Going to a standard, concrete swimming pool is fine, but in West Virginia, nature offers us better places to swim than that. One such place is Wonder Falls – a waterfall fed swimming hole fed by the Cheat River.
Big Sandy Creek is a branch of the Cheat River that runs northeast toward Pennsylvania, and along the Creek is Wonder Falls, whose brisk, rushing waters pour into a great swimming hole.
The unpaved road to the falls can be a bit rough to drive, unless you have a Jeep or an ATV, but that only means you might have to take a short hike about a mile long. But it will be worth it.
The falls are bordered by stone cliffs roughly 30 feet high, which allows plenty of room for groups of people. It is often used as a party spot, and makes a great place for jumping/diving into the cool water.
The pool itself is fairly large with plenty of rocky shoreline to explore, or just to dry off. Numerous stone outcroppings, or "islands," breach the water's surface at several points.
If you want to make a day of it, this is not the only waterfall in the area. 25 miles east, you will find Swallow Falls State Park which has the Muddy Creek Falls swimming hole within it. Ohiopyle Falls, 30 miles northeast, is another great swimming hole, lying within the borders of Ohiopyle State Park.
Beyond those are a couple more falls, if you don't mind driving a bit. Blackwater Falls State Park is 50 miles away and Valley Falls State Park is 60. Both are worth the trip if you have the time and inclination.
So, if you are looking for some fun and relaxation in a beautiful, scenic pool, this is the spot for you. And the chances are good that it won't be filled with people like a typical community pool in a city.
Have you ever been to Wonder Falls? Feel free to comment below and tell us about your visit.
Are you interested in visiting some other falls? Well, you have plenty of choices. Check out the best of West Virginia’s 275 waterfalls, and you’ll probably want to visit them all.
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