If you know even a little about West Virginia (and most of us know at least a little, if not extensively more than that!), then you likely know about Seneca Rocks. These towering spires make their dramatic reach for the sky in an iconic scene known far and wide. What’s not known far and wide, though, is that one of the best swimming holes in all of West Virginia is hidden away along the North Fork South Branch Potomac River, tucked within stunning view of this iconic natural wonder.

Welcome to the Seneca Rocks Recreation Area, a beautiful park managed by the National Park Service in the Monongahela (Mon) National Forest that, once upon a time on a warm, sunny day, my family and I visited in search of adventure.
Cristy / OIYS
And adventure is exactly what we found! We toured the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. We climbed to the overlook on the Seneca Rocks Trail.
Cristy / OIYS
And then, we made a beeline for a magical hidden cove tucked away at the dead end of the Seneca Rocks Picnic Area where you can park a chair on the pebbled river beach and hop in the water for a swim in full view of the beautiful Seneca Rocks themselves.
Cristy / OIYS

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This swimming hole, which is rimmed by its own sandstone cliff and features calm pools and a rope swing in addition to cool water and beautiful views, is accessible by a short trail through the woods that cuts from the last Seneca Rocks Picnic Area parking lot directly to the South Branch Potomac River.
Cristy / OIYS
The beach area stretches along the near side of the swimming hole, and features some sun and some shade.
Cristy / OIYS
The far side of the swimming hole offers a fabulous view of Seneca Rocks, plus some rock perches and a rope swing.
Cristy / OIYS
Public Service Announcement: as you plan a visit to this hidden gem, it's a good idea to throw in some sort of footwear to don while swimming, as the rocks that line the bottom of this natural swimming area are a little tricky to navigate with just tender bare feet.
Cristy / OIYS

Learn more about Seneca Rocks Recreation Area on the US Forest Service website. Hungry after a day spent swimming in the shadow of the mighty Seneca Rocks? Try a meal at Harpers Old Country Store for yet another iconic experience in wild, wonderful West Virginia!

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Seneca Rocks Picnic Area, WV-55, Seneca Rocks, WV 26884, USA