Jennings Randolph Lake Area information:
Launch sites: Two launch sites around the lake, Maryland launch site $5 launch fee
Paddleboard rental nearby: BYOB – bring your own board
Nearby lodging: Jennings Randolph Lake Campground (camping)
Dining options: none, Elk Garden /Kitzmiller about 15 minutes away (very limited food options)
Other nearby area activities: North Branch of Potomac (fly fishing and white water kayaking on select release dates)
Forth stop – Mount Storm Lake
As we heading up the mountains into West Virginia the fog set in and the rain picked up to heaviest rain of day. When we arrived at the boat launch at Mount Storm we could barely see the water, much less the powerhouse or dam. The rain was pouring as we unloaded the boards and headed to the water. If you have never been to Mount Storm you are in for a treat in regards to water temperature, since the lake is used as a coolant for the coal fired powerhouse, the water is warm most all months of the year. Today the air was 50 degrees and the water was a toasty 82 degrees, the wind was blowing at 15+ mph and gusty to 20+ mph, the water was white capping and it was our most difficult paddle of the day. The whole lake had an eerie feel to it with all the fog, wind, rain, lasing of the water and sounds from the nearby powerhouse, we could also here the “Sirens” calling us to shore. We paddled around for a while and then spent a while in the warm water warning up before the trip back to Deep Creek Lake, we tried for about a hour to get a clear photo of the powerhouse, this never happened. We loaded up and headed back to DCL and talked about what a great day it had been even with all the rain, we had driven 138 miles and paddled four unique lakes and enjoyed the beauty of nature. Tomorrow we are heading southwest into West Virginia and the weather forecast is improving and the rain is forecast to lighten up and the temperature is forecast to warm up slightly. We are still all smiles and the Sirens did not see us ashore, we live to paddle another day.
Mount Storm Lake Area information:
Launch site: Boat launch near the dam, no charge
Paddleboard rental nearby: BYOB – bring your own board
Nearby lodging: Mount Storm (camping) or nearby in Davis (lodging motels, camping and B & B’s)
Dining options: Mount Storm (Limited – Glass House) nearby Davis (14 miles) Siranni’s (pizza, pasta) Hellbenders (Burritos) Hypno Coffee (coffee & tea)
Other nearby area activities: Mount Storm (great scuba diving site and wind surfing site) in Thomas (15 miles) Purple Fiddle (great music venue)
