Audra

 Audra state park is, without a doubt, my favorite swimming hole. The park is tucked away in Barbour County not to far from Buckhannon, WV. There are about 5 million ways to get there, this time we took the GPS' suggested route and were surprised to find the route took us through the lovely Carrollton covered bridge. Of note, if you are using a cell phone to guide you to the park, save your route for the way out because you will not have service at the park. Audra park has camping sites, hiking trails and picnic areas but the two major draws are the Alum cave trail and the swimming area in the Middle Fork River.

I prefer to take the lower first to get the cave views then enjoy the  upper views on the way out.

If you are coming to swim please consider taking real hiking shoes/sneakers for the trail. The trail can be wet and muddy in spots and following a wicked derecho a few years back some climbing over fallen trees maybe required.

Not a terribly difficult climb but a little much to let the kid walk on his own.

Cave entrance.

Blurry Family Pic

Checking out the rocks and keeping an eye out for Aragog.

All along the trail you can look out for views of the river below. I prefer to  hike the trial in summer so I can reward myself with a swim, but the views are also lovely in the fall season too.

Wild and wonderful

The swimming area is located directly in the front of the park, near the parking lot. This area is home to the rest rooms (which are plenty big enough to change into swim suits ), picnic areas and play ground equipment.

I've never seen a child on this slide, ever.  Is it possible to slide down, launch through the rhododendron and into the river? We did not test it.

Steps to the swimming area.

There is a "beach" area to lay your towel and things. There are rocks to sun yourself on and slide down. I suggest using swimming shoes but they are not a necessity.

The water is very cold but generally not super fast moving, ideal for nice swim (or a lot of splashing).

Of note, the VIPP mailbox is located at the office on the supervisor residence. You will see a sign for it prior to entering the park area.