The Ultimate WV Swings Locations Map: A Complete Guide To All 31 'Almost Heaven' Views (2024 Update)
Planning a road trip through the Mountain State? As of late 2024, the quest to find every single "Almost Heaven Swing" has become a premier travel challenge, with the West Virginia Department of Tourism successfully expanding the collection to 31 distinct, scenic locations across the state. These iconic wooden swings, each offering a unique, Instagram-worthy vista, are part of a massive tourism initiative designed to showcase the state’s breathtaking natural beauty and encourage visitors to explore its diverse regions. This updated guide provides the definitive map and list of all 31 WV Swings, helping you plan the ultimate scenic adventure.
The concept of the WV Swings—officially branded as the Almost Heaven Swings—was launched to capitalize on the power of social media, creating easily shareable, photogenic spots that drive visitor traffic to lesser-known, yet stunning, locations. The initial rollout began with just nine locations, but due to overwhelming popularity and success, the program has rapidly expanded, with several new swings added throughout 2024, bringing the current total to 31. Whether you are a seasoned 'swinger' or a first-time visitor, this complete list is your essential tool for ticking off every stunning view.
The Complete 2024 List of All 31 Almost Heaven Swings Locations
The Almost Heaven Swings are strategically placed in state parks, historical sites, and recreational areas across West Virginia's nine vacation regions. The latest additions in 2024 have expanded the map into new counties, including the Huntington Area and specific parks in Raleigh and Monongalia counties, ensuring the adventure covers nearly every corner of the state.
Here is the most current, comprehensive list of the 31 known WV Swings locations, categorized by region and key landmark:
The Mountain State's Iconic State Park Swings
Many of the most famous Almost Heaven Swings are located within West Virginia's renowned State Parks, offering spectacular views and easy access for park visitors.
- Babcock State Park: Clifftop, WV (Fayette County). This is arguably the most famous swing, positioned with the historic Glade Creek Grist Mill as its stunning backdrop.
- Blackwater Falls State Park: Davis, WV (Tucker County). Offers a breathtaking view of the state's famous dark-water cascade.
- Canaan Valley Resort State Park: Davis, WV (Tucker County). The swing here overlooks the beautiful Balsam Swamp.
- Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park: Hillsboro, WV (Pocahontas County). Located at a significant historical site with panoramic views.
- Bluestone State Park: Hinton, WV (Summers County). Provides a scenic overlook of the Bluestone River and gorge.
- Lost River State Park: Mathias, WV (Hardy County). A beautiful swing set in the Eastern Panhandle region.
- North Bend State Park: Cairo, WV (Ritchie County). A new addition that helps anchor the Mid-Ohio Valley region.
- Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park: Parkersburg, WV (Wood County). A unique location requiring a ferry ride to an island steeped in history.
- Tygart Lake State Park: Grafton, WV (Taylor County). Offers a peaceful view over the clear waters of Tygart Lake.
Newest 2024 & Regional Swings
The latest additions have focused on expanding the map into new counties and partnering with regional attractions and resorts, making the Almost Heaven Swings more accessible to all travelers.
- Resort at Glade Springs: Daniels, WV (Raleigh County). One of the newest swings, offering a luxury resort backdrop.
- Mason-Dixon Historical Park: Core, WV (Monongalia County). A unique spot along the historic Mason-Dixon Line, added in late 2024.
- Huntington Area CVB/Park District: Huntington, WV (Cabell County). Added in July 2024, this swing brings the Almost Heaven experience to the state's largest metropolitan area.
- Hatfield-McCoy Trail System: Logan County. This swing is specifically located on the Buffalo Mountain Trail, catering to adventure and ATV enthusiasts.
- Drawdy Falls: Boone County. A scenic, natural wonder location added to the collection.
- Sportsman Park: Wirt County. Part of a recent expansion to the Mid-Ohio Valley area.
- Calhoun County: (Unspecified location). Part of the "Swing Into Fall" expansion.
- Wetzel County: (Unspecified location). Another key addition expanding the northern reach of the map.
Planning Your WV Swings Road Trip: Tips for Finding Every Location
The sheer number of Almost Heaven Swings—now 31 strong—means that a single weekend trip is unlikely to cover them all. The best way to approach the challenge is to break your road trip down by West Virginia’s nine distinct vacation regions. This strategy minimizes driving time and maximizes your photo opportunities, allowing you to discover the state's rich topical authority in areas like adventure tourism, history, and natural scenic beauty.
Utilizing the Official WV Tourism Resources
The West Virginia Department of Tourism actively promotes the swings and is the best source for the most up-to-date information. While a static "map" is useful, they often provide interactive tools and a full list on their website to help travelers navigate. Always check for the latest additions before you leave, as the program continues to grow.
- Check State Park Websites: If a swing is located in a State Park (like Blackwater Falls or Babcock), the park's official website will often have specific directions or coordinates to the exact swing location.
- Use Social Media: The entire initiative is built around social sharing. Searching the hashtag #AlmostHeaven on platforms like Instagram is a powerful LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) tool for travelers, often revealing user-submitted photos and exact GPS locations in the comments or geotags.
- GPS Coordinates: For the most remote locations, such as those on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system or at Drawdy Falls, using the provided GPS coordinates (if available) is the most reliable method, as cell service can be spotty in the rugged terrain of the Mountain State.
The Social Media Phenomenon and LSI Keywords
The success of the WV Swings is a testament to modern tourism marketing. The handmade wooden swings, often featuring a wooden cutout of the state of West Virginia, are designed to frame the perfect shot. This focus on "Instagram-worthy views" has generated massive online buzz, turning the swings into a viral sensation.
When posting your own photos, be sure to use a variety of LSI keywords and hashtags to connect with the broader community. Tags like #WVSwings, #AlmostHeavenRoadTrip, #ScenicWestVirginia, and #MountainStateViews will help your photos get discovered and contribute to the overall topical authority of the travel challenge.
The Future of the WV Swings Map
With 31 locations now active as of late 2024, the Almost Heaven Swings project is a clear success story for West Virginia tourism. There is every indication that the Department of Tourism will continue to add new locations, further expanding the map and encouraging repeat visits. The goal is to ensure that every visitor, from the casual sightseer to the dedicated road-tripper, has an opportunity to experience the state's natural wonders from a truly unique vantage point.
Keep this guide handy as you plan your journey to find all 31 swings. Each location offers not just a great photo, but an authentic experience of why West Virginia truly earns its moniker: Almost Heaven.
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