A Swing Through History:

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 October 2024, the number of Almost Heaven swings has grown to 3, 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.

West Virginia, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and serene vistas, has introduced a unique way for visitors and locals alike to immerse themselves in its natural beauty—the “Almost Heaven” swings. Strategically placed across the state’s most picturesque locations, these handcrafted wooden swings offer not only a place to relax but also serve as perfect spots for capturing memorable photographs.​

A Collaborative Effort

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, enhancing the experience for all who visit. ​

Discovering the Swings

There are currently 34 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 

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!

Want to visit them too?
I’ve put together a free printable checklist of all the current Almost Heaven Swing locations (as of May 2025) to help you plan your own swing-hunting adventure.

📥 Click below to download the checklist and start your journey across West Virginia, one swing at a time.   

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

Susan