Our Favorite Places to Enjoy the Water in West Virginia

Y'all, I don’t know know if you've noticed, but it's hot. Like bring two water bottles and a frozen t-shirt for your neck kind of hot.

It's also that time of year that we start looking for places to cool off in the water. Our favorite thing to do in the summertime is swim in a river or kayak somewhere with chilly water and shade. Bonus points if we find something interesting on the shore, like snail shells or animal bones.

If you're looking for more places to cool off this summer, check out our go-to list of places to enjoy the water in West Virginia.

Swimming

Pools are great and all, but nothing feels as good as chilling out in a river with your friends.

Audra State Park

Audra State Park, home to the locally known "Party Rock" is a popular place to go swimming in the summer time. Where we like to swim, you can bring a floaty and make your way down the Middle Fork River. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. If you don't mind running into a few friends you haven't seen in a minute, Audra State Park is the spot to go.

A busy day at Audra State Park

Mill Creek Falls in Kumbrabow State Forest

This is a spot we go to every single summer. Located high up on a mountain in Kumbrabow State Forest, Mill Creek Falls is a small waterfall with a deep pool of water at the bottom. Because of the location and the heavy tree line surrounding this spot, the water is always cold, even on the hottest days. The depth of the pool at the bottom of the falls is about 15 feet, so it's a great place to climb up and jump in without worrying about landing on anything dangerous. Plus it's our favorite place to get skipping stones, a nessecity when you live in West Virginia.

This local swimming spot has gotten more popular over the years, so you might not be alone when you go to visit. Bring a folding chair if you want to relax outside of the water, or just find a boulder on the shore to perch on. If you want to make a whole weekend out of it, we definitely recommend staying at one of the cabins at the top of the Falls.

The perfect place to swim on a hot day

Whitaker Falls, Elk River

Another one of our yearly sojourn, Whitaker Falls is located on the Elk River. The way the water has flowed down the river has created a series of shelves, making this a perfect spot to enjoy the water at any depth. We like to set up our towels on one of the dry spots on the rocks, then either hang out in the water on top of the falls or jump over the falls into the deep pool below. There's also a fun natural chute at the top that will carry you down into one of the pools (and over the falls if you keep going!)

We've been here many times over the years, and it's really only been crowded on holidays. You can go camping near the river, or stay at one of the Elk River Resort cabins. Regardless of whether you're staying the weekend or just stopping by, don't forget to get some food at Ellie May's Resturant. It's located right on top of a fish hatchery, so you can watch the fly fishers outside while you're enjoying the fish and chips.

Seneca Rocks

While most people know Seneca Rocks for it's switchback hiking trail to the top, it also has a great swimming hole located at the bottom. So for those of you who don't want to make the trek up, tell those overachievers that you'll meet them at the bottom and cool off in the water while you wait. For food and snacks, you can stop at Yokum's across the road and eat at their picnic tables. You might see the local cat as well, but good luck trying to pet it!

Kayaking

We love kayaking in West Virginia, and there are a lot of great places to go in the State. While you might already know all the great places to go in the southern part of the state, we're keeping it local to North Central West Virginia.

Skin Creek, Glady Fork

Skin Creek is a favorite, as you're kayaking through a flooded area, weaving in and out of tree branches and small islands that have formed because of the dam. We undloaded at the Glady Boat Dock near Alkires Mills (exit 96), east of the Stonewall Jackson Resort Lake, and spent a good few hours kayaking and watching birds. It's not as relaxing as Stonecoal Lake, but still much more peaceful than Stonewall Jackson Lake. It's also free to unload there, which is not the case at the Stonewall Resort.

Stonecoal Lake

Stonecoal Lake is located between Weston and Buckhannon, and it's probably our favorite place for a relaxing kayaking experience. High speed motorboats aren't allowed on Stonecoal, so you don't have to worry about massive wakes. It's incredibly peaceful, which also means you'll find cool stuff on the shores. This is where we find lots of snail shells, and also the one time we found an intact deer skull! Obviously we took that home, but you're bound to find your own treasures here.

Monongahela in Fairmont

Kayaking on the Monongahela has two popular loading points: Fairmont and Morgantown. Because of the locks and dams it's a fairly calm spot to kayak if the water isn't too high. On top of that, the Fairmont Floatilla group hosts lots of events that will introduce you to a great group of enthusiastic kayakers in the area.

Tygart Lake

Tygart Lake is a very popular spot for swimming, boating, and kayaking. As a result we often go here in the cooler months, when we can still enjoy the water but not have to worry about competing with high speed boats. On top of that, with the lake drained, you can find more nooks and crannys to explore on your kayak.

Let Us Know Your Favorite Spots

Obviously this is not an exhaustive list of all the spots to swim and kayak in West Virginia. Next year we're hoping to do more exploring in the southern part of the state, so please comment with your favorite places! And if you know of any other places to swim or kayak that we haven't listed, comment those too!

Stay hydrated, and keep exploring! We'll see you next week!

The Best Places to Visit at Blackwater Falls

Blackwater Falls Park, home to the eponymous Blackwater Falls, is one of our favorite places to go in West Virginia when we have a free weekend. Often we'll head there if we have out of state guests, or we just want to find some time to kill on a nice day. That's because Blackwater Falls Park, and the two towns surrounding it, is the perfect blend of beautiful views, good food, and local arts.

Blackwater Falls

Blackwater Falls

Obviously, there's the big one: visit Blackwater Falls! With a drop of 62 feet, it gets it's unique tea-like color from the tannins in the water. It is impressive, the kind of waterfall you'd see two wayward travelers tumbling over in a movie. Imagine being the first person to see it, that had to be amazing!

You'll park at the top of the waterfall and make your way down several wooden stairs to a large rocky landing site. It's here where you'll really start to hear the roar of the waterfall, but you won't get a good look at it until you make your way down the second set of stairs.

For those of you who aren't feeling that many stairs, there is a handicap accessible overlook on the other side of the falls. The view is just as stunning!

It can be pretty busy here depending on the time of year, but it's worth it! Don't forget to stop at the Blackwater Trading Company on your way out for some cool souviners, a snack, or a (clean!) bathroom break.

Elakala Falls

Elakala Falls from below the bridge

Right beside the Blackwater Falls Lodge (also where you'll find the Smokehouse Resturant) is the trail to the Elakala Falls.

Elakala is actually a series of 4 waterfalls, with the main trail leading you right on top of the first waterfall. Go a little further and you can see the first waterfall from your spot on a mossy rock or one of the sprawling tree roots. This is where I (Liz) normally park it while Gus ventures further down.

The trail to the bottom is barely a trail, so proceed with caution. But once you're down there, the view is gorgeous. More adventerous types can also climb down further, to see the other waterfalls that make up Elakala.

On the trail to Elakala

Lindy Point

The view from Lindy Point

When you're done with Elakala, don't forget to check out the Lindy Point Overlook!

As you're leaving the lodge parking lot instead of turning left to head back into Davis, take a right. You'll follow that road until it's no longer paved, and can park your car right at the trailhead for Lindy Point.

The trail to the overlook can be a little muddy, but it's easy to follow: there's only one path!

Once you're there you'll see a breathtaking view of the Blackwater Canyon, one that is especially gorgeous at sunset. We often save this view for the end of the day, but it's stunning no matter when you go.

The muddy trail to Lindy Point

Sirianni's

When Gus and I visited Italy last year, we were excited to see what "real" Italian pizza was like. Turns out, it's a lot like the pizza at Sirianni's!

Sirianni's is a small, locally owned resutrant in the town of Davis that is one of our favorite places for a bite to eat. There's a lot of the typical Italian fare, although we're suckers for a good Margharita pizza. Bring cash, but if you forget there's an ATM in the corner.

It's a small place, so sometimes it's good to call ahead and see how crowded it is. There are lots of great food options in both Davis and Thomas, this one is just one of our favorites!

Waiting inside Sirianni’s

Douglas Falls

Douglas Falls

Back to waterfall hunting! In the neighboring town of Thomas is one of our favorite hidden treasures, Douglas Falls.

Douglas Falls is off the beaten path, taking Douglas Rd from Thomas down to Rails Fall Rd. You'll pass by a creek (keep your eye out for beavers!) as well as a series of old coke ovens. You'll see Albert Falls on your left, but it's definitely not the main attraction.

You'll come to lot just before a gate, which is where we usually park. Up the road on your left you'll see Douglas Falls which drops 20ft from the top. You can keep going on the road to find a trail down further from the waterfall, or you can use the rope tied up at the entrace to make your way down.

It's a great place for photos, and a nice place to rest on a warm day, with your feet in the water under the falls.

TipTop

A snack break at TipTop

Another food spot we always visit is TipTop coffee in Thomas. The coffee and teas are fantastic, with lots of different milk and flavor options to choose from.

I always get a molasses cookie with my drink, since it reminds me of the kind my Mimi used to make growing up. Gus is not a coffee person, but enjoys a good matcha latte from here.

Thomas Main Street

Now that you have your coffee, it's time to hit the stores! Thomas has an impressive array of cool stores all along it's main street. You have McClumsy that sells funky t-shirts and hats (I got this one for my brother one year). Nellie Rose Textiles sells custom clothing that have been hand-painted and dyed by the owner. Santangelo sells beautiful pottery and housewares that I love looking at every time.

Next door is the Creature Gallery, where you can buy prints from Seth, a local artist who specializes in illustration and mixed media. For even more prints, t-shirts, and oddities, Bloom next door is my go-to place for finding cool postcards and stickers to send to my friends.

There are a ton of new businesses that have opened up in Thomas over the last few years, but even if you don't buy anything there are still lots of cool little spots to enjoy!

Purple Fiddle

The Purple Fiddle is a great place to hear some very cool bands, espeically if you're into country, bluegrass, folk, or indie music. The tickets are super affordable, so it's a great place to discover your favorite bands in a small, intimate setting.

In our experience it's best to get food before you come here. But they've got great light fare and a massive selection of local canned beers, tap beers, and wines.

Come Visit Blackwater Falls Park

These are just a few of the cool things you can do in the Blackwater Falls Park area. There's sledding in the colder months, a ton of hiking trails, camping, and so many other great resturants!

To see more great photos of the Blackwater Falls Park (in all different seasons, so you know what you're getting into), check out the photo gallery. You can also book a photography session with Gus at the park, so you can make sure these beautiful views are a permanent part of your story.

And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us by sending us an e-mail or submitting a contact form!

Coopers Rock and the Clay Furnace Trail

Aside from the eponymous overlook, Cooper's Rock also offers a wide variety of hiking trails.

In late May 2024, mountain laurels, catalpas, and ferns were all in full bloom. We saw a five-lined skink at the overlook and we explored the furnace.

If you're up for a bit of a hike, the park also has a beautiful 1.2 mile (1.9 km) trail called the Clay Furnace Trail with a 203 ft (~62m) elevation variation. It goes over intense hills along a quiet creek to the Henry Clay Furnace.

This iron furnace was named after then Kentucky Senator because of his role in the iron industry. It operated from 1845 to 1865 with sporadic uses until 1889. The trail passes several of the iron mine chasms.

We often go to Cooper’s Rock because of how easy it is to get there, but we haven’t explored nearly enough of this park. Share with us your favorite trails at Cooper’s Rock, and we hope to see you out and about this year in West Virginia!

Happy Travels!

---

If you’re looking to get out and explore this year in West Virginia, and you want some great photos to remember your adventures, contact Gus using the form below. We’d love to show you all of our favorite parts of West Virginia!

Flowers on a Walk

The smell of the hibiscus wall does not compare to the light smell of the mimosas.

When we for walks, we like to look for flowers. There’s a beautiful mimosa tree by the river and a wall of rose of Sharons.

We’re enjoying the snow, and how it makes everything look clean and bright. But we’re also looking forward to longer days with warmer weather, so we can see all the flowers bloom again. We hope to see you out and about too, enjoying everything West Virginia has to offer.

Happy Travels!

---

Looking for someone to help you capture this year’s spring memories? Contact Gus today, and we’ll get you scheduled asap!

Dolly Sods Adventure

On September 22nd, 2024, Elizabeth and I made a day trip to Dolly Sods. We heard the blueberry shrubs knew it was autumn and turned bright red.

We enjoyed some sunshine and a crisp breeze from some of the boulders at the Bear Rocks Preserve as we watched a small bird bathing in the natural birdbath puddle on a boulder.

The colors of the blueberry bushes did not disappoint. The bright red covered parts of the grounds and gave so much color to the plateau.

On our way back down the mountain, we stopped by the iconic yellow birch tree. The leaves had not yet changed but it was still beautiful.

After we visited Dolly Sods, Elizabeth and I dropped down to the iconic Triangle Rock along the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River north of Seneca Rocks near Petersburg.

Overall, we’ve had a dry summer so the water was lower than I had seen in a while. I just like watching the shimmering reflection on the inside of the nook.

On September 22nd, 2024, after our visit to Dolly Sods, Triangle Rock, Seneca Rock, and even Davis for some food, we took Route 219 and Route 50 home. We took the top down on the Jeep and I had folded the seats down to include pillows and blankets for sightseeing while we relaxed between stops. It was a beautiful experience and the last sunlight of the day was especially bright in the changing leaves.

Dolly Sods is always a favorite in the fall, but no matter where you go in West Virginia the autumn leaves will inspire you.

Happy Travels!