My Day Trip to the Northernmost Tip of West Virginia:

On a recent adventure, I headed to the very top of West Virginia—a place that’s small on the map but big on charm. This portion of the state is known as “The Top of West Virginia” (you’ll even see the hashtag #TopOfWV around town), and it’s easy to see why. Nestled between Pennsylvania and Ohio, this northern tip is packed with scenic beauty, quirky roadside gems, and even a few personal family ties. From relaxing in a wooden swing with a view, to discovering iconic pottery, to grabbing a slice of seriously good pizza—this quick road trip was just what I needed.

Starting the Day at Tomlinson Run State Park

My first stop was Tomlinson Run State Park, and it’s where I finally got to experience something I’ve been wanting to see in person—my very first Almost Heaven Swing. These handcrafted wooden swings are scattered across West Virginia in scenic spots, and they invite you to just sit back and take in the beauty of the state.

Let me tell you, it was worth the trip. The swing at Tomlinson Run overlooks a peaceful, wooded area, and it’s the kind of place that just makes you breathe a little deeper. I sat there for a while, soaking in the quiet and thinking about how lucky I am to be able to travel and explore places like this.

Discovering the Swings

There are currently 31 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!

1.  Babcock  State Park

2. Blackwater Falls State Park 

3. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park 

4. Bluestone State Park 

5. Buffalo Mountain Trail System 

Cacapon Resort State Park 

7. Canaan Valley Resort  State Park

8. Charleston 

9. Chief Logan State Park

10. Coppers Rock State Park

11. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park 

12. East River Mountain Overlook 

13. Gassaway Depot 

14.Grand Vue Park 

15. Lake Stephens

16. Lost River State Park

17. Mason-Dixon Historical Park

18.Oglebay Park Resort  

19. Philippi Covered Bridge

20. Pipestem Resort State Park 

21. Rail Explorers Depot 

22. Resort at Glade Springs

23. Rockhouse Trail System 

24. Rotary Park

25. Snowshoe Mountain

26. Sportsman’s Park in Wirt County

27. Stonewall Resort State Park 

28.Summersville State Park

29. Tomlinson Run State Park 

30. Tu-Endie-Wei State Park

31. Tygart Lake State Park 

32. Valley Park

33. West Virginia State Capitol 

34. Wheeling Heritage Port 

My mission for 2025 is to explore as much of West Virginia as possible. This incredible state often gets a bad rap, but in reality, it’s a place of breathtaking natural beauty and rich history that has played a significant role in shaping the United States. This blog is part of a series dedicated to highlighting all that West Virginia has to offer.

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!

Susan