When it comes to beating the heat, there’s no better place than one of the spectacular swimming holes in West Virginia. The Mountain State has so many great swimming holes to enjoy that the options are virtually endless. However, we’ve scoured the state and came up with 10 West Virginia swimming holes that you absolutely must visit when the weather is warm and you need a break from the heat!

1. Blue Hole
Blue Hole, West Virginia 26542, USA
Facebook Blue Hole, West Virginia
Located not far from Morgantown, the Blue Hole is one of the most famous swimming holes in West Virginia - and quite possibly the most famous in all of America, as it earned a spot on National Geographic’s "Splash Tested: America’s Best Swimming Holes" list.
2. Audra State Park
Audra State Park, Audra, Buckhannon, WV 26201, USA
Facebook RESQ WV
Without a doubt, Audra State Park in Barbour County has some of the best swimming areas in the state. Our previous article will provide you with all of the necessary deets!
3. Meadow Branch at Sleepy Creek
Meadow Branch, West Virginia, USA
Flickr Steven Johnson
There is an amazing swimming hole with a rope swing near Hedgesville, located on the Meadow Branch of Sleepy Creek, just below Devil’s Nose. Not only is the swimming here absolutely terrific, but the natural scenery surrounding the swimming hole is beyond beautiful.
4. Seneca Rocks
Seneca Rocks, WV 26884, USA
Flickr Dion Hinchcliffe
There is an incredible swimming hole at the base of Seneca Rocks. The swimming hole is great, and the view is unforgettable. We wrote about it in a previous feature and we're sure you'll agree that it is one of the best places to swim in West Virginia!
5. Arden
Arden, WV 26416, USA
Facebook Arden, WV
The small town of Arden offers several different swimming holes along a 3.6-mile stretch, where the Tygart River parallels the road. However, be aware that there are swimming holes in the area that are extremely dangerous.

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6. Glade Creek
Glade Creek, West Virginia, USA
Flickr John Worst
Glade Creek in Raleigh County has several incredible swimming holes and unforgettable waterfalls. It is also crossed by the highest interstate bridge in the entire country.
7. High Falls
High Falls, Valley Bend, WV 26241, USA
Flickr Jeff Covey
There is nothing like swimming at the foot of a waterfall and the High Falls is just the place to do that! You'll marvel at this hidden oasis.
8. Anthony Creek
Anthony Creek, West Virginia, USA
Chris Clark/Google Maps
Anthony Creek in Monongahela County has several great spots for swimming, including a popular one called Blue Bend.
9. Cheat Canyon
Cheat Canyon, West Virginia 26542, USA
Flickr Dave Riggs
The Cheat River has many great swimming holes, several of which can be found in Cheat Canyon, including beautiful Devil’s Den.
10. Elk River
Elk River, West Virginia, USA
Vickie Britner/Google Maps
Along the beautiful Elk River between Queen Shoals and the town of Clay, you will find several other great swimming holes where you can cool off and beat the heat.

So, did you know about these spectacular swimming holes in West Virginia? Did we miss your favorite? Tell us!

Refreshing fun doesn’t end with swimming holes in West Virginia. There are lots of other ways to beat the summer heat, including this amazing water and adventure park.

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Swimming Holes In West Virginia

Daniella DiRienzo | April 30, 2021

What are the best beaches in West Virginia?

It is hard to choose the best beaches in West Virginia, but here are a few of the most popular ones:

  • Summersville Lake near Summersville is West Virginia's largest lake and features a beach, lighthouse, and a resort with cabins.
  • Jennings Randolph Lake in Mineral County has a beach that is popular with families.
  • The Stuart Recreation Area in Elkins has a popular beach at Shavers Fork.

 

Where can we find water parks in West Virginia?

You'll find lots of water parks in West Virginia, each offering unique amenities for water play. These include:

  • Water Ways in Julian features several slides, a lazy river, and Kiddy Island, a designated children’s area, as well as a sheltered picnic area
  • Bearfoot Springs Waterpark in Bruceton Mills has two water slides and is located inside the Big Bear Lake campground.
  • Waves of Fun in Hurricane is small but fun with slides and a large wading pool.

 

Are there any other places to swim in West Virginia?

There are lots of wonderful places to swim in West Virginia such as:

  • Shavers Lake in Snowshoe has several pristine stretches and a hodgepodge of activities including paddleboarding and horseshoes.
  • The Huntington/Foxfire KOA Campground in Milton features a sandy beach plus fun inflatables on the water to play on.
  • Cacapon Resort State Park in Berkeley Springs spans 6,115 acres and offers many places to swim.

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