Across West Virginia, you’ll find wooden swings in all the right places: hanging out beside waterfalls, gazing into gorges, even keeping company with historic bridges. These Almost Heaven Swings aren’t just seats, they’re your next viral Instagram reel.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

A wooden sign shaped like West Virginia with the words almost heaven stands in a grassy field. Colorful autumn trees and hills are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

The swing at Canaan Valley Resort feels like it’s suspended inside a painting. Allegheny peaks rise in the distance, the Balsam Swamp glimmers below, and in summer the meadows burst into wildflower fireworks. Autumn turns the whole valley into a patchwork quilt of orange, red and gold. Bring your camera, there’s a reason this is the most photographed swing in the state.

Blackwater Falls State Park

A group of thirteen people pose and smile together outdoors under a large wooden sign that reads almost heaven, surrounded by green trees and forest.

Just off the trail to the main overlook, the swing at Blackwater Falls offers sweeping views of Blackwater Canyon. It’s a short walk from the parking lot near the ADA-accessible walkway to the park’s roaring waterfall. Come at sunset for glowing cliffs and a forest that feels cinematic. After your swing, dive deeper into the park with hiking trails, fishing, camping under the trees, and stargazing beneath some of West Virginia’s clearest skies.

Historic Philippi Covered Bridge

A white covered bridge with a red roof spans a rocky river surrounded by green trees and forested hills under a clear sky.

Beside the Tygart Valley River, the swing near the Philippi Covered Bridge blends charm with history. The bridge, built in 1852, is both the oldest and longest covered bridge in West Virginia and even saw use during the Civil War. Today, it’s the perfect backdrop for a photo while you sway by the water. Afterward, wander to local landmarks like Adaland Mansion or the Barbour County Historical Museum for more local history.

Stonewall Resort State Park

A woman sits on a swing under a wooden sign reading almost heaven, by a lake with forested hills in the background on a sunny day.

Nestled lakeside behind the Hickory building, the swing at Stonewall Resort offers calm, glassy views right outside the main lodge. A short walk along the Bright Star Park Trail gets you there, where water and forest stretch endlessly. After a peaceful sway, head inside to T.J. Muskies for a post-swing snack. Their Bavarian pretzels with queso dip are legendary and pair perfectly with a craft beer.

Rail Explorers Depot

A wooden swing and sign with cursive text reading almost heaven stand in a grassy, wooded area. In front, a wooden cutout of West Virginia also bears the words almost heaven. Trees and rocks are in the background.

Located at the Rail Explorers depot beside scenic Buffalo Creek, this swing makes the perfect spot to unwind after pedaling the rails. The view of rolling hills and water is worth a stop alone, and it’s just as fun for a quick photo before or after your ride. Once you’ve had your swing moment, head to nearby Nebo for a slice and an ice cream cone at Pizzas & Cream.

Summersville Lake State Park

A woman sits on a swing holding a small dog in a sunny, wooded area. Next to her is a wooden sign shaped like West Virginia with almost heaven written on both the sign and swing frame.

Located in West Virginia’s newest state park, this swing overlooks Summersville Lake, often called the “Little Bahamas of the East.” Parking is nearby, with the swing just a short walk uphill. After your photo op, hike the surrounding trails and cool off with a swim. Summersville’s crystal-clear water is famous for scuba diving and easily ranks among the clearest swimming spots on the entire East Coast.

Babcock State Park

A woman sits on a wooden swing with a small white dog under a sign that reads “almost heaven.” Lush greenery and a rustic wooden mill are in the background.

The Almost Heaven Swing at Babcock State Park sits directly in front of the Glade Creek Grist Mill, one of West Virginia’s most photographed landmarks. Just a short walk from the parking area, it’s a beautiful spot to pause and take in the scenery. Afterward, explore the park’s many activities like biking, boating, camping, fishing, geocaching, and hiking. Or, stop by the mill itself to take home some freshly ground cornmeal and buckwheat flour.

Tamarack Marketplace

A wooden swing set with almost heaven written on top stands between two blue planters with flowers, in front of a modern building with red rooftops and a landscaped garden.

Just outside the entrance of Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley, this swing offers a quiet break before or after browsing the plaza’s shops. From your seat, enjoy landscaped gardens, mountain views, and sometimes the sound of live bluegrass drifting through the air. When you’re ready to head inside, explore local art, handmade treasures, and hearty Appalachian fare, including Tamarack’s famous fried green tomato sandwiches.

Resort at Glade Springs

A wooden West Virginia state cutout and sign reading “almost heaven,” surrounded by autumn decorations, hay bales, pumpkins, and corn stalks by a lake with colorful fall trees in the background.

The Almost Heaven Swing at Glade Springs is a short walk from Mallard Lake. Just head up the wooden stairs and follow the gravel trail past the boathouse. Once you’ve enjoyed the view, the resort offers plenty to fill your day, from golf and hiking to spa treatments and poolside lounging. Before you leave, stop by Small Talk Café for their famous hot ham and swiss sandwich, a resort tradition all its own.

Bluestone State Park

A wooden swing and a wooden cutout of West Virginia, both with almost heaven written on them, sit on a gravel area overlooking a lake and green, tree-covered hills under a clear blue sky.

Near Lilly’s Bridge on Route 20, you’ll find this rustic swing with one of the best views of Bluestone Lake and its forested mountains. The swing is easy to reach from the roadside parking area, making it a quick stop for photos. If you want to make a weekend out of it, Bluestone is a favorite weekend camping spot. Check out the hiking trails, watch for local wildlife and spend a day on the water.

Pipestem Resort State Park

A wooden swing with a cutout of West Virginia and the words almost heaven overlooks a misty, forested valley. A sign labeled Scenic Overlook stands nearby.

The swing at Pipestem Resort State Park is positioned near the picnic shelter and parking area, offering wide-open views of the Bluestone Gorge. Stay overnight at the lodge to catch both sunrise and sunset over the mountains, or make a day of it with a facial at Mountain Serenity Spa. For something wilder, soar above the trees on a zip line tour.

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Shelby Baker

Shelby Baker is a writer, focaccia aficionado, and amateur goose farmer with a penchant for travel. She’s never met a croissant she didn’t like. Find her reluctantly sharing home-grown carrots with the flock at her home base in rural Illinois, testing the limits of her adventurous palate abroad, or writing in a not-so-quiet corner of a coffee shop.

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