Of all the beautiful scenery in this state, there are very few in which we can interact. You can view the New River Gorge or Blackwater Canyon – you can be near nature, but you cannot really interact with it. But there is one spot in the state where you can swim under the waters of a fall, and it’s waiting for you at Holly River State Park. It is a swimming hole like no other, and you can do more than just look at it.

Holly River State Park, settled in 1870 by Swiss immigrants, is known for its many waterfalls and lush forest trails. It is also has a great swimming hole to cool down on a warm day.
West Virginia State Parks
The titular Holly River runs through the park. Although it is more like a stream, this fast moving river is the source of several waterfalls.
Wikipedia/www.forestwander.com
Some of the waterfalls dump a pretty substantial amount of water, while others are slightly less impressive. But only one has a swimming hole.
West Virginia State Parks
The one you are looking for is called Shupe's Chute. It is actually a circular, chute-like pathway along the rocks in which the water from the river flows into the swimming hole.
West Virginia State Parks

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It is named after Walter Shupe, who has served as park administrator for many years. You can ask about him at the ranger station. He apparently knows the park like the back of his hand. To access the swimming hole, park in the Upper Falls parking area and hike for a quarter mile to reach Shupe's Chute.
West Virginia State Parks
There are many other things to do in the park. The hiking trails there are especially nice. Eleven trails have been blazed and offer a variety of plant life to view, historical markers and three overlooks.
West Virginia State Parks
You will inevitably encounter waterfalls along the way. The Upper Falls are pictured below, which is where you will want to go to access Shupe's Chute. A map of the area, available to download from the website link below, will guide you to your destination. Shupe's Chute is at the southernmost point on the map (bottom center).
Wikipedia/Brian M. Powell
The park offers several places to camp, too. You can choose from 10 fully furnished cabins, or camp at one of 88 sites with electric hookup. They are designed for camping in a tent or a trailer.
West Virginia State Parks
While there, you can also go trout fishing, horseback riding, and geocaching. If you are looking for a great swimming hole (and other swimming spots) and a little time out in the woods, this is probably the kind of park you are looking for.
West Virginia State Parks

Have you ever been to Shupe’s Chute? Feel free to comment and tell us about your visit! We’d love to learn all about it.

Do you like waterfalls like the ones at Holly River State Park? There are more than 200 waterfalls in West Virginia, and you will want to visit them all. And don’t forget to upgrade to AllTrails+!

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More to Explore

Best Swimming Hole in West Virginia

Tori Jane | August 02, 2022

What are the best swimming holes in West Virginia?  

Some of the best swimming holes in West Virginia include:

  • Summersville Lake in Nicholas County
  • Audra State Park in Barbour County
  • Glade Creek in the New River Gorge area
  • Greenbrier River

 

We just so happen to be major fans of swimming holes in West Virginia, but can you blame us? We might live in a smaller state, but we’re big on cooling off during the hot, humid summer months. Some of our favorite places to go swimming in West Virginia include such jewels as the Blue Hole, just outside of Morgantown. You might know the name – it's the single most famous swimming spot in West Virginia! Another favorite is the swimming holes at Audra State Park, which are crisp, cool, clean, and awe-inspiring – not to mention one of the most popular places for swimming in West Virginia.  

Where is Holly River State Park in West Virginia?  

Holly River State Park is located at 680 State Park Road, Hacker Valley, WV 26222.

One of the largest state parks in West Virginia is Holly River State Park, which spans for an impressive 8,101 acres of pristine woodlands and forest. Naturally, the Holly River flows right through it; it’s a tributary of the Elk River, in central West Virginia, and it’s an excellent place to go swimming when the weather is warm. Don’t forget to visit in the fall, too – it's one of the places with the most amazing fall color in West Virginia!  

What are some fun West Virginia swimming holes to check out?  

Check out Seneca Rocks for another fun swimming hole in West Virginia.

Did you think the paragraph above was all the swimming holes to check out in West Virginia? Nope – think again, because there are plenty more. Wander out to Seneca Rocks and explore the crystalline swimming hole that sits at the base of the rocks. Not only is this West Virginia swimming hole a treat, but it’s also one of the most scenic spots in West Virginia! We also love going out to Raleigh County and wandering along Glad Creek, which is famous for its various wonder (and water) filled swimming holes. Finally (but again, not literally – there are still more), you can’t miss taking a dip in Anthony Creek, which is not just beautiful and refreshing – it's also one of the best!  

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Holly River State Park, 680 State Park Road, Hacker Valley, WV 26222, USA