If you have seen a photo of a giant wooden swing hanging above a green valley, a quiet lake, or a snowy overlook with the words “Almost Heaven” attached to it, you have already met one of West Virginia’s most popular travel attractions. The Almost Heaven swings have grown from a small tourism idea into a statewide trail of life-size photo spots, and more people search for them every year because they make a trip to the Mountain State feel both simple and memorable. This guide explains what the swings are, how the project began, where many of them can be found, how the SWINGO game works, and how to plan a visit that goes smoothly.
What Are the Almost Heaven Swings?
The Almost Heaven swings are large, handcrafted wooden swings placed in scenic spots across West Virginia by the West Virginia Department of Tourism. Each one is meant to give visitors a comfortable place to sit, enjoy the view, and take a photo that captures why the state carries the nickname “Almost Heaven.” They are not found just anywhere; they are placed in locations chosen for their scenery, such as state parks, lakesides, waterfalls, ski mountains, historic sites, and mountain overlooks.
Because the swings are built on a much larger scale than an ordinary porch swing, they are designed to frame the landscape behind them and to be shared online. Visitors are encouraged to post their pictures on social media with the hashtag #AlmostHeaven, and the response has been strong enough that the tourism department has described it as tens of thousands of posts showing West Virginia scenery to people around the world.
One quick note for shoppers: the phrase “almost heaven swings” refers to this West Virginia tourism project, not to a product line you can order for your own backyard. If you are looking for a similar look at home, you would need to search for large wooden porch swings or custom-built garden swings made by independent woodworkers.
Where the Name “Almost Heaven” Comes From
The name comes from the opening line of John Denver’s song “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which was released in 1971. West Virginians quickly adopted the song as an unofficial anthem because it described the beauty, scenery, and warm hospitality of the state so well. In 2014, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed the song into the list of official West Virginia state songs, alongside “The West Virginia Hills,” “West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home,” and “This Is My West Virginia.”
The phrase later became the centerpiece of a tourism campaign. When the state launched its “Almost Heaven” branding effort in 2018, Governor Jim Justice explained that this is really how West Virginia is known all over the world, which helps explain why the swings carry the same wording today.
How the Swing Project Started
The first Almost Heaven swings appeared on June 20, 2022, which is West Virginia Day, the state’s birthday celebration. The West Virginia Department of Tourism worked with students at the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center to build nine larger-than-life wooden swings, with one placed in each of the state’s nine travel regions.
The idea worked better than many people expected. In 2023, eight more swings were added, and the number continued to rise through 2024 and 2025. By late 2024 the count had reached 31, it reached 36 in the spring of 2025, and it grew to 43 by early summer 2025. Another group of swings later that season pushed the total close to 50, and by the spring of 2026 the tourism department was describing the project as more than 50 swings, all hand-built by Nicholas County Career and Technical Center students. A new swing at Cedar Creek State Park in Gilmer County was announced in May 2026, so the number may be higher by the time you read this.
This student-built approach is one of the nicest parts of the story, because the swings are not mass-produced decorations. They are local projects that give young people hands-on woodworking experience while also supporting the state’s tourism economy.
Where to Find Almost Heaven Swings
Because new swings are added regularly, the most reliable way to find the current list is the official West Virginia Tourism swing map. Even so, a number of locations have been publicly announced and give a good picture of how varied the settings are.
North-central West Virginia. Visitors can find swings at Coopers Rock State Forest, Tygart Lake State Park, and Valley Falls State Park, which is also a stop on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. At Tygart Lake, parking is available at the Tygart Dam Overlook. The Mason-Dixon Historical Park in Monongalia County, a publicly owned park of nearly 300 acres on the West Virginia and Pennsylvania border, has a swing reached by a half-mile walk along the Green Trail from the lower parking lot near the basketball court and baseball field.
Mountain and resort areas. The swing at the top of Snowshoe Mountain sits at the Skidder Ski Slope, a short walk from the Village, and it was the 26th swing in the program. At the Resort at Glade Springs in Raleigh County, visitors can park at Mallard Lake, take the wooden stairs, and follow a gravel trail past the boathouse.
Southern coalfield and trail country. In McDowell County, a swing stands at Miracle Mountain Wilderness Park at 7162 Miracle Mountain Road in Elbert. In Wyoming County, a swing overlooks the Hatfield-McCoy trail system at Tater Hill Overlook, where ATV riders can follow signs from Mullens, and drivers can follow signs from Highland Avenue or Broadway Street to the picnic area. Additional swings were placed in Webster, Randolph, and Boone counties in the same round.
Ohio River and western regions. Near Parkersburg, swings can be found at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, the Pleasants County Park in St. Marys, and Sportsman’s Park in Elizabeth. North Bend State Park in Cairo also has one, and it can be reached by car along the Main Park Road or on foot from the Southern Railroad Trail and the Castle Rock Trail. In Calhoun County, a swing sits a short walk from the gravel parking lot at the 1982 Foundation, a former high school that is now a National Historic Landmark. In Wetzel County, the swing is reached by the Monarch Trail at the county 4-H Campground.
Lakes and central West Virginia. Cedar Lakes Conference Center near Ripley has a swing near the chapel, and you can turn onto FFA Drive to reach nearby parking. Another is at Charles Fork Lake near Spencer, and one is at Cedar Creek State Park in Gilmer County.
Huntington. The city’s swing at Rotary Park was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on July 12, 2024. It sits about 200 yards from the trailhead parking lot along a paved path, which makes it fully accessible and a good choice for visitors who prefer an easy walk.
SWINGO: The Almost Heaven Swing Game
In spring 2026, the West Virginia Department of Tourism introduced SWINGO, a bingo-style game built around the swings and modeled after the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. To play, you register for a digital board at the official swings page of the tourism website, and the board is delivered to your smartphone. As you visit swing locations that match seasonal categories, you check in and mark the spots on your board.
The rewards are simple but fun. Marking five spots in a row earns a custom Almost Heaven swing sticker, while completing a full board earns a wooden Almost Heaven swing picture frame and a chance to help choose the next swing location. For families, friend groups, and road-trip lovers, this gives a clear reason to visit several regions instead of only the best-known stops.
Tips for Visiting the Swings
Plan around the walking distance first, because the swings vary a great deal. Some can be reached in a couple of minutes from a parking area, while others, such as the Mason-Dixon Historical Park swing, require a half-mile walk, and a few are best reached by trail or even by ATV. Checking the official listing for access notes before you leave helps you avoid surprises, especially in areas with limited cell service.
Choose your season with the view in mind. Spring brings waterfalls and fresh green hills, summer favors lakes and long evenings, autumn is popular for foliage, and winter can add snow to the scene, which the tourism department has openly encouraged visitors to photograph. Early morning and late afternoon usually give softer light and fewer crowds.
Be considerate at each stop. Many swings are shared public attractions, so take your turn, keep the area clean, and avoid climbing on the frame in ways it was not built for. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and remember that weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Finally, think about combining swing visits with nearby experiences. Because the swings are placed near state parks, waterfalls, ski areas, rail trails, and historic sites, one stop can easily turn into a full day of hiking, fishing, or sightseeing.
Why the Swings Matter to West Virginia Tourism
Beyond their charm as photo spots, the swings have helped draw attention to smaller communities that might otherwise be overlooked. A swing in a county park or a local campground gives a town a recognizable reason for travelers to stop, and the shared hashtag helps those communities appear in the same conversation as the state’s better-known landmarks. The project also shows how tourism can work together with schools, since the student builders contribute directly to something that thousands of visitors enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who builds the Almost Heaven swings?
Students at the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center build them in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Tourism.
How many Almost Heaven swings are there?
The program began with nine swings in 2022 and was described as having more than 50 by spring 2026, with additional swings announced since then, so the exact number changes as new ones are installed.
Is there a swing in every region of West Virginia?
Yes. The project started with one swing in each of the state’s nine travel regions, and the tourism department says travelers can now reach a swing in every region.
Are the swings free to visit?
The swings themselves are placed for public photo opportunities, but some sit inside parks, resorts, or private venues that may have their own rules, hours, or fees, so it is wise to check the location before you go.
Can I buy an Almost Heaven swing?
No. The name refers to the tourism project, and the swings are installed by the state at chosen locations.
How do I share my photos?
Post them on social media with the hashtag #AlmostHeaven.
Final Thoughts
The Almost Heaven swings turn a simple idea into a reason to explore West Virginia: sit down, look out at the view, and let the landscape explain the nickname. Whether you want to complete the full SWINGO board, visit one swing near home, or build a road trip around several scenic stops, the trail offers an easy and affordable way to see a different side of the state. Before you travel, check the official West Virginia Tourism swing map for the latest locations, access details, and seasonal conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Swing locations, counts, access routes, parking, hours, and SWINGO rules can change, so please confirm current details on the official West Virginia Department of Tourism website or with the park or venue before you travel. Outdoor visits involve natural risks, so use your own judgment about weather, trail conditions, and personal safety. This article is not affiliated with or endorsed by the West Virginia Department of Tourism.
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I’m Muhammad Ubaid, founder of YBR Magazine. I research and write detailed guides on America’s National Parks — covering entry fees, permits, best times to visit, and planning tips — using official NPS sources and up-to-date information.
