The Best Swimming Holes In West Virginia

As the summer weather heats up in West Virginia, locals and visitors alike look for fun ways to cool off. Thankfully, this state is filled with a plethora of incredible swimming spots that are perfect for a warm summer day! 

Whether you’re looking for a prime location for kayaking, canoeing, or swimming, or you want to sunbathe on the shore surrounded by mountains, there’s something for you! We’ve found the best lagoons, waterfalls, and swimming holes that will make those scorching, humid days much more enjoyable. 

All you have to do is decide which place is calling your name! 

Wonder Falls

One of the more magnificent cascades in West Virginia is this picturesque, rugged, and expansive cascade located in Preston County. Although being far away, it is reasonably simple to get to and well worth the hassle.

You’ll be reminded once more of why West Virginia was given the moniker “Almost Heaven” after visiting Wonder Falls on the Big Sandy Creek.  It is situated where Mt. Nebo Road meets Big Sandy Creek a mile from the Rockville Bridge. The better option to get there on a hot summer day is to wade down the creek bed. 

One of Preston County’s cleanest rivers, Big Sandy Creek has a number of fun swimming holes throughout its length. Experience the white water underneath the cascades or the tranquil river above while admiring the scenic beauty. A slew of flat stone ledges is available for sunbathing and picnics.

Blue Hole

The true Blue Spot is a gorgeous swimming hole that is upstream on Big Sandy Creek. Be advised that this location occasionally experiences heavy foot traffic from residents and university students in the evenings and on weekends. Morgantown’s summer season should not be a drag. 

The abundance of aquatic environments for recreation is one of the best things about Appalachia. It can be reached via Masontown, West Virginia, although the route has been particularly difficult this year. It takes roughly 30 minutes to travel this route. Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, is another route to take to reach Blue Hole. Although it takes a bit less effort for your car, this journey takes around an hour.

Nevertheless, there are countless opportunities once you arrive at Blue Hole. There were a lot of campers there throughout the whole weekend. Visitors can swim in the gorgeous blue river and sun themselves on the big boulders in the laid-back beach area. Several of the most daring individuals leap off the enormous bridge into the turbulent waters underneath.

Summersville Lake

Also known as Bastard’s Cove, Summersville Lake is a jaw-dropping place to cool off in the summer. This lake is a special spot to visit due to its excellent water quality and towering sandstone cliffs. Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia, has 60 miles of coastline and a surface area of more than 2,800 acres. 

Popular activities include boating, water skiing, swimming, and angling for large- and smallmouth bass, walleye, panfish, and more.  Nearly one million people partake in cycling, picnics, hunting, and scuba diving each year. Whitewater rafting and technical rock climbing are both year-round activities enjoyed in the area. 

Audra State Park

Barbour and Upshur counties in the southwest divide the densely forested Audra State Park, which is traversed by the Middle Fork River. Every year, travelers are drawn to the Middle Fork and its surroundings because they provide opportunities for mountaineering, picnicking, and family outings. This park is the ideal destination for families that enjoy being outside. 

Alum Cave’s granite overhang and the Middle Fork River’s glistening water provide for attractive settings. Since it first opened, residents have visited Audra State Park to cool off in the river. The authorized swimming area is in the center of the park and is accessible to guests every day from April to October.

Shupe’s Chute

Swiss immigrants founded Holly River State Park in 1870, which is well-known for its numerous waterfalls and verdant woodland pathways. It also features a fantastic swimming hole where you may cool yourself on a hot day. The Holly River itself flows through the park. 

A few of the waterfalls have rather large water flows, while others are a little less striking. Only one, though, has a swimming hole. The one you seek is known as Shupe’s Chute. The water from the river enters the lagoon in a circular, chute-like channel that runs along the ledges.

The park offers a wide variety of additional activities. Particularly lovely there are the hiking trails. There are three views, historical markers, and a diversity of plant species to see along the eleven trails that have been marked.

Summary Of The Best Swimming Holes In West Virginia

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Malachi Jacob’s/Shutterstock.com