Natural swimming hole
Brush Creek Falls
Waterfall · West Virginia
About this swimming hole
Brush Creek Falls is a 25-foot waterfall stretching across 50-foot-wide Brush Creek in the 124-acre Brush Creek Nature Preserve near Athens, just above the Bluestone River. The still pool at the base is a classic local swimming hole, reached by a roughly quarter-mile trail from the parking area and picnic pavilion. Blue Ridge Outdoors selected it for its annual swimming holes guide.
Good to know
| Water type | Waterfall |
|---|---|
| Depth | Pool at base of falls |
| Best season | May-September |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Daylight hours |
| Parking | State-owned parking area and picnic pavilion on Brush Creek Falls Road; small lot |
| Amenities | picnic tables |
| County | Mercer County |
| Nearest town | Athens |
| Safety notes | No lifeguard; slippery rocks and creek current; no restroom facilities at the falls per visitor reports - plan ahead |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Brush Creek Falls?
Yes — Brush Creek Falls is listed as a natural swimming spot in West Virginia. Heads-up: No lifeguard; slippery rocks and creek current; no restroom facilities at the falls per visitor reports - plan ahead. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Brush Creek Falls require reservations?
No reservations are required at Brush Creek Falls based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Brush Creek Falls?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Brush Creek Falls?
The best season is typically May-September.