Parking Area
Parking lot
5 (1)
Grafton, WV 26354
Creek/RiverWV
Grafton Region Swimming Holes
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Review access uncertainties at Fortney's Mill and documented whitewater hazards at Arden/Moats Falls before planning a Grafton-area river visit.
Water type
Creek/River
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Not verified for these separate destinations
Best season
Check authorized access and conditions
Nearby towns
Morgantown, Grafton, Philippi, Arden
Water body
Varies- See Below
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Morgantown, Grafton, Philippi, Arden
Access location not verified
ARDEN, 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.
Grafton-area water access and hazards
This historical listing combines Fortney's Mill on Three Fork Creek and Arden/Moats Falls on the Tygart River. They are different destinations and should not share a generic swimming recommendation.
Arden is not a calm-pool recommendation
WVU's Arden paddling guide describes undercut rock and powerful Class III-V rapids. Its boating information is not swimming guidance. Save the Tygart's August 2022 account also warns about hazardous limestone cavities, swimming fatalities and adjacent private property. We have withdrawn the former advice to seek calm sections, jump or slide here.
Fortney's Mill needs separate confirmation
The previous route referred to one of several bridges without establishing an authorized entrance. Current parking, access permission and conditions have not been verified. Do not use this listing as a route to a swimming entry or as confirmation of a safe rock slide.
Before planning a visit
Observe property boundaries and posted notices. Do not jump, dive or slide based on historical descriptions. This review does not establish a legal swimming prohibition, but neither does it confirm suitable access or water conditions. Confirm current access with the relevant landowner or managing authority before making plans.
Getting There
Fortney's Mill and Arden/Moats Falls are separate destinations. No current authorized swimming entrance or parking location is verified here. The old directions to an unspecified bridge and to an uncertain point upstream or downstream of Arden bridge are withdrawn. Do not use a whitewater boat launch as a swimming-access recommendation.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Swimming access remains unverified. Arden/Moats Falls has documented powerful rapids and undercut-rock hazards; do not treat paddling access as swimming access.
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.
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
Nature Center Parking
Free parking lot
Grafton, WV 26354
Parking Lot
Parking lot
County Rte 9/13, Grafton, WV 26354
Tygart Lake State Park
State park
4.6 (1500)
1240 Paul E Malone Rd, Grafton, WV 26354
Relaxed spot for fishing & boating, plus hiking trails, camping & on-site lodge accommodations.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
National park
4.9 (6181)
West Virginia
A 70,000-acre park offering hiking, rock climbing, rafting on a whitewater river & other activities.
Cycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Long Point Trailhead
Hiking area
4.9 (1069)
Parking lot, County Rte 9-8, Fayetteville, WV 25840
Grafton City Park and Campground
Campground
4.1 (51)
1318 Parkview Rd, Grafton, WV 26354
Restroom
Lakeside Resort Campground
Campground
4.5 (32)
32 Lakeside Dr, Grafton, WV 26354
Public restroomRestroomTent sites
Frequently Asked Questions About Grafton Region Swimming Holes
Is Grafton Region Swimming Holes free to visit?
Reported fee information: Not verified for these separate destinations. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at Grafton Region Swimming Holes?
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for Grafton Region Swimming Holes. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Check with the land manager and follow posted restrictions.
What is known about Grafton Region Swimming Holes?
Review access uncertainties at Fortney's Mill and documented whitewater hazards at Arden/Moats Falls before planning a Grafton-area river visit.
When is the best time to visit Grafton Region Swimming Holes?
Seasonal planning notes: Check authorized access and conditions; summer does not guarantee suitable water. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at Grafton Region Swimming Holes?
Reported facilities at Grafton Region Swimming Holes include: No current site-specific facility inventory verified. Facilities at other parks do not establish amenities or access here. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near Grafton Region Swimming Holes?
Nearby at Tygart Lake State Park.
Highlights
Two separate waterways and access questions
Documented undercut-rock hazards at Arden
Historical bridge-based routes withdrawn
Unique Features
Three Fork Creek and Tygart River locations require separate planning
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive or slide
- Arden's undercut rock and powerful currents make the old calm-pool advice inappropriate
- Current authorized swimming approaches are not verified
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Grafton’s history as a Baltimore and Ohio Railroad hub adds a unique layer of significance, while the Tygart River reflects the region's industrial and natural heritage.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from authorized visitor areas; no waterside approach is verified here.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles by taking their trash, avoiding wildlife disturbance, and preserving the natural beauty of the swimming holes.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check authorized access and conditions; summer does not guarantee suitable water.
Difficulty Level
No verified swimming approach. Arden includes powerful whitewater and undercut rock.
Fee
Not verified for these separate destinations
Facilities
No current site-specific facility inventory verified. Facilities at other parks do not establish amenities or access here.
Activities
Historical swimming reports; current swimming access unverified
Phone
Unknown
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
Nearby at Tygart Lake State Park.
Nearby Attractions
- Tygart Lake State Park - State Park
- Grafton - Town
- Audra State Park - State Park
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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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