Swimming Holes in West Virginia

Swimming Holes in West Virginia: Your Guide to Natural Pools, Waterfalls & Rivers

West Virginia is one of the best states in the East for natural swimming. Its rugged landscape is carved by countless rivers and creeks, creating an abundance of clear, undeveloped swimming holes in West Virginia, from deep pools beneath waterfalls to wide, sandy river bends. This guide to the best swimming holes in West Virginia covers official state park areas and beloved unofficial local gems, emphasizing safety and responsible enjoyment of these fragile ecosystems.

If you are looking for WV swimming holes close to a town, jump to spots near Morgantown, Elkins, Lewisburg, and Petersburg. For cascades specifically, see the West Virginia waterfalls collection.

TL;DR

Plan around the kind of visit you want: Battle Run beach at Summersville Lake for a designated lake swimming area, Berkeley Springs State Park for a seasonal pool or separate public wading springs, and Sandstone Falls for waterfall views from the boardwalk. Summersville Lake prohibits cliff jumping and diving. Natural river sites require separate access and conditions checks; inclusion in this guide does not establish swimming permission or safety.

Swimming Areas and Waterfall Stops in West Virginia

These twelve destinations include swimming areas and sightseeing stops. Read the site-specific limitations before choosing where to enter the water.

1. Grafton Region Swimming Holes – Home to the much-loved Fortney's Mill, a historic mill-pool swimming spot with a small waterfall, plus Arden Falls nearby.
2. Summersville Lake Cliff Swimming Spots - Use the designated Battle Run swimming beach. USACE prohibits cliff jumping and diving at the lake; the listing's historic name is not permission to jump. No lifeguards are provided.
3. Audra State Park – A popular, family-friendly swimming area on the Middle Fork River with basic facilities.
4. Otter Creek Wilderness Swimming Spots – Secluded, deep pools like "Otter #1" reached by a wilderness hike.
5. Berkeley Springs State Park – Seasonal spring-fed swimming pool, year-round public wading springs, and separately booked bathhouse services. Check each facility’s schedule.
6. Stuart – A managed, fee-based swimming hole on Shaver's Fork with amenities.
7. Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia – Scenic waterfalls and pools in the New River Gorge region.
8. Red Creek – A natural water park with sliding waterfalls in Monongahela National Forest.
9. Holly River State Park – Series of natural holes and chutes along the Left Fork Holly River.
10. Big Bend – Sandy beach and calm waters on the South Branch Potomac River.
11. Elk River Swimming Holes in Webster County – Broad, deep pools like "Elk Hole 1" in a remote setting.
12. Sandstone Falls - A waterfall-viewing stop using the boardwalk and bridges, not a recommended swimming or wading destination. NPS warns of drownings around the falls.

For more options within easy reach of a base town, see swimming holes near Morgantown, Elkins, Lewisburg, and Petersburg.

Regions Overview

West Virginia's swimming holes are often clustered around major river systems and forest lands.

• Monongahela National Forest & Highlands: This vast region contains some of the most remote and pristine spots, including Otter Creek Wilderness Swimming Spots, Cranberry River Area, Bemis Area, Seneca Area, Knapp Creek Area, and Williams River Swimming Spots in Monongahela Forest. Access often requires hiking and self-sufficiency. Many spots in this region are within reach of Elkins.
• New River Gorge Area: Known for dramatic scenery and adventure, featuring Summersville Lake Cliff Swimming Spots, Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia, Meadow River East Area, and the southern Camp Creek Area.
• Potomac Highlands & Eastern Panhandle: Includes historic Berkeley Springs State Park, the community spots in the Petersburg Region Swimming Holes, the sliding rocks of Red Creek, the Horseshoe Bend Swimming Spots, Tucker County Wv, and high-country Mount Storm Swimming Spots. See more options near Petersburg.
• Central Rivers & State Parks: Offers a mix of managed and natural areas like Audra State Park, Holly River State Park, Stuart, Cedar Creek State Park, Kumbrabow State Forest Swimming Spots, and the Greenbrier River spots such as Anthony Creek Greenbrier Swimming Spots and Anvil Rock, many within reach of Lewisburg.
• Northern Areas: Convenient to larger towns, with the Grafton Region Swimming Holes (Fortney's Mill and Arden Falls), the Kingwood Region Swimming Holes along the Cheat River, the Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia, and spots along the Deckers Creek Trail. See the full list of swimming holes near Morgantown.

When to Go

• Prime Season: Late June through early September offers the most reliable warm weather for swimming. Water temperatures in rivers and creeks are most comfortable during this period.
• Shoulder Seasons: May and late September can be pleasant but water temperatures will be cooler, especially in shaded mountain streams.
• Water Flow: Always be cautious of water levels. Swimming is safest during periods of stable, dry weather. Avoid swimming during and after heavy rains, as water levels can rise rapidly, currents strengthen, and water clarity decreases, hiding hazards.
• Crowds: Summer weekends at popular spots like Audra State Park or Summersville Lake Cliff Swimming Spots can be busy. Weekdays or mornings offer a quieter experience.

Safety & Hazards

Natural swimming holes lack lifeguards. Your safety is your responsibility.

• Always Assess Conditions: Check the water depth before jumping or diving. Never dive head-first into unknown water. Submerged logs and rocks are common. Currents can be deceptively strong.
• Foot Protection: Wear sturdy water shoes or old sneakers to protect against sharp rocks, mussel shells, and slippery surfaces.
• Weather Awareness: West Virginia weather can change quickly. Leave the water immediately at the first sign of lightning or thunder. Be aware of the potential for flash flooding in narrow creek valleys.
• Supervision: Always swim with a buddy. Keep a close watch on children, as currents and depth changes can be sudden.
• Water Quality: While many waters are clear, avoid swallowing water. After heavy rains, bacterial counts can increase. Do not swim if you have open wounds.
• Cliff Jumping: USACE prohibits cliff jumping and diving at Summersville Lake. Do not interpret a familiar location, a listing name or other visitors jumping as permission or evidence of safety.

Access & Permits

• Fees: Most unofficial holes are free. Some managed areas, like Audra State Park and Stuart, charge a daily use fee (e.g., $3 at Stuart). Berkeley Springs State Park has free public spring access; check separate pool and bathhouse charges with the park.
• Parking: Often limited to roadside pull-offs or small, informal lots. Obstructing traffic or private driveways can result in fines or towing. Arrive early on busy days.
• Hiking Access: Many of the best spots, including Otter Creek Wilderness Swimming Spots and Bemis Area, require a hike of varying difficulty. Wear appropriate footwear and be prepared.
• Private Land: Respect property boundaries. If you are unsure if an area is public, assume it is private until confirmed otherwise.

48-Hour Itinerary: New River Gorge Adventure

This itinerary focuses on the dramatic scenery of southern WV.

• Day 1: Start in Fayetteville and visit Battle Run beach at Summersville Lake if it is open for swimming. There are no lifeguards. Cliff jumping and diving are prohibited. Spend the afternoon sightseeing around the gorge, then stay in Fayetteville or a designated campground with confirmed availability.
• Day 2: Make Sandstone Falls a sightseeing trip. Follow the boardwalk and bridges for waterfall views rather than entering the cascades. Allow time for the drive via Hinton; the road to the day-use area is not a quick walk down from the overlook.

FAQs

Q: What are the best swimming holes in West Virginia?
A: Choose by facility and current conditions. Battle Run at Summersville Lake has a designated swimming beach without lifeguards; cliff jumping and diving are prohibited. Berkeley Springs State Park offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, public wading springs and separate bathhouse services. Pool hours do not match general park hours. Treat Sandstone Falls as a boardwalk sightseeing stop rather than a swimming recommendation.

Q: Where is Fortney's Mill and can you swim there?
A: Fortney's Mill is a historic mill site in the Grafton area of north-central West Virginia, known locally as a swimming spot with a small waterfall. It is covered under our Grafton Region Swimming Holes listing. Like most WV swimming holes, it is an unofficial, unsupervised natural site, so assess depth, current, and water clarity yourself and avoid it after heavy rain.

Q: Are West Virginia swimming holes safe for kids?
A: It depends on the specific spot and conditions. State park areas like Audra State Park or Holly River State Park offer more predictable, gradual entries. Always assess the current, depth, and bottom conditions for any location, and provide constant, close supervision.

Q: Do I need a permit to visit these swimming holes?
A: Generally, no permit is required for day use at the locations listed. Some may require a nominal day-use fee if they are within a developed recreation area (e.g., Stuart). Overnight camping in National Forests may require a permit at certain campgrounds.

Q: What should I bring for a day at a swimming hole?
A: Essentials include water shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, plenty of drinking water, a first-aid kit, a trash bag (pack out everything), a towel, and a life jacket for weak swimmers. For remote holes, add a map, compass, and basic survival supplies.

Q: Can I bring my dog to swimming holes in West Virginia?
A: Dogs are often allowed in national forests and many state parks but must be leashed. Always clean up after your pet. Be mindful that strong currents or rocky bottoms can also pose risks to animals.

Q: What's the difference between an "official" and "unofficial" swimming hole?
A: Official spots, like those in Audra State Park, are managed, may have fees and basic facilities (restrooms, picnic tables), and are often more family-oriented. Unofficial holes, like Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia, are natural areas with no maintenance, facilities, or supervision—visitors must be fully self-reliant.

Responsible Recreation

Help preserve these beautiful places for future visitors.

• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
• Minimize Impact: Use existing trails and fire rings. Avoid trampling vegetation along riverbanks. Do not create new rock dams or alter the natural flow.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance. Do not feed animals.
• Be Considerate: Keep noise levels down. Respect other visitors' desire for solitude. Follow any posted regulations.
• Prepare for No Facilities: Most unofficial holes have no toilets. Plan accordingly and dispose of human waste properly, far from water sources.

Plan Your Trip & Official Sources

Safety corrections checked September 26, 2026: USACE Summersville Lake swimming rules identify Battle Run beach and prohibit cliff jumping; NPS Sandstone Falls visitor information describes the boardwalk route and warns of drownings. Check current alerts before departure.

For trip planning, see our seasonal and skill-level planner, the waterfall chasers guide, and the budget and free swimming holes guide. For cascades specifically, browse the West Virginia waterfalls collection.

Before visiting, confirm current conditions, fees, and access with the managing agency. Useful official sources include WV State Parks (wvstateparks.com), the Monongahela National Forest (USFS), and the National Park Service for New River Gorge. Exploring beyond the state? See our neighboring guides for Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Disclaimer: Conditions at natural swimming holes change constantly. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always research current conditions, respect private property, and prioritize safety above all else.