When you’re looking to beat the heat during the sunnier months, West Virginia’s creeks and rivers are calling your name. All over the state, there are great places to swim… and that’s not just referencing local pools! There are all sorts of swimming holes in West Virginia that are excellent for fun in the sun. Grab your swimming trunks, some sunglasses, and sunscreen because you’ll want to spend all day enjoying the wonders of these fun in the sunspots. These are some of the best WV swimming holes you need to visit.

1. Holly River State Park in Webster County
680 State Park Rd, Hacker Valley, WV 26222, USA
Holly River State Park, 680 State Park Road, Hacker Valley, WV 26222, USA
Brian M. Powell/Wikipedia
Holly River State Park has some great swimming holes. Look for Shupe's Chute, located downriver from the Upper Falls. All in all, this park has 8,294 acres to explore, so there's much to do if you're looking for more of a draw than just swimming. However, this is one of the most beautiful swimming holes in West Virginia.

Check out this short video by @meteojoe
2. Summersville Lake in Nicholas County
Summersville Lake, West Virginia, USA
City of Summerville
Summerville Lake is the largest in West Virginia and offers more than 60 miles of shoreline. It is also the deepest in the state, boasting a maximum depth of 327 feet. You'll find this lake (predictably) near the town of Summersville, WV.

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3. Audra State Park in Barbour County
Audra State Park, Audra, Buckhannon, WV 26201, USA
Flickr user Tim Menzies
Audra's Middle Fork River, with its pools and flat rocks, is a West Virginia favorite. Audra State Park has a mere 355 acres, but it is full of beauty... including swimming in the park's majestic river, one of the best WV swimming holes. Visit this pretty park at Audra, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
4. Glade Creek in the New River Gorge area
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, West Virginia, USA
Flickr user *bjo
Some of the clearest water I've ever seen makes Glade Creek a great place to swim! Glade Creek Trail in the New River Gorge National River area is a magnificent hike to take if you're looking for a clean swimming spot to cool off in. This area is a truly breathtaking New River Gorge swimming hole, and it can be visited by entering Glade Creek Trail, District 3, WV in your GPS.

Check out this video of New River Gorge by @scavengeology8604:
5. Greenbrier River
2 Watoga Park Rd, Hillsboro, WV 24946, USA
Flickr user Jimmy Emerson DVM
The Greenbrier winds through four counties and offers plenty of swimming opportunities. The Greenbrier River Trail, all in all, spans 78 miles of a former railroad track. Along this length, there's much to do in addition to swimming, like fishing and camping. You can camp along the trail at spots like Greenbrier River Cabins, located at 2 Watoga Park Rd, Hillsboro, WV 24946.

Take a look at this video by@cinematicskyview2702:

These are some of my favorite swimming holes in West Virginia. Did we miss any good ones? Let us know in the comments what you’re favorite swimming holes are!

If you’re looking for more fun, check out this exciting summer road trip through West Virginia.

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Swimming Holes In West Virginia

Nikki Rhoades | August 09, 2020

What is West Virginia known for?

West Virginia, nicknamed The Mountain State, is predictably famous for its incredible natural landscape. You'll appreciate its untamed beauty at our many state parks.

What are the most beautiful lakes in West Virginia?

Throughout West Virginia, you will find magnificent waterways. One of the most beautiful lakes in West Virginia is Bluestone Lake, hiding in Bluestone State Park. Interestingly, the park and the lake get their names from the Bluestone National Scenic River, not the magnificently blue waters of this pretty West Virginian landscape.

What are the most unique things to do in West Virginia?

Some of the most unique things to do in West Virginia include the following:

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