Generated illustration of a natural swimming setting; not a photograph of this location
River/ChuteWV

Holly River State Park

By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated

Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.

Distinguish Holly River's historical Shupe's Chute swimming hole from waterfalls and the seasonal pool, with route guidance and four park photos.

Water type
River/Chute
Access
Informal
Fee
Confirm current charges for the specific facilities you plan to use; pool admission is separate.
Best season
Check current access and weather. Pool hours reduce late in the season and depend on staff availability
Nearby towns
Buckhannon, Webster Springs
Water body
Left Fork Holly River

Location

Map & Directions

WV
Nearby towns
Buckhannon, Webster Springs
Access location not verified
WEBSTER SPRINGS, 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
Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
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.

Choose the right Holly River swimming destination

A February 2019 operator article describes a swimming hole below Shupe's Chute. It is historical evidence, not current clearance. Upper Falls, Lower Falls and the outdoor pool are separate destinations.

Route planning matters

The official trail inventory lists the full Potato Knob Trail at 7.5 miles one way, moderate to difficult. That is not a short waterfall approach. Laurel Fork Trail, pictured in the gallery, is separate park context, not the chute route. Ask staff about current access at 304-493-6353. The office address, 680 State Park Road, Hacker Valley, WV 26222, is not a swimming pin.

The separate pool and overnight facilities

The activities page describes a seasonal pool with paid admission. Its swimming section notes reduced late-season operation and dependence on lifeguard availability. Confirm dates and hours rather than assuming the broader summer description guarantees opening. Camping and bathhouses are separate park facilities, not verified amenities at the chute.

Natural-water precautions

Follow posted restrictions and check weather and water levels. Do not jump, slide down the chute or enter beneath falling water. Avoid high or rapidly changing flows. Neither clear-looking water nor a gallery photograph establishes safe conditions. The four reviewed views are labelled for park context; no precise swimming entry is supplied.

Getting There

Ask staff for the current Shupe's Chute approach. The office at 680 State Park Road, Hacker Valley, WV 26222 is not a water-entry pin.

Access Notes

Upper Falls, Lower Falls, Shupe's Chute and the outdoor pool are separate destinations.

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

Follow current restrictions. Historical swimming-hole evidence is not today's clearance or permission at every waterfall. 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

Holly River State Park

State park

4.8 (624)

680 State Park Road, Hacker Valley, WV 26222

Seasonal cabins & campgrounds are available at this relaxed spot with plenty of outdoor activities.

Barbecue grillBaseball fieldBasketball courtHas a tennis court

Camp Holly

Campground

4.6 (65)

4531 Diana Dr, Diana, WV 26217

Lover’s Lane Boardwalk Trailhead

Hiking area

4.7 (10)

474 Bell St, Webster Springs, WV 26288

Webster Springs

Parking

West Virginia 26288

Addison, commonly known as Webster Springs, is a town in Webster County, West Virginia, United States, and its county seat. Although it was incorporated as Addison in 1892, it is more frequently referred to as Webster Springs, the name of the town's post office. The population was 731 at the 2020 census.

Cowgers Riverside Campground And Cabin Rentals

Hotel

4.3 (38)

62 Baker St, Webster Springs, WV 26288

Addison Visitors Center & Gallery

Tourist attraction

4.9 (14)

110 N Main St #100, Webster Springs, WV 26288

Restroom

Webster County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Tourist information center

145 N Main St, Webster Springs, WV 26288

campground

Campground

4 (1)

Webster Springs, WV 26288

Frequently Asked Questions About Holly River State Park

Is the Holly River swimming hole currently verified as open?

No. The swimming-hole reference comes from a February 2019 operator article. Ask staff about current access and restrictions.

Is the full Potato Knob Trail a short swimming approach?

No. The trail inventory lists 7.5 miles one way and a moderate-to-difficult rating. Confirm a destination-specific approach separately.

Is the outdoor pool the same as Shupe's Chute?

No. It is a separate seasonal facility with its own admission and operating arrangements.

Can I rely on summer pool hours late in the season?

No. The activities page notes reduced late-season operation and lifeguard availability constraints. Check with the park before travel.

Highlights

Historical Shupe's Chute reference
Separate seasonal pool
Varied park trails

Location & Area Map

Safety Information

Important Safety Tips

  • Avoid high or rapidly changing water
  • Do not jump, slide down the chute or enter beneath falling water

Cultural & Historical Context

Historical Background

Use official park history for background; visitor planning does not rely on folklore.

Photography Guide

Photo Opportunities

Four qualified views include waterfalls, a named trail sign and a cabin; they do not establish a chute entry.

Conservation & Ethics

Protect This Place

Stay on permitted routes and pack out litter.

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At a Glance

Best Time to Visit
Check current access and weather. Pool hours reduce late in the season and depend on staff availability.
Difficulty Level
The full Potato Knob route is moderate to difficult; shorter approaches require separate confirmation.
Fee
Confirm current charges for the specific facilities you plan to use; pool admission is separate.
Facilities
Park facilities do not establish amenities at Shupe's Chute.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
304-493-6353 (park)

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

Book park camping separately and confirm seasonal operation.

Loading weather data…

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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