Almost Heaven Swings: How to Get to All 31 Swings

Everyone loves a good road trip! And what better road trip destinations than the Almost Heaven Swings all throughout the state of West Virginia.  

What started as a little song by John Denver in the ‘70’s, has grown to be larger than life itself in the state of West Virginia.  9 Almost Heaven Swings were constructed in 2022.  But as of October 2024, there are 31 swings and a wonderful opportunity to road trip all around West Virginia!

Each of these 9 vacation regions offers an opportunity to see so much beauty. Plus swinging on these 31 swing just might unleash your childish side.  Let’s discuss how you can get to each of these

Important Links 

West Virginia Tourism Website – Most up-to-date list and details of the swings!

Quick History of the Swings

Picture this, it’s 1971 and “Country Roads” by John Denver just dropped.  The first four words of that song are “Almost heaven, West Virginia…” and then the song goes on to name all the beautiful reasons that the state is so close to heaven.  

By 1972, West Virginia University began singing this song before each one of their home football games.  In 2014, the governor of West Virginia declared Country Roads the state song and by 2017 WVTourism bought the rights to the song.  

In 2022, there were 9 Almost Heaven swings placed around the 9 vacation regions of West Virginia.  Needless to say it was a huge success!  In fact, you might have already stumbled upon one of the thousands of videos/pictures on Instagram.  

As of October 2024, there are now 31 swings that have been added to various hot spots around the state.  And who knows, there might even be plans for many more.  Only time will tell!  But for now, here is the list of Almost Heaven Swings that currently exist in West Virginia.  

Official List – All 31 Swings!

Here it is!  The list of 31 swings and their addresses.  These swings are listed alphabetically, but there will be suggested road trip routes below!  

• Babcock State Park – 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, West Virginia, 25831
  • (The swing is in front of the Glade Creek Grist Mill. Just a few steps from the parking area, you’ll get to enjoy one of the state’s most photographed spots.)
• Blackwater Falls State Park – 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, West Virginia, 26260
  • (Located mere feet off the trail to the main overlook, The swing at Blackwater Falls State Park overlooks one of the state’s most stunning regions. The swing is a quick walk from the parking lot – located near the ADA-accessible walkway to Blackwater Falls.)
• Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park – Parkersburg, WV, 26104
  • (This swing is only accessible via the 20-minute ferry ride to Blennerhassett Island Historic State Park.  The Swing is located in the forested region beside the mansion on Blennerhassett Island.)
• Bluestone State Park – 78, HC, Hinton, West Virginia, 25951
  • (The swing at Bluestone State Park is located near Lilly’s Bridge, just off of Rt. 20.  Pull into the parking area and enjoy the views of Bluestone Lake.)
• Buffalo Mountain Trail System – Williamson, WV, 25661
  • (This swing is only accessible via an ATV Trail.  You’ll take the Buffalo Mountain Trail System to get to the Death Rock Overlook. You’ll overlook the mountain town of Williamson, with one of the best views the state has to offer.)
• Cacapon Resort State Park – 818 Cacapon Lodge Dr, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, 25411
  • (To get to this swing, follow the back road that leads to the parking area, and the swing is located just steps away from the observation deck.)
• Canaan Valley Resort State Park – 230 Main Lodge Rd, Davis, West Virginia, 26260
  • (This swing overlooks the Balsam Swamp in Canaan Valley Resort State Park.  The swing is right near the parking area where you’ll be able to enjoy the view of Tucker County.)
• Charleston – 2300 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, West Virginia, 25304
  • (Located on the lawn of the University of Charleston, this swing offers a direct view of the State Capital Building. Park in the University parking area and walk toward the boathouse. The swing is located right next to the fire pit.)
• Chief Logan State Park – 376 Little Buffalo Creek Rd, Logan, West Virginia, 25601
  • (This swing is located beside the Chief Logan Lodge and Conference Center.  Take a quick walk from the nearby parking lot and take in the surrounding scenery.)
• Coopers Rock State Forest – 61 County Line Dr, Bruceton Mills, Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, 26525
  • (From the parking lot by the gift shop, walk on the cobblestone path all the way to the left. Walk past the pavilion and the swing will be to your left – with a lush wooded backdrop perfect for the fall!)
• Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park – 683 Droop Park Road, Hillsboro, West Virginia, 24946
  • (This swing is located near the parking area by the lookout tower in Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park.)
• East River Mountain Overlook – Bluefield, WV, 24701
  • (This swing is located at the East River Mountain Overlook, on the front porch of the WV and Virginia state line. Just outside of the parking lot, this swing is a beautiful location to watch a sunset.)
• Gassaway Depot – 100 4th St, Gassaway, West Virginia, 26624
  • (Gassaway Depot is a historic railway depot in Gassaway, WV.  The swing is located just outside of the depot building.)
• Grand Vue Park – 250 Trail Dr, Moundsville, West Virginia, 26041
  • (This swing is a quick walk from the nearby parking lot.  You’ll be able to sit and take in the views of Moundsville, WV while visiting here.)
• Lake Stephens – 1400 Lake Stephens Road, Beckley, West Virginia, 25801
  • (Located  at the scenic overlook of the beautiful 272-acre Lake Stephens, the swing is a short walk away from the parking lot.)
• Lost River State Park – 321 Park Dr, Mathias, West Virginia, 26812
  • (This swing requires you to park near the horse stable and hike the White Oak Trail to the Cranny Crow Overlook (4 miles out-and-back). The swing will give you stunning, panoramic views of Lost River State park.)
• Oglebay – 345 Zoo Cir, Wheeling, West Virginia, 26003
  • (The swing is located near the Susan Wheeler Walking Trail. Drive through the Good Zoo entrance, continue 0.2 miles and turn left into the parking lot.)
• Philippi Covered Bridge – 26416 US-250, Philippi, West Virginia, 26416
  • (Just off U.S. 119, you’ll be able to park near the historic Philippi Covered Bridge.  The swing sits right in front of the bridge.)
• Pipestem Resort State Park – 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, West Virginia, 25979
  • (This swing is located near the picnic shelter and parking area in Pipestem Resort State Park. Enjoy the rolling hills of the valley below you.)
• Rail Explorers Depot – 874 Buffalo Creek Rd, Clay, West Virginia, 25043
  • (Located next to the scenic Buffalo Creek, you’ll find this swing right next to the Rail Explorers depot.)
• Rockhouse Trail System – 83 Rockhouse Creek Rd, Man, WV 25635
  • (This swing requires some hiking on the Rockhouse Trail System (Trail 21), which is where you’ll find this swing.  From this scenic trail, you’ll be overlooking the charming town of Man, WV.)
• Rotary Park – Rotary Park Dr, Huntington, West Virginia, 25705
  • (Located near the parking area, this swing sits on a scenic overlook in Rotary Park in Huntington, WV.)
• Snowshoe Mountain – 10 Snowshoe Dr, Snowshoe, West Virginia, 26209
  • (This swing sits next to the lift terminal atop the Skidder Ski Slope.  Take a short walk from the Village to find this swing.)
• Stonewall Resort State Park – 940 Resort Dr, Roanoke, West Virginia, 26447
  • (Follow the Bright Star Park Trail to the back of the main lodge, and the swing is right behind the Hickory building.)
• Summersville Lake State Park – 62 Farmhouse Ln, Summersville, West Virginia, 26651
  • (Park in the parking lot and the swing is just up the hill with beautiful views of West Virginia’s newest state park.)
• Tamarack Marketplace – 1 Tamarack Pl, Beckley, West Virginia, 25801
  • (Take a break from shopping at the entrance of the Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley, WV.  This swing is located at the entrance of the shopping plaza.)  
• Tomlinson Run State Park – 391 Veterans Blvd, New Cumberland, West Virginia, 26047
  • (This swing sits at the end of the Jody Hulka Trail, which is ADA-accessible, in Tomlinson Run State Park.)
• Tu-Endie-Wei State Park – 1 Main St, Point Pleasant, West Virginia, 25550
  • (This swing sits overlooking the confluence of the Kanawha River and Ohio River.  If you take your photo from the proper angle, the Silver Memorial Bridge will be seen in the background.)
• Valley Park – 151 Moss Creek Dr, Hurricane, WV 25526
  • (This swing requires a short walk in Valley Park to find.  Walk the loop around the peaceful pond and you’ll find the swing on the back side of the pond.)
• West Virginia State Capital – 1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, West Virginia, 25305
  • (Right outside the West Virginia Capital Building you’ll find this swing as it faces the Kanawha Boulevard and the Kanawha River.)
• Wheeling Heritage Port – Wellsburg, WV, 26003
  • (This final swing is located at the Wheeling Heritage Port, just off the walkway to the river.  You’ll overlook the Ohio River and the Wheeling Suspension Bridge.) 

If you’re looking to add just 1 or 2 Almost Heaven swings to your West Virginia trip, then the addresses above are perfect for you!  However, if you are looking to road trip an entire vacation region, let’s jump right in and focus on the 9 regions of West Virginia.

The 9 Regions of West Virginia

West Virginia Tourism (WVTourism) splits the great state into 9 vacation regions.  The Almost Heaven Swings started as a way to get tourists (and locals) to visit each of these 9 regions.  Hence the original 9 swings, one in each region.

But once the swings were a hit, WVTourism decided to build more and more of these swings.  Let’s take a quick look at what each region has to offer so you can decide which region to road trip first!

Northern Panhandle

This skinny, riverside region has so much to offer its visitors.   With the towns of Weirton, Wheeling and Moundsville in this region, you’ll get a touch of city life as well as history and some scenic beauty.  There are 4 Almost Heaven Swings to be swung here.  If the Northern Panhandle calls to you, check out the suggested road trip below!

Mountaineer Country

Next up is the central-northern section of West Virginia known as the Mountaineer Country.  This region is home to the West Virginia University Mountaineers, where you can get a touch of small town vibes and scenic nature adventures.  There are only 2 swings in this region, but I can see more being added in this growing region of West Virginia.  

Potomac Highlands

This eastern section of West Virginia is a nature-lovers playground!  With the Allegheny Mountains and the Monongahela National Forest running through this region, there is plenty of hiking, biking and scenic driving to be done!  There are 5 swings in this region, and you won’t want to skip any of them!

Eastern Panhandle

This small section of West Virginia is the closest to Washington D.C. and perfect for a day trip from many major cities.  With several historic small towns in this region, such as Harpers Ferry, Martinsburg and Shepherdstown, you’ll love small town hopping here.  There’s only 1 swing in this region, but this area is the perfect place to get a touch of West Virginia’s beauty!

Mountain Lakes

With 5 major mountain lakes (Stonewall Jackson, Summerville, Sutton, Stonecoal and Burnsville) in this region, it’s no wonder this area is known for its lake activities.  But there are also several beautiful towns that you can visit if the outdoors isn’t your favorite thing.  There are 4 Almost Heaven Swings in this region and whatever your favorite part of vacation, there is something in this region for everyone!

Mid-Ohio Valley

Welcome to the northwestern region of West Virginia!  This region is home to adorable towns and has several rivers running through it.  There is only 1 swing within this region, but with so many famous mansions, theaters, and taverns, I don’t think it will be long until more swings are added.

Metro Valley

You’ve now arrived in the city region of West Virginia.  While there is still plenty to do here for nature lovers, the Metro Valley boasts the best shopping, dining and entertainment in the city of Huntington and the capital city of Charleston.  There are 5 Almost Heaven Swings in this region, including 2 in the state’s capital!  

New River-Greenbrier Valley

Next up is the region that New River Gorge National Park calls home.  This region offers a mix of small town charm, outdoor recreation, and first-class luxury.  World class white-water rafting and rock climbing are very common activities in this area.  Towns like Hinton and Fayetteville will have you falling in love with these gorgeous small towns.  But if luxury is what you seek, The Greenbrier is an incredible hotel with lavish grounds.  There are 4 Almost Heaven Swings in this region, including one that sits right in front of the famous Glade Creek Grist Mill!

Hatfield-McCoy Mountains

And our final vacation region of West Virginia is the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains.  This area is loaded with craggy mountains, rich history, and 5 beautiful locations for the final five Almost Heaven Swings.  With miles and miles of ATV roads, this area is ready to bring you some true adventure.  

Do you have your favorite region picked out yet?  Good!  

Below are each of these 9 regions of West Virginia with a suggested road trip.  You can combine multiple regions, follow the suggested road trip,  or just head to a few random swings.  Let’s go!

Road Trip Each Region!

Alright, here is how you are going to road trip each region of West Virginia.  Within each paragraph below you’ll find a suggested road trip that you can take to reach all of the Almost Heaven Swings in that region.  Some regions have more swings than others, and you could be driving anywhere from a few miles to several hundred miles depending on the section you decided to road trip.  

For each section, simply click the hyperlink and it will take you to a Google Maps road trip link!  

Northern Panhandle Road Trip

On this road trip, you’ll cross 4 swings off your list.  From north to south, you’ll be hitting the Tomlinson Run State Park swing, the Wheeling Heritage Port Swing, the Oglebay Resort Swing and finally the Grand Vue Park swing.  You’ll be driving 63 miles on this road trip through the northern panhandle region.  

Mountaineer Country Road Trip

Our 2nd road trip suggestion offers 2 swings in the Mountaineer Country.  You’ll visit the Coopers Rock State Forest swing and the Philippi Covered Bridge swing on this road trip through this growing region of West Virginia.  You’ll be driving 55 miles on this road trip through the Mountaineer Country region.  

Potomac Highlands Road Trip

Our 3rd suggested road trip offers 5 swings in this eastern region of West Virginia.  You’ll visit the Lost River State Park Swing, the Canaan Valley Resort State Park swing, the Blackwater Falls State Park swing, as well as the Snowshoe Mountain and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park swings.  This trip will have you driving 230 miles on this road trip through the Potomac Highlands region.  

Eastern Panhandle Road Trip

Our 4th region doesn’t really offer a road trip, as there is only 1 swing in this area.  But, this quick stop will offer you mountain views and a beautiful place to see this easternmost area.  This one swing is located here, and you can easily add this swing to the Potomac Highlands road trip above!

Mountain Lakes Road Trip

Our 5th region of the Mountain Lakes has incredible views and lakes worth exploring.  There are 4 swings in this central region of West Virginia.  You’ll be stopping by the Stonewall Resort State Park swing, the Gassaway Depot swing,  the Rail Explorers Depot swing and the newly added Summersville Lake State Park swing.  This trip will have you driving 104 miles on this road trip through the Mountain Lake region.  

Mid-Ohio Valley Road Trip

Our 6th region also doesn’t offer much of a road trip as there is only 1 swing in this region, the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park swing.  This lone swing can easily be combined with the lone Metro Valley region swing.  

Metro Valley Road Trip

Our 7th region has 5 swings, two of which are located in the state’s capital of Charleston, WV.  If you road trip this western region, you will be driving to the Tu-Endie-Wei State Park swing, the Rotary Park swing, the Valley Park swing, the West Virginia State Capital swing and finally the Charleston swing.  You’ll be driving 95 miles on this road trip through the Metro Valley region.  

Bonus → If you are looking to combine the Mid-Ohio Valley region and the Metro Valley region, you’ll want to take this combination road trip.   This combo trip will have you driving 148 miles between 6 swings.  

New River-Greenbrier Valley Road Trip

Our 8th West Virginia region has 4 swings for you to road trip to.  If outdoor adventure such as hiking, biking, rock climbing or rafting is something that interests you, you won’t want to skip this region!  This road trip will take you to the Babcock State Park swing, the Tamarack Marketplace swing, the Lake Stephens swing and the Bluestone State Park swing.  You’ll be driving 90 miles on this road trip through the New River-Greenbrier Valley region.   

Hatfield-McCoy Mountains Road Trip

And our final and southernmost region of West Virginia has 5 swings for you to road trip to.  This trip will have you driving to the Chief Logan State Park swing, the Rockhouse Trail System swing, the Buffalo Mountain Trail System swing, the Pipestem Resort State Park swing and the East River Mountain Overlook swing.  You’ll be driving 170 miles on this road trip through the Hatfield-McCoy Mountain region.  

Now that each road trip is planned and ready for you, grab your favorite road trip buddy, some snacks and get driving!

Conclusion

Are you looking to road trip to the 31 Almost Heaven Swings in West Virginia?  Great, because this article has 9 mini road trips all planned out and ready for you!  There are anywhere from 1 to 5 swings in each vacation region of West Virginia, so fill up those gas tanks and get out there!  

West Virginia is a beautiful state to drive through.  With beautiful rivers, mountains and quaint small towns, you can’t go wrong with any of these road trip suggestions. 

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to averagewildexperience@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to help you plan your trip!

Happy Road Tripping!