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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Few People Know One Of West Virginia’s Most Popular Swimming Holes Is Hiding A Dark And Terrifying Secret

Party Rock in Arden, West Virginia is a beautiful but dangerous swimming hole with a history of over 50 fatalities.

Updated Jun 9, 2023

Written by 

Cristy

A beautiful river. A stunning mountain backdrop. Rippling waterfalls. Smooth slabs of massive sandstone. Is this swimming hole in Arden, West Virginia a slice of paradise? Actually, for too many, this dangerous swimming hole in West Virginia has proven just the opposite.

Welcome to Party Rock near Arden, West Virginia in the Tygart River. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes, it has all the makings of a calendar print.

Aerial view of a river with rocky outcrops and gentle rapids, surrounded by bare trees and a hilly landscape.
Bearded Face / YouTube

But this popular swimming area near Philippi, West Virginia is also deceptively dangerous. Hidden boulders. Strong currents. Undertows.

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Aerial view of a river with rocky formations and flowing water, surrounded by trees and a rocky bank.
Bearded Face / YouTube

Over 50 lives have ended in these torrential rushing waters. We'll say it again: 50 precious human lives.

A serene river flows over rocky terrain, surrounded by bare trees and a hilly landscape under a cloudy sky.
Bearded Face / YouTube

That's a devastatingly large number for a single swimming hole if you think about it, and it's a statistic that makes this one of West Virginia's most dangerous nature areas.

Aerial view of a rocky riverbank with flowing water and a large stone formation in the center.
Bearded Face / YouTube

That's death after death: some in which drugs and alcohol-impaired judgment, some not. Some inexperienced swimmers, some strong ones. Some young, some old. All tragic, and all reasons to treat this stretch of river, popular swimming hole that it is, with extreme caution.

A serene river flows over rocky formations, surrounded by trees and hills under a cloudy sky.
Bearded Face / YouTube

Sadly, not everyone knows to do so. Students from nearby colleges who aren't familiar with the area as a whole, for example, often come here when the weather is warm to soak up some sun and cool off in the river.

Aerial view of a winding river surrounded by bare trees and rolling hills under a cloudy sky.
Bearded Face / YouTube

The idea of outlawing swimming in this area has been discussed multiple times by city officials and rescue personnel, but the logistics of such a move, as well as the cost to those who are careful to enjoy the area cautiously, have prevented an actual swimming ban.

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A rocky riverbank with calm water flowing through a scenic landscape of trees and hills in the background.
Bearded Face / YouTube

But if you do head to Arden for a dip in the Tygart River, take care! And encourage loved ones to do the same, so that this beautiful stretch of river can cease being known as such a tragic, dangerous death trap. Or, do like YouTuber Bearded Face did and come not to swim but just to enjoy the views from the excellent vantage point that is Party Rock in the Tygart River at Arden, West Virginia.

Did you realize how dangerous (and deadly) Party Rock, located along Arden Grade Road between Laurel Creek and Teter Creek, has proven to be? We love natural West Virginia swimming holes as much as anyone, but this is a good reminder to be smart about recreating outdoors. West Virginia is a wonderful place, but it's also a wild one. Don't forget that. Have you been to this swimming hole in West Virginia? Let us know about it in the comments.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Warm Water Lake In West Virginia You’ll Want To Visit This Fall

Mount Storm Lake in West Virginia offers warm water year-round, making it a unique destination for boating, fishing, and scuba diving.

Updated Aug 1, 2024

Written by 

Rachel Whetstone

Nature is all around us here in West Virginia. And while most people opt to explore our state's breathtaking mountain scenery, you'll be just as impressed when you spend time near the water. West Virginia has plenty of wonderful lakes to choose from, but Mount Storm Lake is just a little bit different...the water stays warm all year round. So the next time you're planning a remarkable fall adventure in West Virginia, we hope you keep this special destination in mind.

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Mount Storm Lake is a 1,200-acre reservoir on the Stony River in Grant County, West Virginia.

Aerial view of a power plant by a river, with smoke rising from chimneys and surrounding green hills.
WikiMedia Commons/Raeky

The lake was built in 1965 to provide cooling for the Mount Storm Power Station.

A power plant emits thick smoke into a cloudy sky, with steam rising from the water in the foreground.
Flickr/euze

The coal-fired power plant uses a series of filters to remove the coal ash and sulfur dioxide from the air, making the air and water here safe.

Part of the lake is open to the public for boating, fishing, and scuba diving.

A factory with smokestacks emits smoke, set against a blue sky and calm water, with a hilly landscape in the background.
WikiMedia Commons/Drbuning

In the cooler weather, you can see steam rising off the water.

A misty river scene with a floating dock and wind turbines in the background under a cloudy sky.
Flickr/euze

In the background of this picture, you can also see the Mount Storm Wind Farm. The windy area here also makes the lake a great spot for sailing.

The lake is especially popular in the cooler fall weather.

A serene lake surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and a plume of smoke rising from the trees under a clear blue sky.
WikiMedia Commons/Drbuning

Even when the surrounding air drops below freezing, the lake rarely drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit!

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Although swimming is no longer allowed in the lake because of the number of boats, you can still go scuba diving.

A diver in snorkeling gear interacts with several fish underwater in a greenish environment.
YouTube/National Aquatic Service, Inc.

The clear water provides a great view of the life under the surface.

Here's a video of a diver feeding catfish in the lake.

Directions: From Mt. Storm, WV where Rt. 42 intersects U.S. Rt. 50 - proceed about 4 miles on 42 South and bear right at the Liberty Gas station onto Rt. 93 towards Davis / Thomas. Continue about 3 more miles and just before the dam and powerplant, bear left onto the gravel road just opposite of the boat launch sign. Have you ever visited Mount Storm Lake in West Virginia? What did you think of your experience there? Be sure to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you!

For more history of West Virginia's lakes, take a look at the town of Gad, which once existed where Summersville Lake is now:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/gad-wv/

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

You Must Visit These 15 Awesome Places In West Virginia This Fall

Discover the best places to visit in West Virginia during the fall for stunning foliage, outdoor activities, and seasonal festivals.

Updated Jul 30, 2024

Written by 

Katherine

If you're looking for some places to go in the fall in West Virginia, here are some suggestions for you. West Virginia is one of the best places to view the changing colors of the trees each autumn, but you'll soon discover the leaves aren't the only things to check out! Here are some fall places to visit near you in West Virginia.

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1. The Gauley River

A group of people in yellow helmets paddling a blue raft through white water rapids, splashing water around them.
New and Gauley River Adventures / Facebook

Each fall, water from the Summersville Dam is released into the Gauley, making it one of the best white water rivers in the country. The river drops 650 feet over 26 miles and has more than 100 major rapids. Fall is a great time to visit the Gauley River if you’re a rafter. Read all about this outfitter and get excited to book your own river adventure!

2. Old McDonald’s Pumpkin Patch & Cornmaze in Inwood

A fluffy orange kitten perched on a large pumpkin, surrounded by various pumpkins in a farm setting.
Old McDonald's Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze/Facebook

Check out this pumpkin patch and corn maze! Open from the end of September through October, they have an intricate corn maze on a 5-acre field and a ton of pumpkins, plus farm animals, hayrides, corn hole and more. If you are looking for things to do in West Virginia in October, this is a good choice.

3. Blackwater Falls State Park

A serene waterfall surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and lush greenery.
ForestWander via Wikimedia Commons

This park, near Davis, is perfect for viewing the fall foliage. Learn more about this beautiful waterfall in West Virginia and why you should explore the park this fall!

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4. Morgantown

A crowded stadium during a football game, with a marching band performing on the field and fans in the stands.
Aparkswv, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

What's fall without college football? Cheer on the Mountaineers

when they play at home in Morgantown this fall.

5. Huntington

A nighttime football game at Marshall University, with a packed stadium and teams lined up on the field.
Nick Juhasz via Wikimedia Commons

Cheer on the Thundering Herd at a Marshall football game! Read all about planning your trip to the university in the charming city of Huntington.

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6. Coopers Rock State Forest

A scenic view from a stone overlook, showcasing rolling hills and a colorful sunset sky.
Capturing Moments by Christina / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Another great place to view fall's colors is Coopers Rock State Forest, near Bruceton Mills. This unusual forest is filled with plenty to see and do for the entire family!

7. The Pumpkin House in Kenova

A house decorated with numerous glowing jack-o'-lanterns and lights, creating a festive Halloween atmosphere at night.
Frank Pierson/Flickr

An army of volunteers help carve thousands of pumpkins for Kenova's famous pumpkin house each year in time for Halloween. It is quite a sight to see, and about 30,000 visitors come to visit annually. Read all about this unique fall tradition and when to visit.

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8. Hawks Nest State Park

A scenic view of a winding river surrounded by lush, colorful autumn foliage and rolling hills.
John Mueller/Flickr

One of the many places to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage West Virginia has to offer. Learn how to get a bird's eye view of this stunning park.

9. Babcock State Park

A serene autumn landscape featuring a wooden mill by a flowing stream, surrounded by colorful fall foliage.
Forestwander / Wikimedia

Another great place to see autumn's colors in the trees. The grist mill makes for beautiful pictures at this park in Cliftop. You don't want to miss a visit to this scenic park.

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10. The New River Gorge Bridge

Aerial view of a person base jumping over a river surrounded by colorful autumn trees and kayakers below.
Bridge Day/Facebook

Fall -- and specifically Bridge Day -- is the best day to visit the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville. It's the only day of the year when it's legal to BASE jump off of it, and people come from all over to do just that, or to watch as others do. Bridge Day is typically in mid-October, and whether you plan to jump or just visit, be sure to read these unique facts about the bridge!

11. The Corn Maze at Cooper Family Farms of Milton

A woman and three children pose for a selfie in a cornfield, smiling and enjoying their time together.
The Corn Maze at Cooper Family Farms of Milton/Facebook

Get lost — in a corn maze, that is! This farm offers daytime and haunted corn maze fun every fall. You can also zip line above the maze. Find out for yourself why this is one of the best corn mazes in West Virginia!

12. Spencer

A lively street scene with a crowd gathered for a festival, colorful banners overhead, and buildings lining the road.
WV Black Walnut Festival / Facebook

Check out the Black Walnut Festival in Spencer this fall! The festival is held annually in mid-October. There is plenty to see and do, including a parade, carnival, food vendors, live music, art shows and more. You're going to want to make time to visit this fall festival!

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13. Dolly Sods

Vibrant autumn landscape with red and orange foliage on rolling hills under a clear blue sky.
Forestwander via Wikimedia Commons

Another great viewing area for fall foliage is Dolly Sods. Read all about this wilderness area!

14. Gritt's Farm in Buffalo

A colorful sign reading "Gritt's Fun Farm" with cartoonish pumpkin faces, leading to a farm path under a blue sky.
Gritt's Farm / Facebook

During the fall, this farm in Buffalo opens for corn mazes, pumpkin patches and play areas for kids. Find out why this is one of the best places to visit in West Virginia in fall!

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15. Orr's Farm Market in Martinsburg

A vibrant pumpkin patch with various pumpkins, sunflowers, and colorful plants under a blue sky.
Orr's Farm Market/Facebook

Pick your own apples and pumpkins at this farm in Martinsburg. From early September to the beginning of November, you can experience all the fall fun. You can even schedule bonfire hayrides for you and all your friends! You'll be excited to learn all you can do at this charming farm market.

How many of these places to go in the fall in West Virginia have you experienced? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

West Virginia is truly a magical place when the leaves change and the air cools enough for you to break out your favorite cozy sweater. Here are some of our favorite fall destinations in WV. If you are planning a fall colors road trip, check out our guide to road trip essentials.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/most-beautiful-fall-destinations-in-wv/

If you are looking for another fun fall destination in West Virginia, check out the Palace of Gold in New Vrindaban. It is a unique place full of interesting artistic expression that might just surprise you:

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