Parking lot
Parking grounds
Forest Rd 91A, Elkins, WV 26241
Falls/RiverWV
Bemis Area
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Bemis, High Falls and Shavers Fork with separate train, hiking and campground options, five visitor FAQs and four historical photos. River-entry access remains unverified.
Water type
Falls/River
Access
Informal
Fee
Varies by activity; train tickets and campground charges are separate. River access fees not verified.
Best season
Check the train booking calendar or current trail conditions for your visit. Season alone does not establish suitable swimming conditions
Nearby towns
Elkins, Glady, Bemis
Water body
Shavers Fork
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Elkins, Glady, Bemis
Access location not verified
BEMIS, WV
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Bemis Area
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Bemis, High Falls and Shavers Fork: choose your outing
This area listing is not a single swimming beach. A campground stay, a High Falls mountain hike and a scenic train excursion have different arrival points and services. No authorized walking entry to Mule Hole is verified here, and the former track-walking route remains withdrawn.
High Falls by scenic train
The New Tygart Flyer operator, reviewed October 9, 2026, lists boarding at 315 Railroad Avenue, Elkins, and directs visitors to its date-specific calendar because departures are not daily. The historic train is not wheelchair accessible and has boarding steps. Pets are not allowed; disability-required service animals are allowed. Restrooms are onboard. Check your booking instructions, fare and availability. Do not assume a Bemis flag stop or swimming layover.
Hiking and campground plans are separate
County tourism describes challenging backcountry hiking and a Forest Road 44 trailhead south of Glady, not a short walk from Bemis. Confirm the current authorized route with Monongahela National Forest; do not walk active tracks. Bemis Campground is a separate accommodation at 6599 Bemis Road offering campsites and cabins. Ask about reservations and guest river access; these do not grant rights on neighboring land.
River information has limits
The USGS Bemis station is a river-data reference, not a swimming clearance or an entrance location. Check timestamps and the measured parameter; historical records are not today's conditions. Verify lawful access and current river conditions before considering water entry. Do not jump or dive.
Four historical gallery views
Images show campground lane, river channel, shaded bank and railway shelter. They provide area context, not identified High Falls or Mule Hole entries. The shelter photo does not confirm passenger service. Coordinates remain withheld instead of assigning a river-data station or scenic-photo point as a swimming entrance.
Getting There
For the New Tygart Flyer, use the operator's confirmed boarding address at 315 Railroad Avenue, Elkins, and the instructions for your booked departure. For hiking, county tourism identifies the High Falls trailhead on Forest Road 44 south of Glady; confirm the current route with Monongahela National Forest. No verified walking route from Bemis to Mule Hole is provided. Do not walk active railroad tracks or rely on historical flag-stop instructions.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
High Falls and Mule Hole are separate destinations. Confirm trail and river access before travel. The scenic train requires booking; a Bemis flag stop and swimming layover are not confirmed.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Alegheny Trail, Glady Trailhead
Hiking area
5 (2)
Allegheny Trail, Bowden, WV 26254
Lindy Point Trailhead
Hiking area
4.9 (133)
Canaan Loop Rd, Thomas, WV 26292
West Fork Rail Trail - North Parking
Hiking area
4.6 (5)
Glady, WV 26268
Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
Campground
4.8 (36)
Forest Road 162, Wymer, WV 26254
Public restroomRestroomTent sites
Bemis Campground
Campground
4.6 (5)
6599 Bemis Rd, Glady, WV 26268
Restroom
National forest campground
Campground
W Laurel Fork Camp Rd, Glady, WV 26268
Restroom
Public bathroom
5 (1)
530 Paul E. Malone Rd, Grafton, WV 26354
Frequently Asked Questions About Bemis Area
Where does the New Tygart Flyer board?
The operator lists 315 Railroad Avenue in Elkins. Confirm your date and ticket instructions; a Bemis flag stop is not verified.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
The operator says no and describes boarding steps. Check directly before booking if your group has mobility requirements.
Can I bring my dog on the train?
The operator prohibits pets but allows disability-required service animals. This is a train policy, not a campground or riverbank rule.
Can I follow the tracks from Bemis to a swimming hole?
No track-walking route is provided. The historical route is withdrawn; confirm an authorized approach with land managers before planning Mule Hole.
Do river data or gallery photos certify a swimming entrance?
No. Check data timestamps and access independently. The four historical photos provide area context, and precise entrance coordinates remain withheld.
Highlights
Shavers Fork river setting near Bemis
High Falls sightseeing by booked train
Mountain hiking from the Glady area
Separate campground and river-access planning
Unique Features
High Falls scenic train excursion
Shavers Fork landscape
Bemis railroad and lumber history
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Use only authorized access
- Do not walk active railroad tracks or use unmarked trackside descents
- Check river conditions and posted notices; historical swimming reports are not current water-quality or safety checks
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Local tourism documents Bemis's railroad and lumber history.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Four historical views show campground lane, river channel, shaded bank and Bemis railway shelter. They do not identify High Falls or Mule Hole entries, authorize track walking or confirm a current passenger stop.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Pack out litter, respect private land and railway property, and use established authorized routes.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check the train booking calendar or current trail conditions for your visit. Season alone does not establish suitable swimming conditions.
Difficulty Level
High Falls is a challenging mountain hike; the old Mule Hollow track-walking route is withdrawn.
Fee
Varies by activity; train tickets and campground charges are separate. River access fees not verified.
Facilities
The train operator lists onboard restrooms. Campground services are separate from the waterfall and riverbanks; confirm facilities with the relevant operator.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
Mountain Rail WV: 304-636-9477; Bemis Campground: 681-298-4442
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Bemis Campground offers campsites and cabins at 6599 Bemis Road. Confirm reservations and charges directly. No blanket permission to camp at High Falls is claimed.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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