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.
Bearded Face / YouTube
But this popular swimming area near Philippi, West Virginia is also deceptively dangerous. Hidden boulders. Strong currents. Undertows.
Bearded Face / YouTube
Over 50 lives have ended in these torrential rushing waters. We'll say it again: 50 precious human lives.
Bearded Face / YouTube

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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More to Explore

Awesome Attractions in West Virginia

William Suphan | June 09, 2023

What are the most unique attractions in West Virginia?

The most unique attractions in West Virginia include:

  • The Mothman Museum. Located in Point Pleasant, this museum is dedicated to the urban legend of Mothman.
  • Lost World Caverns. Some may remember when tabloids used to feature Batboy. This cave is said to be his home.
  • Our Lady of the Pines. This is the smallest church in the nation which is beside an equally diminutive post office.
  • The John Brown Wax Museum. 87 life-sized wax figures are used to illustrate the raid on Harpers Ferry.

Discover more about the most unique attractions in West Virginia. 

What are the most incredible sightseeing tours in West Virginia?

The most incredible sightseeing tours in West Virginia include:

  • Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Veteran miners will take you through this coal mine and show you what it was like to work as a coal miner.
  • Greenbrier Bunker Tour. This massive bunker was built to house Congress if a nuclear war took place. It is no longer intended for this purpose but it’s worth the tour.
  • Gren Bank Observatory. This is the world’s largest fully-steerable telescope on Earth and is taller than the Statue of Liberty.
  • The Wild Cave Tour. Located in Lewisburg, this 45-minute tour will take you deep into the Lost World Caverns.

Learn more about the most incredible sightseeing tours in West Virginia. 

What are the most amazing hidden gem attractions in West Virginia?

The most amazing hidden gem attractions in West Virginia include:

  • Museum of American Glass. Located in Weston, this museum is full of the most amazing artwork made entirely of glass. 
  • The West Virginia Farm Museum. This is where you’ll see historic buildings and learn all about this state’s farming history.
  • West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. This is a museum where you can see a dinosaur skeleton and some rare gemstones.
  • NROCKS Outdoor Adventures. Come here for rock climbing, zip lines, and some stupendous hiking.

Find out more about the most amazing hidden gem attractions in West Virginia. 

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