Imagine it’s 1971, and John Denver’s iconic song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” has just hit the airwaves. The first four words—“Almost heaven, West Virginia…”—immediately paint a picture of the state’s breathtaking beauty. The song goes on to celebrate the rolling hills, winding roads, and timeless charm that make West Virginia feel like a little slice of heaven on earth.

By 1972, West Virginia University had embraced Country Roads as a tradition, singing it before every home football game. In 2014, the governor officially declared it the state song, and by 2017, West Virginia Tourism had secured the rights to use it as part of their promotional efforts.

Fast forward to 2022, when the Almost Heaven Swing project was launched. Nine handcrafted wooden swings were placed across West Virginia’s nine vacation regions, each offering a perfect spot to take in the stunning scenery. The project quickly became a sensation, with thousands of photos and videos of these swings appearing on Instagram and other social media platforms.

Now, as of March 2026, the number of Almost Heaven swings has grown to 51, with new locations popping up in some of the state’s most picturesque destinations. And who knows? There may be even more to come in the future! But for now, here’s a look at where you can find these iconic swings throughout West Virginia.

The inception of the “Almost Heaven” swing project is a testament to community collaboration and craftsmanship. In partnership with the West Virginia Department of Tourism, students from the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center took on the challenge of designing, constructing, and installing these swings. Their dedication and skill have resulted in beautiful additions to many scenic spots throughout the state.

There are currently 51 Almost Heaven swings scattered across West Virginia, and I’m on a mission to visit every single one. As I explore each location, I’ll be adding  photos with personal snapshots—capturing the beauty of the state from the best seat in the house!

Beech  Fork Lake 

Blackwater Falls State Park 

Bluestone State Park 

 Cacapon Resort State Park 

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

West Virginia State Capitol Charleston

Chief Logan State Park 

Drawdy Falls 

 Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park 

Gassaway Depot

Grantsville 

Lost River State Park 

Mason-Dixon Historical Park

 Tater Hill Overlook – Mullens

Calhoun County Community Center 

Pleasants County Park 

Oglebay Park Resort 

James Rumsey Monuments Park –  Shepherdstown

Philippi Covered Bridge

Rail Explorers Depot 

Rockhouse Trail System 

Shepherdstown

Sportsman’s Park in Wirt County 

Summersville Lake State Park 

Tomlinson Run State Park

Tygart Lake State Park

Valley Park

My Final Thoughts

I plan on visiting as many swing locations as I can, it may take me while since they keep adding new locations.

With deep family roots in the state—both of my parents grew up here—I spent much of my childhood visiting West Virginia, and it has always held a special place in my heart. My hope is to inspire you to plan a visit, whether it’s for a weekend getaway or just a scenic drive through its winding roads. No matter how long you stay, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Hope to see you at my next swing location.

Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious and enjoy the ride.