
Kingwood Region Swimming Holes
Swimming hole in Morgantown, West Virginia · Other
Kingwood Region Swimming Holes is a natural swimming hole. It is near Morgantown, West Virginia. Access is free. Best season: Late spring to early autumn (May to October) for optimal.
Typical season: Late spring to early autumn (May to October) for optimal
About Kingwood Region Swimming Holes
Kingwood Region Swimming Holes gives you varies-see below swimming access near Morgantown in West Virginia. Expect a natural bank, not a built beach. Scattered along the Cheat River and its tributary Pringle Run, these unofficial spots draw locals and adventurous visitors alike who are willing to trade manicured amenities for raw, unfiltered nature. There are no lifeguards here, no snack bars, no entry gates. Just cold water, ancient stone, and the sound of the current threading through the West Virginia hills. Pringle Run Falls rewards the effort of a moderately steep hike with a payoff that stops you in your tracks: water with an unmistakable aquamarine tint, a color born of the mineral-rich geology of this region. The vivid hue catches sunlight in a way that feels almost tropical, a striking contrast against the dense Appalachian forest pressing in on all sides. Downstream toward the Cheat River corridor, Rock Garden lives up to its name. Massive, weathered rock formations emerge from the water and shoreline, shaped over millennia into natural platforms and alcoves. Pewee Rock offers a more adrenaline-forward experience, with jump points that have made it a rite of passage for generations of local teenagers and thrill-seeking adults. The geological drama throughout the region is real: colorful, striated rock faces tell the slow story of this land's ancient past. Swimming, Tubing, and the Water Itself . No lifeguards patrol Kingwood Region Swimming Holes. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Varies-see below
- Water body
- Cheat River/Pringle Run
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Morgantown
- State
- West Virginia
- Coordinates
- 39.41722, -79.69250
- Best season
- Late spring to early autumn (May to October) for optimal . Summer offers warm water, while fall brings tranquil surroundings and colorful foliage.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate for Pringle Run Falls due to steep hiking; easy for Rock Garden and Pewee Rock with minimal walking required.
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Restrooms
- None on site
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Cliff jumping
- Reported
- Camping
- At Swallow Falls S. P., east of here in MD, there are also .
- Activities
- Swimming, Tubing, Kayaking, Rafting
- Facilities
- No facilities available. Bring water, snacks, and necessary gear. Plan ahead for a fully self-sufficient visit.
- Listing last updated
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitLate spring to early autumn (May to October) for optimal . Summer offers warm water, while fall brings tranquil surroundings and colorful foliage.
- AccessModerate for Pringle Run Falls due to steep hiking; easy for Rock Garden and Pewee Rock with minimal walking required.
- FacilitiesNo facilities available. Bring water, snacks, and necessary gear. Plan ahead for a fully self-sufficient visit.
- Camping nearbyAt Swallow Falls S. P., east of here in MD, there are also .
Highlights & features
- Aquamarine water at Pringle Run Falls
- Large rock formations at Rock Garden
- Thrill-seeking jumps at Pewee Rock
- Historical charm of Kingwood area
- Vibrant fall foliage surrounding the sites
- Geological formations with colorful rocks
- Aquamarine water due to mine runoff
- No facilities for a truly natural experience
How to get there
Kingwood Region Swimming Holes lies in West Virginia near Morgantown, Kingwood, and Rowlesburg. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. General Overview: The Kingwood Region . These . Below are detailed directions to three popular locations: Pringle Run Falls, Rock Garden, and Pewee Rock. Pringle Run Falls Driving Directions:
From I-68 east of Morgantown, take Exit 23 for Bruceton Mills.
Merge onto Route 26 South and follow it to Kingwood. In Kingwood, turn onto Route 7 East (Main Street). Continue on Route 7 East until you reach the intersection with Route 72 South. Set your odometer here. Follow Route 72 South for about 4.1 miles.
Look for a small bridge over Pringle Run. Just before
crossing this bridge, there will be a steep dirt road on the right (west side) and some parking space at the bottom of the road.
Trailhead and Approach: The dirt road leading to the falls is steep and rough, and vehicles are not permitted on it. Hike up the dirt road for about 0.25 miles. The falls can be seen and heard from the road. To access the waterfall, there is a short, steep climb down from the road. The area features a stunning waterfall, aquamarine water, colorful rocks, and a large pool at the base. Flat rocks nearby provide space for sunbathing. Note: Pringle Run contains mine runoff with high acidic drainage and iron content, which creates the clear water and colorful rocks. There are no known health hazards associated with scenic views. Coordinates: Latitude: 39.41722 Longitude: -79.6925 Google Maps Link Rock Garden Driving Directions:
From I-68 east of Morgantown, take Exit 23 for Bruceton Mills.
Merge onto Route 26 South and follow it to Kingwood. In Kingwood, turn onto Route 7 East (Main Street). Continue on Route 7 East until you reach the intersection with Route 72 South. Set your odometer here. Follow Route 72 South for about 5.8 miles. Look for a small pull-off on the left (east side) of the road. Trailhead and Approach: Park at the pull-off and take an easy walk down to the Cheat River.
The area features large rocks scattered along the river, with deep . Caution
The Cheat River is subject to heavy currents at times. Always check the current conditions before swimming. Coordinates: Latitude: 39.39748 Longitude: -79.68807 Google Maps Link
Pewee Rock (Party Rock) Driving Directions
From I-68 east of Morgantown, take Exit 23 for Bruceton Mills.
Merge onto Route 26 South and follow it to Kingwood. In Kingwood, turn onto Route 7 East (Main Street). Continue on Route 7 East until you reach the intersection with Route 72 South. Set your odometer here. Follow Route 72 South for about 6.9 miles. Look for a small pull-off on the left (east side) of the road. Trailhead and Approach: Park at the pull-off and take an easy walk down to the Cheat River.
The area features a large rock ("Pewee Rock") with a deep . Caution
The Cheat River is subject to heavy currents at times. Always check the current conditions before swimming. Coordinates: Latitude: 39.38915 Longitude: -79.70145 Google Maps Link
Additional Notes
These locations are remote and may not have cell service. Plan accordingly. Always exercise caution when swimming Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
Plan your visit
Kingwood Region Swimming Holes works well as a day trip from Morgantown or Kingwood. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Grafton Region Swimming Holes (about 10 mi away) or browse more West Virginia swimming spots in our directory. For the full list in West Virginia, see our state directory.
Access & fees
All sites are unofficial, remote, and have no facilities (restrooms, changing areas, or trash cans). Parking is limited to small pull-offs or roadside spots. Cell service may be unreliable. The dirt road to Pringle Run Falls is for foot traffic only; vehicles are not permitted to drive down it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Kingwood Region Swimming Holes?
Yes. Kingwood Region Swimming Holes near Morgantown, Kingwood, and Rowlesburg in WV is a varies-see below swimming spot on Cheat River/Pringle Run. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Kingwood Region Swimming Holes free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “No”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Kingwood Region Swimming Holes?
Kingwood Region Swimming Holes is in WV within day-trip range of Morgantown, Kingwood, and Rowlesburg. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Culture & history
The Cheat River has long been a vital part of West Virginia’s landscape, offering recreation and inspiration. Kingwood’s Buckwheat Festival highlights local traditions and agricultural heritage.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Avoid littering and respect the natural ecosystem. Help preserve the area's beauty for future generations.
Sources & updates
Reference sources
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