About this spot
West Virginia's second-largest lake, reached via US-19 with a dirt parking area near the bridge; well-worn paths lead from the lot to sandstone cliffs up to about 100 feet along the north shore (Long Point, Waterfall, Whipporwill). Water runs clear and deep close to the rock, a legacy of the old New River gorge flooded by the dam. Important: cliff jumping and diving have been officially banned here since 2007, carrying up to a $5,000 fine, after a spike in severe injuries and at least one death; rangers actively patrol. Rock climbing and deep-water soloing remain popular and permitted. Come for the climbing, not the jumping, and expect enforcement.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.
Watch & read
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