From Blackwater Falls to Cacapon: Chasing Almost Heaven Swings on a Family Road Trip
- busyboymomchronicl
- Sep 14
- 4 min read
Some road trips are about the destination. Others are about the stops you make along the way. And then there are the trips, like our family’s adventure through West Virginia, where the journey and the destination feel like a treasure hunt.
We set out with one mission: track down a few of the famous Almost Heaven Swings. These oversized wooden swings, tucked into some of the state’s most scenic overlooks, have become the perfect excuse for a family scavenger hunt. With a cooler in the trunk, a playlist ready, and the kids buzzing with excitement, we hit the road to visit three of the most breathtaking swing locations: Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley Resort, and Cacapon Resort State Park.
Stop #1: Blackwater Falls State Park
Our first stop was Blackwater Falls State Park, famous for its 57-foot waterfall that plunges into a rugged gorge. The kids were wide-eyed before we even reached the falls—our road trip winding through mountain roads made them feel like we were already in the middle of an adventure.
We hiked the short boardwalk trail to the overlook, where the thundering waterfall roared beneath us. But the highlight for our scavenger hunt was tucked nearby: the Almost Heaven Swing perched in a quiet clearing.
Sitting on that swing, with the sound of rushing water in the distance and the mountains layered in every shade of green, felt like a reward after the drive. The kids couldn’t resist taking turns pushing each other higher, giggling the whole time. For us parents, it was a reminder of why we love these trips—moments of pure joy you can’t find on a screen.
Stop #2: Canaan Valley Resort
From Blackwater Falls, it was a quick drive to Canaan Valley Resort, where the next swing awaited. This stop wasn’t just about the swing—it was about stretching the road trip into a full day of fun.
The resort is known for its year-round outdoor activities, and in fall, the valley bursts into a quilt of red, orange, and gold. We took a gondola ride up the mountain before finding the swing, which sits in the middle of an open field framed by mountain ridges.
The kids ran wild across the meadow while we snapped what became one of our favorite family photos of the entire trip: all of us squeezed together on the swing, laughing as it creaked under the weight. Unlike Blackwater Falls, where the swing felt tucked away in nature, this one felt expansive—the kind of view that makes you pause, breathe deep, and whisper, This really is Almost Heaven.
Before leaving, we grabbed a bite at the resort café and let the kids explore the trails near the lodge. Canaan Valley felt less like a stop and more like a full experience, making it a family favorite on our scavenger hunt.
Stop #3: Cacapon Resort State Park
The last swing on our road trip was at Cacapon Resort State Park, near Berkeley Springs. The drive there alone was worth it—rolling hills, winding country roads, and small towns that made us feel like we’d stumbled into a slower, simpler way of life.
Cacapon’s swing sits at a high overlook with sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains. By the time we arrived, the kids were sleepy from the ride, but the view gave everyone a second wind. We laid out a picnic, letting them refuel before racing each other to the swing.
For parents, this swing might be the most serene of them all. The quiet hum of nature, the wide-open skies, and the gentle sway of the swing combined into one of those rare road trip moments where time seems to stand still. It felt like the perfect ending to our scavenger hunt—a finale that wrapped up our adventure with both peace and playfulness.
Tips for Your Own Family Swing Hunt
If you’re planning a road trip to find the Almost Heaven Swings with your family, here are a few tips from our experience:
Plan 2–3 swings per day. It gives you time to explore each location instead of rushing.
Pack snacks and a picnic. Many swings are near perfect lunch spots.
Bring layers. Mountain weather changes quickly—sweaters in the morning, t-shirts by afternoon.
Make it a game. Create a “swing scavenger checklist” for the kids to mark off as they go.
Don’t skip the extras. Blackwater’s waterfall, Canaan’s gondola ride, and Cacapon’s picnic areas made the trip even more memorable.
Final Thoughts
Our family road trip through West Virginia proved that sometimes the best adventures are the simplest ones: a swing, a view, and the people you love beside you. From the roar of Blackwater Falls to the wide-open skies at Canaan Valley and the peaceful overlook at Cacapon Resort, each stop gave us more than just a photo op. It gave us a memory.
The Almost Heaven Swings aren’t just about sitting down and looking at the view—they’re about the journey it takes to get there. And for families, that journey is the real treasure.
So pack up the car, cue your favorite playlist, and hit the road. Somewhere in the mountains of West Virginia, a swing is waiting for you.
There are more than 40 swings. Which ones have you found?
