland Overlook, and the Maryland Boat Launch.
Jennings Randolph Lake/recreation.gov
Keep your eyes open for eagles when you visit. It’s also a great spot to fish for walleye, smallmouth bass, and trout.
Brian M. Powell/Wikipedia
The impoundment not only removes acid mine drainage from the water (improving it for use downstream) but is also used as an emergency reservoir for the Washington, D.C. area.
Interested in doing some hiking in the area? Consider taking a stroll through the nearby Cranesville Swamp Bog.
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Address: Jennings Randolph Lake, United States
