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CHARLESTON, WV (WAUK) — Happy West Virginia Day! The mountain state is 159 years old!
The June 20 holiday is dedicated to appreciating all that West Virginia has to offer, especially the natural beauty of the Mountain State. Thanks to the West Virginia Department of Tourism, residents and visitors alike can enjoy scenic views of the state on one of nine new “Almost Heaven” swings, “the largest ever.”
Each of the nine state tourism regions has one swing.
The Department of Tourism worked with students from the Nicholas County Vocational Center to build nine large, handmade wooden swings. Mountaineer Challenge Academy students helped set up the swing.
“The Nicholas County students did an amazing job on this project – we couldn’t have imagined a more perfect backdrop for these scenic spots,” said West Virginia Minister of Tourism Chelsea Ruby. “So much hard work and craftsmanship has been put into each of them, and we are excited to share them with the world, starting today.”
The location of the nine swings is shown below.
1. East Panhandle: Kakapon Resort State Park
How to get there: Drive or walk to Mount Kakapon. The swing is located next to the observation deck a few steps from the parking lot.
Functions: Scenic view of the mountains “as far as the eye can see”.
2. Hatfield-McCoy Mountains: Buffalo Mountain Trail – Death Rock
How to get there: Use the Buffalo Mountain trail system to get to Death Rock.
Functions: “One of the best views the region has to offer” overlooking the mountain town of Williamson.
3. Metro Valley: Charleston
How to get there: Go to the lawn of the University of Charleston and turn left to the boathouse. The swing is adjacent to the fire pit and directly across from the State Capitol.
Functions: Direct view of the State Capitol and the Ditch River PLUS a special Babydog paw print!
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Babydog poses wearing a birthday hat on a newly installed swing in front of the State Capitol in Charleston. (Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Tourism) -
Babydog left her mark on the newly installed swing set at the University of Charleston. (Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Tourism) -
Mountaineer Challenge Academy students who installed one of Charleston’s swings last week were especially surprised when Gov. Jim Justice and Babydog stopped by. (Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Tourism) -
(Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Tourism)
4. Mid Ohio Valley: Scenic View of Fort Boreman
How to get there: Visit Fort Borman Historic Park and follow park signs to the banks of the Ohio River near the picnic sheds and playground.
Functions: Aerial view of the scenic Mid-Ohio Valley, formed by the confluence of the Little Ditch and Ohio Rivers at Parkersburg.
5 Mountain Lakes: Stonewall Resort State Park
How to get there: Once inside the resort, continue onto State Park Road. Pass the house on the right, continue to Lightburn’s restaurant on The Palmer Course and go behind the clubhouse.
Functions: Against the backdrop of the lake and mountains.
6 Climber Country: Coopers Rock State Forest
How to get there: Start in the car park closest to the main viewpoint and gift shop. Walk along the cobblestone path on the left. Pass the pavilion and the swing will be on the left.
Functions: Lush forest background.
7. New River Greenbrier Valley: Babcock State Park
How to get there: This swing is located near the park office in front of the Glade Creek Grist Mill.
Functions: Ideally located in front of the Glade Creek Grist Mill, one of the most photographed places in the state.
8. North Panhandle: Heritage Port Wheeling
How to get there: Visit the Wheeling Heritage Port and the swings are located on a grassy area near the path to the river.
Functions: Views of the famous Wheeling Suspension Bridge and the Ohio River.
9 Potomac Highlands: Blackwater Falls State Park
How to get there: Follow the trail to the main viewpoint. The swings are located near the trail.
Functions: Against the backdrop of picturesque waterfalls in the distance.
The Department of Tourism has identified swing locations based on nine of West Virginia’s most scenic spots available on Instagram. The swing sites were strategically positioned using data from over 100,000 social media posts.
Gov. Jim Justice and the Department of Tourism are inviting people to express their love for West Virginia by posting pictures of their favorite places across the state, including swings, on social media. The Office of the Governor of Justice reports that tens of thousands of messages have already reached tens of millions of people around the world, showcasing the unrivaled beauty of West Virginia.
“Research shows how important this is – now more than ever, people are planning their vacation based on what they see on social media,” Governor Justice said. “Help us show the world how great it is here in Almost Heaven, West Virginia!”
For more information on tourism in West Virginia, visit Website of the Department of Tourism.
