Babydog, Gov. Jim Justice’s English bulldog, tries out the ‘Almost Heaven’ swing in Charleston overlooking the State Capitol. WV Dept. of Tourism

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WV News) — To coincide with the celebration of the state’s 159th birthday, Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Department of Tourism have announced the placement of wooden swings at nine scenic locations.

The “larger-than-life Almost Heaven swings,” located around the state at some of its most “Instagramable spots,” were created at the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center, according to state Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby.

“The Nicholas County students did an amazing job with this project — we couldn’t have imagined a more perfect backdrop to add to these scenic spots,” she said. “So much hard work and skill went into each one, and we are excited to share them with the world.”

Ruby

The swing sites were strategically positioned after analyzing over 100,000 social media posts from across the state to find some of West Virginia’s most beloved vistas, Justice said.

Students from the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy, who installed one of the swings in Charleston last week, pose for a photo with Gov. Justice and Babydog. WV Dept. of Tourism

“The research shows just how important this is — now, more than ever, people are planning their vacations based on what they see on social media,” he said. “Help us show the world just how great it is here in Almost Heaven, West Virginia!”

The first nine swings can be found in the following spots:

Eastern Panhandle:

Cacapon Resort

State Park

Drive or hike to the Cacapon Mountain Overlook.

This swing, located just steps from the parking area and beside the observation deck, has mountains as far as the eye can see as its backdrop.

Hatfield-McCoy Mountains: Buffalo Mountain Trail — Death Rock:

  • Take the Buffalo Mountain Trail System to get to the Death Rock Overlook. The swing is positioned high above the mountain town of Williamson, with one of the best views the region has to offer.

Metro Valley: Charleston:

  • Once on the lawn of the University of Charleston, turn left to walk toward the boathouse. The swing is located adjacent to the fire pit with a direct view of the State Capitol.

Mid-Ohio Valley: Fort Boreman Scenic Overlook:

  • Overlooking the scenic valley formed by the confluence of the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers at Parkersburg, this swing offers a bird’s-eye view of the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Mountain Lakes: Stonewall Resort State Park:

  • Once on the resort property, continue on State Park Road. Pass the lodge on your right and continue on to Lightburn’s Restaurant at The Palmer Course. Make your way behind the clubhouse to find the swing with a sweeping backdrop of the lake and mountains.

Mountaineer Country: Coopers Rock State Forest:

  • From the parking lot closest to the main overlook and the gift shop, walk on the cobblestone path farthest to the left. Pass the pavilion and the swing will be to your left, with a lush forest backdrop.

New River-Greenbrier Valley: Babcock State Park:

  • Perfectly positioned in front of the Glade Creek Grist Mill, this swing can be found near the park office, just steps from one of the state’s most photographed spots.

Northern Panhandle: Wheeling Heritage Port:

  • Overlooking the iconic Wheeling Suspension Bridge and the Ohio River, the swing at Wheeling Heritage Port is located on a grassy patch just off the walkway to the river.

Potomac Highlands: Blackwater Falls State Park:

  • Located just off the trail to the main overlook, snap a picture on the swing with a backdrop of the spectacular falls in the distance.

Senior Staff Writer Charles Young can be reached at 304-626-1447 or cyoung@theet.com