Started in 2022, there are now over 50 Almost Heaven Swings in West Virginia. (The number was at 51 in July of 2025, but there were at least 2 more done since then.) The swings are placed in spots with views for an Instagrammable moment. Until the new one opened this past weekend, there was only one in the Eastern Panhandle, over in Morgan County, at Cacapon State Park (but alas, we went there too late in the season to enjoy it!) Now, Jefferson County has a swing in the historical town of Shepherdstown, WV. It is at Rumsey Monument Park, a tiny park on the outskirts of town, above the Potomac River.
It is still Fall, but we had snow in the morning. It melted off, and while gloomy, there wasn’t wind, and the 35° it was was tolerable.
The swing was installed in the middle of the park. There are 4 free parking spots in the park (1 is handicap only), with North Mill Street offering metered parking (25 cents) if the park is full. It is easily accessible for most people.
Now the best part? The back of the Almost Heaven sign has a cell phone holder so you can take selfies.
Jefferson County is at the end of the panhandle. The river separates us from Maryland.
It is a 2-seater swing and heavier than you might expect. And it swings fast!
It was fun to finally visit a swing, and I know the list will only grow for us in the coming year.
Rumsey Park is easily walked to from town, all on sidewalks. You can even walk past the now-restored Little House, which is nearly 100 years old (it is part of Shepherd University). Town Run (creek) cuts across town behind it.
~Sarah