Almost Heaven Starts Here
Location: 7162 Miracle Mountain Rd, Elbert, WV
Phone: (681) 251-8485
Almost Heaven
West Virginia is the most beautiful state in the Union.
We know others will argue that point — every state has its defenders. But West Virginia is different.
No other place is called “Almost Heaven.”
And once you’ve stood on our mountains… you will understand why.
Appalachia
West Virginia is the only state completely within the Appalachian region, and nowhere is that more evident than in the way our mountains surround us.
They don’t just stand.
They hold you.
They rise up like guardians, wrapping around towns and hollows, ridges and valleys — like a quiet voice reminding you:
You are mine.
Mountain Momma cares for us, protects us, and welcomes us home — no matter how far you’ve been.
Our country roads brings us all back home; especially, to McDowell County.
Swings
In 2022, West Virginia Tourism launched the Almost Heaven swings — placing large wooden swings at some of the most scenic overlooks across the state.
From mountaintops to parks and overlooks, each swing invites visitors to slow down, sit for a moment, and take in the beauty that surrounds them. In fact, there are now dozens of swings across the state, each offering its own unforgettable view.
Miracle Mountain
In June 2025, McDowell County’s swing found its home on Miracle Mountain, up #9 Hollow in Gary.
There couldn’t have been a more perfect place.
Miracle Mountain has long been part of McDowell County’s story — a place filled with memories, gatherings, and quiet moments. At one time, it was the home of the Sandlick Country Club.
A Dream
For one woman, it was everything.
Shelby Thompson, the caretaker of Miracle Mountain Wilderness Park, had a dream of bringing an Almost Heaven swing to the mountain she loved.
When that dream finally became reality, her joy was immeasurable.
She was one of the very first to sit on the swing, take in that view, and capture that moment.
Just one month later, Shelby passed away.
Shelby’s dream lives on in every person who drives that country road….
every visitor who sits in that swing…
every photograph taken against the backdrop of McDowell County’s ridges.
What a view it is.
From that seat, the mountains roll out in every direction — ridge after ridge, fading into the horizon. It’s the kind of view that stops conversation. The kind that makes you breathe a little deeper.
The kind that reminds you what Almost Heaven really means.
Chasing Views
Travelers now cross the state collecting photos of these swings — one by one, chasing views and memories.
Slowly, but surely, more of them are finding their way to McDowell County.
To Miracle Mountain.
To Shelby’s dream.
Home
While these mountains are home to us…
For visitors, they offer something just as powerful:
A reason to come back.
Make the trip to Miracle Mountain.
Drive our country roads.
Sit in the swing.
And when you do… you’ll understand why we call McDowell County our home.