Grafton Region Swimming Holes

About Swimming Holes in the Grafton Region

Tucked into the rolling hills and forested hollows of north-central West Virginia, the Grafton region harbors a handful of unofficial swimming holes that feel genuinely discovered rather than developed. These are places where creek water runs cold and clear over ancient rock shelves, where hemlocks lean over the banks, and where the only soundtrack is moving water and birdsong. If you're willing to navigate a few winding rural roads and embrace the spontaneity of an unsanctioned adventure, the payoff is extraordinary.

The Setting and Landscape

Two spots stand out in this region: Fortney's Mill along Three Fork Creek and Arden Falls, both offering distinctly different but equally rewarding experiences. At Fortney's Mill, a picturesque waterfall tumbles over ledge rock into a deep, shadowed pool, and the star attraction — a natural sliding rock — has been entertaining swimmers for generations. The creek corridor is lush and intimate, hemmed in by dense second-growth forest that keeps the air cool even on the hottest July afternoons. Arden Falls takes a more expansive character, with broad, sun-warmed flat rocks stretching out beside serene pools, ideal for lounging between swims. The Tygart River valley ties these spots together historically and geographically, and the surrounding countryside shifts beautifully through the seasons — wildflower-dotted banks in spring, vivid green canopies in summer, and dramatic amber and crimson foliage reflected in the water come autumn.

What Swimming Is Like

You'll find the water here is classic Appalachian creek swimming: refreshingly cool even in August, with a clarity that lets you see the smooth stones and sandy patches on the bottom. At Fortney's Mill, the sliding rock delivers a genuine thrill — a smooth, angled rock face that sends you splashing into the pool below, over and over again. Jumping opportunities add to the fun for the adventurous. Arden Falls rewards a slower pace: spread out on the flat rocks to dry in the sun, then ease into the calm pools where the current quiets down. Be aware that Arden Falls does have strong currents in certain sections, so swimmers should scout the water carefully before diving in. These are unsupervised, unofficial sites with no lifeguards or posted safety staff, so everyone swims at their own risk.

Practical Visit Information

Access to both spots requires some navigation along rural roads, and directions can be uncertain — particularly for Fortney's Mill along Three Fork Creek. Come prepared with downloaded maps or local knowledge, and build in extra time to find the right pulloff. Facilities are unknown at both locations, so pack in everything you need: water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a change of clothes. There is no fee to visit either site. If you want to extend your trip, camping is available nearby at Tygart Lake State Park, which makes an excellent base for exploring the region across multiple days.

Plan Your Visit: The Grafton region is most enjoyable for swimming from June through August, when water levels are friendly and the days are long. The nearby towns of Grafton, Philippi, Morgantown, and Arden all offer access points into this corner of West Virginia, with Morgantown providing the most complete range of lodging, dining, and supply options before you head into the hollows.