Not that I’m telling you anything you don’t already know, but it’s been a fiercely hot summer! Cooler days are coming, but until then, what can you do to beat the heat? Well, if you have it, you can sit in front of your air conditioning… OR, you can run over to Audra State Park and rest in the shade of a cool cave or jump right on into the cold river.

A beautiful blue river cuts straight through this beloved state park nestled deep in the forest near the town of Buckhannon.

Audra State Park Management/Tripadvisor In addition to its beauty, the river also lays claim to a rich history. Decades ago, it was the site of a gristmill and the small community of Audra.

And on top of all that, the river is an excellent place to swim.

eternalspringsfarm/Tripadvisor Refreshing pools form a series of swimming holes along the riverbed that are the perfect place to cool off on a summer day!

Plus, along a boardwalk trail that runs right next to the river, there’s a huge overhanging rock that forms Alum Cave.

Audra State Park Management/Tripadvisor The overhang remains cool and shady, or at least partially so, all day.

So come park your towel on the sandy beach of the Middle Fork River at Audra State Park, and move to exploring Alum Cave when the sun gets too intense.

ProfExit1/Tripadvisor It will be a day well-spent!

And if this heat is still getting to you no matter what you try, just hang on for a little longer! Cool weather will be here before you know it.

Leah Stankus/Tripadvisor

But not too soon, please, because we have a few more days on the river to fit in before the snow flies!!

Knopprn/Tripadvisor

To learn more about Audra State Park, you can visit its website here.

Audra State Park Management/Tripadvisor

In addition to its beauty, the river also lays claim to a rich history. Decades ago, it was the site of a gristmill and the small community of Audra.

eternalspringsfarm/Tripadvisor

Refreshing pools form a series of swimming holes along the riverbed that are the perfect place to cool off on a summer day!

The overhang remains cool and shady, or at least partially so, all day.

ProfExit1/Tripadvisor

It will be a day well-spent!

Leah Stankus/Tripadvisor

Knopprn/Tripadvisor

For a completely different approach to cooling off, consider tackling this ice cream road trip.

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Address: Audra State Park, Audra, Buckhannon, WV 26201, USA