Looking for a fun adventure in the Mountain State? Hit two birds with one stone by stopping by one of these spots. Enjoy the views from each Almost Heaven Swing and stop by one of the waterfalls listed on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail!
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park Swing + Blackwater Falls
This slice of heaven in Tucker County is the perfect place to check off a waterfall and a swing. After parking by the Blackwater Trading Company in Blackwater Falls State Park, descend the stairs until you reach the Almost Heaven Swing. Snap a few pics and then continue down the stairs until you hear the sound of rushing water. As one of West Virginia’s tallest waterfalls, Blackwater Falls features 57 feet of amber-colored cascades. This is a stop you won’t want to miss!
Looking to check two more waterfalls off the Waterfall Trail? Check out the nearby Elakala Falls and Falls of Pendleton!
Clay, West Virginia
Rail Explorers Depot Swing + Devil’s Sawmill Waterfall
Have you taken a ride on the new Rail Explorers Railbikes in Clay County? If not, now is the perfect time! Located by Buffalo Creek in Clay, Rail Explorers is a 12-mile railbike adventure on the former Buffalo Creek & Gauley Railroad that twists and turns through the beautiful forests of Almost Heaven. While at the Rail Explorers Depot, head over to the nearby Almost Heaven swing to snap a few pics. Then ride the rails 5 miles down the trail to check out the Devil’s Sawmill waterfall. You won’t want to miss out on this adventure!
Babcock State Park
Glade Creek Grist Mill Swing + Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls
Babcock State Park is easily one of the most picturesque spots in the state. It spans 4,127 acres along the New River Gorge and features recreational activities, cabins and camping, and the Glade Creek Grist Mill. Pause in front of the swing to take in the scenery, and then mosey around the mill and stunning Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls. This fully-functioning mill grinds corn into cornmeal, which you can purchase in the Babcock State Park gift shop. If you’re lucky enough, you might be visiting while a miller is grinding the cornmeal the old-fashioned way!
To check off two more falls, explore the nearby Sugar Camp Run Falls and Mann’s Creek Falls!
Oglebay Resort
Oglebay Swing + Oglebay Falls
Oglebay has it all: a resort, golf courses, recreational activities, shopping, a spa, a zoo, an Almost Heaven swing and a waterfall! Located in the Northern Panhandle in Wheeling, Oglebay is the perfect spot for a relaxing or adventure-packed weekend. You can find the Almost Heaven swing perched on the mountains, just off the Susan Wheeler Walking Trail. Take some time to explore, and then head over to the Schrader Center to begin your trek to the falls. Once at the center, follow the 0.4-mile Falls Vista Trail until you reach Oglebay Falls. You won’t want to skip this unique moss-covered double-drop waterfall!
Pipestem Resort State Park
Pipestem Resort State Park Swing + Pipestem Falls
Pipestem Resort State Park is known as West Virginia’s premier family resort. With its two lodges, a variety of thrilling outdoor activities, exquisite dining and breathtaking scenery, Pipestem will always have you wanting to return for more. Follow the signs leading to the Game Courts and look to the left of the tennis courts to find the swing. There’s not much that can beat this view! After you’ve filled up your camera roll, drive over to Pipestem Falls, located 11 miles south of Hinton, off Route 20. This waterfall features a 30+ foot drop and is the perfect addition to your trip to Southern West Virginia!
Charleston, West Virginia
West Virginia State Capitol Swing + Charleston Swing + Coonskin Grotto
As West Virginia’s capital city, “hip and historic,” Charleston always has a lot going on. Complete with plenty of outdoor activities, historic homes and buildings, festivals, creative dining experiences and more, Charleston is a must-see place in West Virginia and the only town in the state with two Almost Heaven swings. The Charleston swing, located next to the University of Charleston boathouse, gives the perfect view of the mountains, West Virginia State Capitol and Kanawha River.
After taking some photos, drive about 15 minutes to Coonskin Park. Then, hike the Alice Knight Memorial Trail for about 0.3 miles until you reach Coonskin Grotto, which features short cascades falling over a sandstone cave. The view is just stunning!
Make sure to get your free West Virginia Vacation Guide to learn more about adventures you can take in the Mountain State!
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