Sherwood Lake.
One curious and cool upside of this past year has been all the extra time we’ve had to explore and cultivate new interests. I have used this time to remember and reconnect with some of West Virginia’s most beautiful places. And you guys, this place is really brimming with scenic and natural beauty. In fact, just this past year the New River Gorge became our country's newest national park, making it the 63rd. Although I haven’t made it there to celebrate since then, I did just recently spend a day at Sherwood Lake, another one of West Virginia's most spectacular spots.
Located in the Monongahela National Forest, Sherwood lake has a unique appeal, as it gives off beachy vibes, while still being close to home. It is my perfect beach, with its grassy spots in the shade, cool (but not too cool), calm water, silky sand to sink your feet into (which is really the only place I like sand touching me), and private, or group, campsites. My mother, who is mostly mermaid and a complete beach lover, was wary of the lake at first, but quickly became a fan. The sandy bottom and sunshine definitely made the day.
Perhaps the best part about this superlative mountain spot is that all of the camping areas and parts of the lake are pet-friendly, so when I say this lake is family-friendly, I mean the WHOLE family, even your furry friends (leashed, of course.) When I went there, I was pleasantly surprised to see a swimming ferret, which was as adorable as you might imagine. Her name was Tarot and having just survived a near-miss with a cat, the water was her physical therapy. In a modified cup holder made into a Rodentia-sized innertube, she seemed to be having a ball and well on the road to recovery.
Sherwood Lake offers so many fun, and family-friendly activities. Not only can you take a dip in the refreshing water glistening with the sun-beams from above, or lounge by the lakeside and listen to the breeze whisper through the trees, but you can also rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards to take out on the water. And if you really want to get moving and water is not your jam, there are plenty of great hiking trails too. Trust me, with all the outdoor entertainment that Lake Sherwood has to offer, there will always be something to do, rain or shine! Go fishing for largemouth bass or channel catfish, have a covered picnic, play volleyball on the court, or even rent a cabin and stay a night or two.
So if you’re out exploring our beautiful state, be sure to add Lake Sherwood to your list. It has something for everyone and it’s worth the trip and the dip.