Red Creek Trail
Trailhead
West Virginia 26260
Falls/SlideWV
Red Creek
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Choose a Red Creek destination in Dolly Sods, compare trail approaches, check wilderness planning guidance and view four qualified campground photos.
Swimming restriction
Check current restrictions and water conditions; an informal swimming description is not today's clearance.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Falls/Slide
Access
Informal
Fee
Confirm current charges; historic campground fee signs are not swimming admission prices.
Best season
Check conditions and access before travel rather than relying on summer dates
Nearby towns
Petersburg, Hopeville
Water body
Red Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Petersburg, Hopeville
Access location not verified
HOPEVILLE, WV
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Red Creek
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
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 your Red Creek destination first
WVU's guide describes separate creek reaches near Laneville, the upper forks and the Fisher Spring Run junction. This listing historically focuses on the junction cascades, not one roadside pool. The guide is not a current depth or water-quality inspection.
Routes and road access
The official trail map lists Fisher Spring Run Trail 510 at 2.5 miles and Red Creek Trail 514 at 6.4 miles. These are full trail lengths, not swimming-pool round trips. Choose a trailhead and return route; no precise swimming pin is supplied. A September 2026 road-work report described a closure through September 25. It does not prove today's road status. Confirm access with the forest before departure.
Prepare for wilderness conditions
The Forest Service guidance warns about high-water fords and unavailable potable water. Carry drinking water and an offline map. Groups larger than ten are prohibited. Camping and open fires within 300 feet of Forest Roads 19 and 75 are prohibited except at Red Creek Campground; follow the additional camping guidance and current notices. Old military shells may remain: do not touch or move suspicious objects, retreat and report the location to the Forest Service. Do not jump or slide from falls or attempt a crossing that could prevent your return.
Campground photos are not swimming directions
Recreation.gov identifies a separate primitive campground and does not offer its reservations. Confirm operation and arrangements independently. The four reviewed photos show that facility's entrance, campsite, toilet buildings and information board. Historical fee and accessibility signs do not establish current prices, accessible water entry or facilities at a creek pool.
Getting There
Choose the Fisher Spring Run junction, upper forks or Laneville reach first. Use the official trail map and check current road access; no precise pool-entry pin is supplied.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
No current road-opening claim. Trailhead coordinates in official resources are not swimming-hole pins.
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
Check current restrictions and water conditions; an informal swimming description is not today's clearance. 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
Red Creek Campground
Campground
4.9 (104)
Petersburg, WV 26847
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Public bathroom
Public bathroom
Canaan Heights, WV 26260
Big Bend Campground
Campground
4.7 (188)
12 Prowler Dr, Cabins, WV 26855
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Monongahela National Forest - Potomac Ranger Station
Federal government office
5 (2)
2499 N Fork Hwy, Petersburg, WV 26847
Restroom
Water's Edge Outfitters & campground
Canoe & kayak rental service
4.5 (16)
261 Hicks Dr, Petersburg, WV 26847
Restroom Spruce Knob Parking
Public bathroom
3
17 Forest Service Rd 104, Riverton, WV 26814
Restrooms
Public bathroom
Napier, WV 26631
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Creek
Which Red Creek swimming area does this listing cover?
Its historical focus is the Fisher Spring Run junction. Laneville and the upper forks are separate destinations with different approaches.
Are the published trail mileages swimming round trips?
No. They describe full trails, not exact out-and-back walks to particular pools.
Can I reserve Red Creek Campground on Recreation.gov?
That page does not offer reservations. Confirm current campground operation and arrangements separately.
Do the campground photos locate the swimming holes?
No. Their signs and amenities belong to a separate facility; they do not verify a pool entry or current swimming fees.
Is Forest Road 19 confirmed open today?
No current opening claim is made. Dated construction notices cannot replace a fresh access check.
Highlights
Distinct creek destinations
Official route-planning resources
Qualified campground gallery
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump or slide; avoid crossings that could prevent your return
- Do not touch or move suspected military ordnance
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Dolly Sods military-training history creates a practical ordnance precaution, not a sightseeing invitation.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Four campground-context views show entrance, campsite, toilets and information board, not the swimming pools.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow published wilderness restrictions and current posted notices; pack out litter.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check conditions and access before travel rather than relying on summer dates.
Difficulty Level
Route-dependent backcountry outing; no blanket easy or accessible-entry claim.
Fee
Confirm current charges; historic campground fee signs are not swimming admission prices.
Facilities
Campground photos do not establish amenities at the creek pools.
Activities
Hiking, waterfall viewing, unofficial swimming at your own risk
Phone
304-257-4488 (ranger district, listed by WVU)
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
Red Creek Campground is separate from the swimming destinations; check operation and current wilderness rules.
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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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