Cedar Creek S. P.

Tucked into the rolling forested hills of central West Virginia, Cedar Creek State Park is the kind of place that rewards those willing to slow down and follow the sound of water. The park sits between the small towns of Burnsville and Glenville, far enough from the interstate bustle that the loudest thing you're likely to hear is the gurgle of Cedar Creek working its way over smooth stones and through sun-dappled hollows. This is West Virginia as it has always been — green, unhurried, and quietly spectacular.

The Setting and Landscape

A 3.2-mile trail threads alongside Cedar Creek, offering access to several natural swimming spots scattered along its length. The terrain is moderate — easy enough for families and casual hikers, though you'll encounter uneven footing near the water's edge, so sturdy shoes are worthwhile. The forest canopy overhead filters afternoon light into shifting patterns on the water's surface, and in summer the undergrowth is thick with ferns and wildflowers. What makes this park genuinely distinctive is its blend of natural beauty and cultural history: a restored one-room schoolhouse and a log cabin from pioneer days stand within the park, offering a tangible connection to the people who once called this hollow home. You'll find yourself moving between a swim in the creek and a quiet moment at a two-century-old structure, and the combination feels surprisingly profound.

Swimming in Cedar Creek

The creek itself runs clear and cool, the kind of water that makes the summer heat feel instantly negotiable the moment you wade in. Swimming here is unhurried and informal — you'll find natural pools and calmer stretches where the current slows enough to float or simply stand chest-deep and feel the cold work its way up your spine in the best possible way. The creek bottom is rocky, so water shoes can make entry more comfortable, especially for younger visitors. The swimming spots are spread along the trail, meaning you can pick a quiet bend and have it largely to yourself, or continue downstream to find a spot that suits your mood. The surrounding forest keeps the atmosphere intimate and shaded, making mid-afternoon swims particularly pleasant when full sun would otherwise be punishing.

Plan Your Visit

Cedar Creek State Park offers camping directly within the park, making an overnight stay an easy way to catch the creek at its best — early morning, before day visitors arrive, when mist still clings to the water and wildlife is active along the banks. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are available on site. Fees are not confirmed, so check with West Virginia State Parks before you go. The park is best visited from June through August for warm-water swimming, though September and October bring extraordinary fall color to the surrounding ridges, making the hike along the creek a feast for photographers and leaf-peepers alike. The nearby towns of Buckhannon, Burnsville, and Glenville are all within reasonable driving distance and offer fuel, food, and lodging options for those making a longer trip of it through this underappreciated corner of the Mountain State.

The park preserves elements of West Virginia’s pioneer history, offering visitors a glimpse into the past with restored buildings and educational tours.

Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, respect wildlife habitats, and stay on marked trails to prevent ecological damage.