WV Northern Rail-Trail: Kingwood Trailhead Park
Park
4.5 (12)
147 Sisler St, Kingwood, WV 26537
Varies-See BelowWV
Kingwood Region Swimming Holes
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan a Kingwood river visit with Cheat Narrows swimming context, Pringle Run water-quality cautions and site-specific access checks.
Water type
Varies-See Below
Access
Informal
Fee
Confirm at the specific access
Best season
Check current conditions and access
Nearby towns
Morgantown, Kingwood, Rowlesburg
Water body
Cheat River/Pringle Run
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Morgantown, Kingwood, Rowlesburg
Access location not verified
ROWLESBURG, 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.
Kingwood river swimming and access
The Cheat River and Pringle Run Falls are separate destinations. Rock Garden and Pewee Rock are historical directory names, not independently confirmed managed swimming areas.
Cheat Narrows river corridor
WVU's Cheat Narrows swimming guide identifies swimming along Route 72 toward Rowlesburg, beginning near Pringle Run bridge. Confirm legal parking, authorized entry and current conditions at the particular river location. This does not make every roadside turnout public parking. Do not jump or dive from rocks.
Pringle Run Falls is different
The West Virginia Water Research Institute's completed-project records document acid mine drainage and treatment work in Pringle Run. Those historical results are not a current swimming-water test. Clear or colorful water and past visitor anecdotes do not establish suitability. The former assurance that runoff poses no known health hazard is withdrawn. Current access permission and swimming-water conditions at the falls remain unverified.
Before visiting
The old odometer routes to Rock Garden, Pewee Rock and the falls are not verified navigation instructions. Do not bypass gates or enter posted land. Carry drinking water and plan facilities elsewhere; no site-specific amenity inventory is confirmed here. Avoid high or fast water and check local advisories. This source review is not an onsite inspection and does not establish a legal swimming ban.
Getting There
Consult WVU's Cheat Narrows guide for the Route 72 river corridor near Kingwood toward Rowlesburg. Confirm authorized entry and legal parking locally. Historical odometer routes to Rock Garden, Pewee Rock and Pringle Run Falls are withdrawn pending verification. Respect gates and posted boundaries.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
WVU documents Cheat Narrows swimming. This does not verify swimming-water conditions or permission at Pringle Run Falls or every named historical entry.
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
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
Audra State Park
State park
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
Endless Wall Trail
Hiking area
4.9 (472)
Endless Wall Trail, Edmond, WV 25837
Well-used, 2.4-mile trail best known for sweeping river gorge vistas from Diamond Point overlook.
Audra State Park Campground
Campground
4.6 (95)
8063 Audra Park Rd, Belington, WV 26250
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Lakeside Resort Campground
Campground
4.5 (32)
32 Lakeside Dr, Grafton, WV 26354
Public restroomRestroomTent sites
Blackwater Falls Campground
Campground
4.6 (202)
1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Restroom
Public bathroom
5 (1)
530 Paul E. Malone Rd, Grafton, WV 26354
Frequently Asked Questions About Kingwood Region Swimming Holes
Is Kingwood Region Swimming Holes free to visit?
Reported fee information: Confirm at the specific access. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at Kingwood Region Swimming Holes?
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for Kingwood Region Swimming Holes. 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 Kingwood Region Swimming Holes?
Kingwood Region Swimming Holes is a varies-see below on Cheat River/Pringle Run located in West Virginia, near Morgantown. Plan a Kingwood river visit with Cheat Narrows swimming context, Pringle Run water-quality cautions and site-specific access checks.
When is the best time to visit Kingwood Region Swimming Holes?
Seasonal planning notes: Check current conditions and access; warm weather is not a guarantee of 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 Kingwood Region Swimming Holes?
Reported facilities at Kingwood Region Swimming Holes include: No site-specific facility inventory verified. Bring drinking water and plan facilities elsewhere. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near Kingwood Region Swimming Holes?
No camping permission verified at these entries.
Highlights
WVU-documented Cheat Narrows swimming corridor
Separate Pringle Run water-quality context
Site-specific access checks
Unique Features
Cheat River corridor and a separate tributary
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid high or fast water
- Check current advisories
- Water appearance and past anecdotes do not establish swimming-water suitability
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The Cheat watershed has a documented history of mining and restoration work.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from authorized visitor areas.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect posted boundaries and pack out waste.
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Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current conditions and access; warm weather is not a guarantee of suitable water.
Difficulty Level
Entry-specific; no verified route grade for the historical named spots.
Fee
Confirm at the specific access
Facilities
No site-specific facility inventory verified. Bring drinking water and plan facilities elsewhere.
Activities
Cheat Narrows river swimming subject to conditions; Pringle Run Falls swimming unverified
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
No camping permission verified at these entries.
Nearby Attractions
- Kingwood - Town
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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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