Rock City Trailhead Parking
Parking lot
5 (7)
Unnamed Road, Masontown, WV 26542
Creeks /WaterfallWV
Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan for Blue Hole on Big Sandy Creek with Jenkinsburg Bridge closure guidance, the Route 26 approach and links to local water-testing results.
Water type
Creeks /Waterfall
Access
Informal
Fee
Confirm current access rules with the manager
Best season
Check access notices, weather, river conditions and dated water results before visiting
Nearby towns
Morgantown, Masontown
Water body
Varies-See Below
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Morgantown, Masontown
Access location not verified
MASONTOWN, WV
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
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.
Big Sandy Creek and Blue Hole
Blue Hole is a documented swimming spot on Big Sandy Creek near its meeting with the Cheat River. Jenkinsburg provides regional river access, but the bridge, the swimming hole and the whitewater runs are not interchangeable destinations.
Bridge closure changes the approach
The WV Land Trust access notice, checked October 5, 2026, says vehicles cannot cross Jenkinsburg Bridge. Approach from Route 26 via Bruceton Mills/Valley Point. The manager advises against the Route 7/Masontown side of Bull Run Road because there is no public parking there. Keep gates and pull-offs clear. Check the manager's linked parking map and latest notice before leaving.
Choose the actual swimming location
WVU's guide places Blue Hole upstream on Big Sandy Creek. This is not a recommendation to swim the surrounding rapids or jump from Jenkinsburg Bridge. The older Devil's Den and Wonder Falls approaches in this listing have not been reverified; their cliff-jumping and waterfall-entry recommendations are withdrawn.
Check water results and prepare
Friends of the Cheat's monitoring page links dated bacteria results for Jenkinsburg Bridge and Big Sandy Rockville. Select the relevant station and check the sample date. A station result does not establish conditions in every upstream pool, and a passing sample does not remove current or underwater hazards. Bring drinking water, pack out waste and verify current amenities and camping permission separately. Do not rely on this listing for an overnight campsite.
Getting There
Jenkinsburg Bridge is closed to vehicles according to WV Land Trust's notice checked October 5, 2026. Approach via Route 26 from Bruceton Mills/Valley Point and consult the manager's parking map. Do not approach via Route 7/Masontown expecting public parking or a bridge crossing. Keep gates and pull-offs clear. Old painted-rock and switchback routes to individual pools are withdrawn pending verification.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use WV Land Trust's current Jenkinsburg access notice. Vehicle bridge crossing is closed; the Masontown side has no public parking. Blue Hole is upstream on Big Sandy Creek, not the bridge itself.
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
Deckers Creek Trail: Masontown Trailhead
Hiking area
4.7 (63)
Sand Bank Rd, Masontown, WV 26542
Raven Rock Trailhead
Hiking area
4.9 (36)
Roadside Trail, Masontown, WV 26542
Audra State Park
Tourist attraction
4.8 (1404)
Audra Park Rd, Buckhannon, WV 26201
Riverfront park popular with whitewater kayaking enthusiasts offering tent & RV camping sites.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomSlides
McCollum Campground
Campground
4.7 (118)
Coopers Rock State Forest, 700 Road, Morgantown, WV 26508
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Rhododendron Campground
Campground
4.4 (18)
Unnamed Road, Masontown, WV 26542
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Sand Springs Campground
Campground
4.1 (205)
1309 Sand Springs Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Baseball Field Public Restroom
Public bathroom
3.4 (7)
E Brockway Ave, Morgantown, WV 26501
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia
Is Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia free to visit?
Reported fee information: Confirm current access rules with the manager. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Check with the land manager and follow posted restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia is a creeks /waterfall on Varies-See Below located in West Virginia, near Morgantown. Plan for Blue Hole on Big Sandy Creek with Jenkinsburg Bridge closure guidance, the Route 26 approach and links to local water-testing results.
When is the best time to visit Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Seasonal planning notes: Check access notices, weather, river conditions and dated water results before visiting. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Reported facilities at Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia include: Bring drinking water and plan facilities before arrival. A parking area is not confirmation of restrooms or camping. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Confirm camping permission separately; no overnight recommendation provided.
Highlights
Documented Blue Hole swimming location
Updated Route 26 approach
Local dated bacteria-monitoring links
Unique Features
Big Sandy Creek meets the Cheat River at Jenkinsburg
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump from bridges, cliffs or waterfalls
- Avoid high or fast water
- Check dated water results and current notices; testing does not remove physical hazards
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Jenkinsburg is a historic river-access area managed in partnership by WV Land Trust and Friends of the Cheat.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use authorized visitor areas for creek and bridge views; respect closure barriers.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Keep gates clear and pack out all waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check access notices, weather, river conditions and dated water results before visiting.
Difficulty Level
Rugged access roads; verify road condition and vehicle suitability before travel.
Fee
Confirm current access rules with the manager
Facilities
Bring drinking water and plan facilities before arrival. A parking area is not confirmation of restrooms or camping.
Activities
Blue Hole swimming subject to conditions; technical whitewater is a separate activity
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
Confirm camping permission separately; no overnight recommendation provided.
Nearby Attractions
- Jenkinsburg Recreation & Natural Area - River access
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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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