Swimmingholes.info

Swimmingholes.info

BEN SALEM WAYSIDE (BENS)	PHOTO TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond A Road Trip Dip
TOWNS	BUENA VISTA, LEXINGTON
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=37.7516, lon= -79.3921(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	Maury River
TYPE	River
DESCRIPTION	Deep place in river at roadside picnic area is local swimming hole. Easy on/off if you get overheated while traveling on I-81. Stop at a cool, shady place for a picnic and a dip!
AREAS	None
SANCTION	Unofficial swimming, official picnicing
FEE	No
ACTIVITIES	Swimming, Picnicing
FACILITIES	Picnic tables, pit toilets (bad!)
PHONE	None
CAMPING	Nearest are: West of Lexington at Lake Robertson County Park and in Buena Vista at Glen Maury Park.
BATHING SUITS	Customary, very exposed location
DIRECTIONS	From I-81 at Exit 188 (Lexington, Buena Vista) go east on RT 60 toward Buena Vista a short distance to the well-signed Ben Salem Wayside on the left. Swim in river right there at picnic area. BE CAREFUL IF CURRENTS ARE STRONG!
VERIFIED	Yes, 6/01
DATE UPDATED	6/18/2001

Swimmingholes.info

BIG MARYS CREEK SLIDE (BIGM)	PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond A Road Trip Dip
TOWNS	STAUNTON, STEELE'S TAVERN, VESUVIUS
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=37.87111, lon= -79.20536(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	Big Mary's Creek
TYPE	Slide
DESCRIPTION	This is a very beautiful sliding place in a rock trough hollowed out by a small falls with a pool at the bottom. Can be busy with VCU college students and kids from a nearby camp. Go early in the day or camp at the site for an early start. This from a visitor in 2007: "...the water level was a little low for the slide to work. I managed to slide down, but the landing was a little rough (it still hurts a bit). Perhaps caution should be advised on using the slide when the water flow is not strong."
AREAS	George Washington N.F., St. Mary's Wilderness
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	No
ACTIVITIES	Swimming, Sliding
FACILITIES	None
PHONE	None
CAMPING	People camp right by the falls on a flat area but there are no facilities there. The closest established camping is at Sherando Lake in the George Washington N.F. which has a nice swimming lake. Also nearby is Cave Mountain Lake in Jefferson N.F. near Natural Bridge, which has a beautifully developed sites and a nice swimming lake. Both camping places tend to fill up on weekends and there are no reservations at either.
BATHING SUITS	Unknown
DIRECTIONS	From Staunton, go south on I-81 to Exit 205, (RT 606, Raphine/Steele's Tavern.) Go east on RT 606 thru Steele's Tavern to the junction with RT 11, jog left briefly on Rt 11, then right onto RT 56 toward Vesuvius. Don't take the first left onto Rt 608, but follow RT 56 until it splits and RT 608 south goes right. Take RT 608 south for about 2.6 miles to a gravel road on the left (called "Nature Camp Trail") with a prominent sign for a Nature Camp run by the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs -this is Forest Road 104 (unsigned). (If you go more than 3.5 miles on Rt 608, you have definitely missed FR 104.) Turn east (left) onto FR 104 which follows Big Mary's Creek. Continue up FR104 (gravel) for exactly 1.3 mi. to an apparent wide parking place on right side of road with a steep path leading down into the woods. It is a very short but steep climb down to the swimming place. (See also "St. Marys Falls")
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes
DATE UPDATED	8/27/2001

Swimmingholes.info

BIG ROCK FALLS (BIGR)	PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond
TOWNS	LURAY, ELKTON
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=38.4954, lon= -78.4241(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	Mill Prong Creek
TYPE	Waterfall
DESCRIPTION	A very nice, easy and pretty hike in the Shenandoah N. P. (about 3 miles round trip) to a lovely little falls with a small water play place) at the bottom (not really big or deep enough for swimming). Gradual entrance, not too deep, easy current. Camp used by President Hoover is also nearby.
AREAS	Shenandoah N. P.
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	National Park entrance fee applies
ACTIVITIES	Swimming
FACILITIES	None
PHONE	None
CAMPING	None at site.
BATHING SUITS	Unknown
DIRECTIONS	(See the book, "Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park", Hike #19, for more detailed hiking directions.) From Skyline Drive, drive to the Milam Gap parking area; just south of Milepost 52. The Appalachian trail crosses Skyline Drive here. Park and cross the drive on the AT and very shortly turn left onto the blue-blazed Mill Prong Trail (well marked by concrete post). Hike down this trail, crossing streams twice, until, just after the second crossing (about 1 mile total), you come to an intersection with a horse trail on the left (also well marked by concrete post). Do not go left on the horse trail but continue straight - the trail is now yellow blazed. Go about another .5 miles to where the trail goes down to Mill Prong Creek and crosses it - this is Big Rock Falls. The swimming place is at the foot of the falls. (If you continue down this trail a short distance, you will come to Camp Hoover and historical information about this place.)
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes, 3/2003
DATE UPDATED	3/25/2003

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BLUE HOLE - BERGTON (BLUB)	PHOTO PHOTO PHOTO PHOTO TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond A Road Trip Dip
TOWNS	HARRISONBURG, BROADWAY, BERGTON
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=38.75619, lon= -78.93769(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	North Fork Shenandoah River
TYPE	River
DESCRIPTION	Very nicely developed, safe swiming hole in river. Nice place to take kids. Rocks to jump from at various heights, depth good. Picnic tables, grass, shade.
AREAS	George Washington N.F.
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	No
FACILITIES	Picnic tables, Toilets
ACTIVITIES	Swimming, Jumping
PHONE	Unknown
CAMPING	None real close by, camping in George Washington N.F. some distance away. Brandywine campground is nice and not too far. To get there, go west on RT 33 from Harrisonburg into West Virginia to signs for Brandywine Recreation Area. Very nice campgound, lake swimming, beautiful setting.
BATHING SUITS	Customary
DIRECTIONS	From Harrisonburg, go north on I-81 to Exit 257. Take RT 259 west through Broadway, then about 15 mi more to Rt 820. Take Rt 820 west just about 2 mi to sign for Blue Hole on left. Enjoy!
CONFIDENCE	Highly confident
VERIFIED	Yes
DATE UPDATED	10/5/2002

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BULLPASTURE GORGE (BULL)	PHOTO TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond
TOWNS	STAUNTON, MCDOWELL, WILLIAMSVILLE
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=38.21331, lon= -79.59131(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	Bullpasture River
TYPE	River
DESCRIPTION	Long-time local swimming place in a bend within the beautiful gorge of the Bullpasture River. Wooden ladder up a tree with a high rope to swing from - be sure to swing out a ways if the river is low. Swinging foot bridge, gravelly beach.
AREAS	Highland State Wildlife Management Area
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	No
ACTIVITIES	Swimming, rope swing
FACILITIES	None
PHONE	None
CAMPING	Blowing Springs and Hidden Valley national forest campgrounds are southwest of here, west of Warm Springs. (Blowing Springs also has a swimming hole - see "BLOWING SPRINGS")
BATHING SUITS	Customary
DIRECTIONS	From Staunton, go west on RT 250 (very scenic and historic road) to McDowell then turn south (left) on RT 678 - set your odometer - you are going to go a total of 11.5 miles down this road to the swimming hole. As you approach the gorge, you will see the "Machen" retreat center on your right, then RT 609 also on your right. At 2.0 miles past RT 609 (in the Bullpasture Gorge) see on your left an unmarked gravel road that goes down to a parking area which has an information sign for the Wildlife Management Area. (If you get to Williamsville, go back 2.1 miles to this road.) Park and walk the swinging bridge across the river, you will see the gravel beach and rope swing downstream. There is another swimming place a bit further downstream from this as well PHOTO .
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes, 5/04
DATE UPDATED	5/18/2004

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COWPASTURE RIVER AREA (COWP) [2 PLACES]	PHOTOS BELOW TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond
TOWNS	CLIFTON FORGE, MILLBORO SPRINGS
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=37.95289, lon= -79.70336(source: measured) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	Varies-see below
TYPE	Varies-see below
DESCRIPTION	Swimming holes in Cowpasture River and tributaries. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS	George Washington N.F.
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	No
ACTIVITIES	Swimming
FACILITIES	None
PHONE	None
CAMPING	Lake Moomaw Rec. Area. (west of here) in George Washington N.F..
BATHING SUITS	Unknown
DIRECTIONS	From Clifton Forge, go east on I-64 and exit onto RT 42 north, then: PADS CREEK [PADS] A very scenic area along Pads Creek - not exactly swimming holes but several small falls with small, shallow swimming/wading places below the falls. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 , PHOTO 4. To get here from I-64 and RT 42 north there are two ways: 1) If you have a vehicle that can drive though sandy-bottom fords in the creek (probably 4 wheel drive, high clearance), go about 3.4 miles north on RT 42 then turn east (hard right) on RT 630. Go about 3.7 miles (through ford in creek, past Copeland) then go east (right) on Forest Rd. 129. Go about .8 miles on FR 129 to where the road crosses Pads Creek again, park and walk along the road. 2) Otherwise, to come at it from the north and not ford the creek, go much farther north on RT 42 to Milboro Springs (you will pass the turn off for swimming hole COW1, see below) , then take RT 633 east to Milboro. Continue on RT 633 another 3.4 miles south from Milboro, (keeping to the right where you have a choice, passing Bubbling Spring recreation area- a nice picnic area with a natural spring) and turn right onto Forest Rd 129. Go about 5 miles on RT 129 to where the road fords Pad Creek. Whichever way you go, park near this ford and walk along the creek. There are several small falls within .5 miles of here with small swimming/wading area below each falls. LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=37.89221, lon= -79.67896 (source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 5/04. Updated 5/04. COWPASTURE 1 [COW1] Nice, large swimming holes in the Cowpasture River. To get here, from I-64 and RT 42 go about 11 miles north on RT 42 then turn west (left) on RT 632. It's a dirt road. Go about .5 miles to the first intersection and take the righmost road at this intersection (ignore the confusing sign at this intersection.) Go another .3 miles to a fork in the road. There are two swimming holes here: First place: Stay to the left this fork and go about .7 miles farther to a parking lot overlooking the Cowpasture river. Park and walk on the path down the hill to the swinging bridge - don't cross the bridge PHOTO OF BRIDGE . There is a good swimming spot with a gravel beach just downstream from this bridge. PHOTO OF BEACH . There is also access across the bridge to the Hickman Draft hiking area and the National Forest. Second place: At the fork take the sharp right up the hill. The road goes about .3 miles across the side of the hill then down to the river (Rough road, requires some clearance under your vehicle. It requires 4x4 when it's wet. As an alternative, You could walk it easily.) Immediately at the bottom of the hill, you will see the river - turn left into a small parking area. This is near the canoe put-in. The swimming place is in the river right here. (If you get to the turn around place, you have gone a bit too far.) There is a big tree with a rope swing and a places for primitive tent camping next to the river which is about 25 yards wide and 10-15 deep at this point. PHOTO AT CANOE PUT IN . If you put in a canoe (or an inner tube) you can float around the bend to a canoe take out spot a little ways past the swinging bridge. LAT, LON [NAD27] lat=37.95698, lon= -79.69555(source:measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes, 5/04
DATE UPDATED	5/18/2004

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ELIZABETH FURNACE AREA (ELIA) [3 PLACES]	PHOTOS BELOW TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS	WINCHESTER, FRONT ROYAL
STATE	VA
WATER	Passage Creek
TYPE	Creek
DESCRIPTION	Swimming holes in creek along road and also smaller holes near picnic area and behind campground. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS	George Washington N.F.
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	No
ACTIVITIES	Swimming
FACILITIES	All facilities are at the campground or day use area.
PHONE	None
CAMPING	Elizabeth Furnace Campground in George Washington N.F. is very nearby.
BATHING SUITS	Customary
DIRECTIONS	Take I-66 to Exit 6 (RT 340) just north of Front Royal. Take RT 340 south then, at the first light, take RT 55 west (right) about 7 mi to RT 678. Take RT 678 south (left). (Set your odometer here.) You will soon enter the George Washington N.F.. and be driving alongside Passage Creek. The swimming places in the creek from north to south along RT 678 are: (For a good hike to warm up before you swim, turn left off of RT 678 at RT 619 (about 1.2 miles from RT 55.) at the sign for the fish hatchery and continue back this road until you come to a gravel parking area on the right with a sign "Massanutten Trail". Park and hike this trail (blazed white), along a gurling brook at times, climbing gradually for about 1.75 miles to a spectacular promontory overlooking the north end of the Fort Valley and the fish hatchery. Here, turn left on a tight switchback and climb a steep, rocky trail just a short distance more and you will come out on top of Buzzard Rock in a fragrant pine forest on a rocky floor and a steep drop hundreds of feet down to Passage Creek. This Buzzard Rock is directly above the swimming hole below of the same name, but there is no short cut down unless you brought a hang glider - you must go back down the way you came! It is about 3.5 miles round trip and will take you about 2 hours.) LAT, LON OF TOP OF BUZZARD ROCK [NAD27] lat=38.9419, lon= -78.3020 (source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP) BLUE HOLE [BLUZ] This is a traditional "Blue Hole", even marked as such on USGS and other maps, but it is steep and a bit difficult to get down to (as opposed to Buzzard Rock Hole below which is easy) but quite popular with local folk. To get here, on RT 678, about 1.7 miles south of the RT 55 intersection, there is a stone wall and guard rail along the creek. Drive just past this and park on the right in a parking pull-out. Walk back to about the mid point of the wall and guard rail and there are some low rocks by a deep place in the creek and some ways to scramble down there after you climb over the guardrail. LAT, LON [NAD27] lat=38.9458, lon= -78.3034 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. BUZZARD ROCK HOLE [BUZZ] Drive south on RT 678 and park at the SECOND paved, striped parking area on the right (about 2.5 miles from RT 55 or 1.3 miles from RT 619, the fish hatchery road.) Walk back along the road (north) until you get around the bend in the road (about .25 mile). Here, in Passage Creek, you will see a very large, flat rock sloping down to the creek. There is a deep swimming hole and small rapids to play in. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 . THERE ARE HIDDEN ROCKS IN THIS HOLE, DO NOT JUMP OR DIVE. There may be other swimming holes along this stretch of road also. LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=38.94296, lon= -78.30770(source: measuerd) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Family-Friendly Walden's Pond Road Trip Dip ELIZABETH FURNACE [ELIZ] Further south on RT 678 you will see signs for the Elizabeth Furnace Rec. Area. If you are camping, there is a short path to the swimming hole from the back of the family campground. If not camping, turn into the area signed "Day Use Picnic Area". There is a place to play in the creek right at the bridge to the picnic area but not quite deep enough to swim PHOTO BY BRIDGE. Go all the way to the rear of the lot, right hand side (south) and follow a path that roughly follows the creek south until you get to a clear place on the river bank that is across the creek from the campgounds. There is a small deep place at the bottom of a gentle rapid that is just big enough and deep enough to swim. LAT, LON [NAD27] lat=38.92589, lon= -78.32947 (source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes
DATE UPDATED	1/24/2006

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FOSTER FALLS (FOST)	PHOTO TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond A Road Trip Dip
TOWNS	WYTHEVILLE, PULASKI
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=36.88639, lon= -80.85897(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	New River
TYPE	Waterfalls
DESCRIPTION	Several small falls- tubing, canoeing-rentals of tubes and canoes. Maybe some places deep enough to swim but mostly shallow tubing place. Convenient parking areas so you can park a car downstream and drive back up to the tube/canoe put-in place. This is the headquarters of the New River Trail State Park. See more on Fosters Falls at the Wythe County web page. .
AREAS	New River Trail State Park
SANCTION	Official
FEE	Unknown
FACILITIES	Picnic tables, toilets, concession, rentals, restored train depot.
ACTIVITIES	Tubing, Canoeing, maybe swimming
PHONE	Unknown
CAMPING	Camping at site, by reservation only, call 1-800-933- PARK.
BATHING SUITS	Required
DIRECTIONS	From Wytheville, take I-81 north to exit 80 (RT 52). Take RT 52 south until it crosses the New River. Then take RT 608 east and follow signs to the New River Trail State Park.
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes
DATE UPDATED	10/10/2001

Swimmingholes.info

GOSHEN PASS (GOSH)	PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond A Road Trip Dip
TOWNS	LEXINGTON
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=37.8983, lon= -79.4064(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	Maury River
TYPE	River
DESCRIPTION	The Maury River goes through a beautiful gorge called "Goshen Pass" and there are several very fine swimming places along this stretch. (May depend on river level, at low levels the swimming holes are not apparent.) The drive is extremely scenic and is designated a Virginia Scenic Byway. [See also "Jefferson Pools"]
AREAS	Goshen Wildlife Management Area (State)
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	No
ACTIVITIES	Swimming, Tubing, Body surfing rapids
FACILITIES	None
PHONE	None
CAMPING	Closest is Lake Robertson County Park, near Lexington and Collierstown. Nicely developed, wooded county campground, near Lexington, VA. Go West on I-64 from Lexington and take Rt 60 and Rt 646 to Collierstown. Claytor Lake S.P is nearby, also has swimming lake.
BATHING SUITS	Customary
DIRECTIONS	Take I-81 to exit 191 (I-64 west) then I-64 west to exit 55 (just north of Lexington), go 12 miles west on RT 39 to Wilson Springs (see small sign) where the road will begin following the Maury River. From this point, there are numerous good swimming places, most very visible from the road. Measuring miles from Wilson Springs, the swimming places begin at about 3 miles (good place here). Also at 3.5 miles there is a dirt road to the right that leads to a parking area and swinging bridge. People have built little channels in the river there and there is a beach. Great spot for kids. Access points continue to about 7.5 miles.
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes
DATE UPDATED	10/08/2001

Swimmingholes.info

HUMPBACK BRIDGE (HUMP)	PHOTO TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond A Road Trip Dip
TOWNS	LEXINGTON, COVINGTON
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=37.79994, lon= -80.04614(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	Dunlap Creek
TYPE	Creek
DESCRIPTION	Swimming hole in creek below historic humback covered bridge. Very scenic park and picnic area, close to I-64. Swinging rope hangs from bridge. Check water depth, low and not swimmable in dry weather but a nice place to stop and wade and picnic anyway.
AREAS	Humpback Bridge Park
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	None
FACILITIES	Toilets, Picnic tables
ACTIVITIES	Swimming, rope swing
PHONE	None
CAMPING	Blue Bend camp ground in Monongahela N.F. in West Virginia is nearby and has a great swimming hole also (See WV, 71-BLU).
BATHING SUITS	Customary
DIRECTIONS	On I-64 just west of Covington, watch for a brown sign indicating "Humpback Bridge" (exit 10). Follow signs to park. Swimming place is under bridge. Sometimes too shallow to swim but a nice wading/picture-taking place.
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes
DATE UPDATED	12/15/1999

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LITTLE STONY FALLS AREA (2 PLACES) (LITT)	NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS	ABINGDON, KINGSPORT(TN), COEBURN
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=36.8700, lon= -82.4661(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	Little Stony Creek
TYPE	Falls
DESCRIPTION	Large pool at bottom of 25 foot falls, with rocks around.
AREAS	Jefferson N.F.
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	No
ACTIVITIES	Swimming
FACILITIES	None
PHONE	None
CAMPING	None at site, but primitive camping is allowed in the national forest.
BATHING SUITS	Unknown (probably optional)
DIRECTIONS	This hole is not really close to anywhere! [See also "Devils Bathtub Area" swimming hole.] On a map, look due north of Kingsport (TN) and southeast of Big Stone Gap (VA) to where RT 65 and RT 72 come together at Fort Blackmore, VA in Scott County. From the intersection of RT 65 and RT 72 at Fort Blackmore, follow RT 72 east through Dugannon heading toward Coeburn. Then: HANGING ROCK RECREATION AREA [HANG] You will pass this well-signed national forest recreation area on RT 72. Just after you turn in here, immediately on the left, is a gravel pull out. If you park here and climb down a short, very steep trail to the creek, there is a huge apparent swimming hole with large flat rocks to enter from. PHOTO . LAT, LON [NAD27] lat=36.8584, lon= -82.4486 (source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 7/2003. Updated 7/2003. LITTLE STONY FALLS [LITS] Continue up RT 72 (a total of about 10 miles from Dugannon - about 3 miles before you get to Coeburn) and turn west (left) on RT 664 (look sharp-there is no sign here). Take RT 664 about 1.2 miles and go left onto FR 700 (there is a sign for Little Stony Falls here). Go about 1.3 miles on FR 700 then go left (at sign) on FR 701. In about .8 miles on FR 701 you will see a sign for Little Stony Falls and the parking area on the left for the trail to the Falls of Little Stony. Hike down this trail (turning left) a short distance to the falls. (There is also an apparent swimming hole off this trail just after you turn left. PHOTO above falls . ) The trail goes first over a bridge at the top of the falls then continues down rock steps to a rock platform at the bottom of the falls by the large pool. PHOTO at falls . A very convenient place to enter and to swim from! LAT, LON [NAD27] lat=36.8699, lon= -82.4617 (source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 7/2003. Updated 7/2003. A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes, 7/2003
DATE UPDATED	7/17/2003

Swimmingholes.info

LONGDALE (LONG)	PHOTO TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond A Road Trip Dip
TOWNS	LEXINGTON, CLIFTON FORGE, LONGDALE FURNACE
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=37.78983, lon= -79.70247(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	Unknown
TYPE	Pond
DESCRIPTION	Very nicely developed, scenic, safe place, dammed-up pond in creek. Nice place to take kids.
AREAS	George Washington N.F.
SANCTION	Official
FEE	$2.00
FACILITIES	Picnic tables, Toilets
ACTIVITIES	Swimming
PHONE	Unknown
CAMPING	Closest is Lake Robertson County Park, near Collierstown. Nicely developed, wooded campground, near Lexington, VA. (Don't try to take RT 770 to Collierstown from Longdale Furnace, it is very rough and steep. Go back east on I-64 and take RT 60 and RT 646 to Collierstown.)
BATHING SUITS	Required
DIRECTIONS	From I-64 west at Exit 35, (Longdale Furnace) take RT 269 west a few miles to the signs for Longdale Recreation Area. Enjoy!
CONFIDENCE	Highly confident
VERIFIED	Yes
DATE UPDATED	12/15/1999

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MOUNTAIN RUN (MOUN)	PHOTO PHOTO PHOTO PHOTO TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond
TOWNS	HARRISONBURG, NEW MARKET
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=38.49389, lon= -78.70306(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Dont use google directions to get here!
STATE	VA
WATER	Mountain Run
TYPE	Creek/Falls
DESCRIPTION	Also known as "Fridely Gap Hole". Great little swimming hole at bottom of low, broad falls. About 20 feet wide, waist to chest deep, surrounded by rocks.
AREAS	George Washington N.F.
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	No
FACILITIES	None
ACTIVITIES	Swimming
PHONE	None
CAMPING	None at site.
BATHING SUITS	Optional (remote location)
DIRECTIONS	Follow there directions carefully - use your odometer! From Harrisonburg, go north on I-81 to Exit 251. Set odometer. Take RT 11 north (right turn) for 1.2 miles then RT 724 east (easy to miss, go slowly, right turn) for 2.1 miles (becomes gravel). At T intersection, take RT 717 north (left turn) for .3 miles then resume on RT 724 east (right turn) for 1.3 miles. Take RT 620 north (left turn) for .6 miles then RT 722 east (right turn) for 2.5 miles (stay on RT 722 through a number of turns). Then take RT 868 east (right turn) at "Camp Overlook" sign for 1.1 miles (this becomes gravel where it is signed Forest Rd 1613) to the end of the road. (Parking place is at 38.49656, -78.70946 ; you CAN use this in your car GPS. ) See the signs there for where it is acceptable to park - there is private property around here. Here are some alternative directions: From US-11 north from Harrisonburg, turn Right on Fellowship Road. Go 1.1 miles and go straight on Indian Trail Road. Go .4 miles and turn Right at Friedley's Gap Rd. Go 2.5 miles and turn Left on Mountain Valley Rd. Go .3 miles and take a gentle right at Armentrout Path. Go 2. miles and turn left on Airey Lane. Follow Airey lane 1.2 miles to marked public parking area. Trail Head is straight ahead. The road ends at a signed trailhead in the George Washington N. F.. Hike upstream on this trail about .5 miles almost to the confluence of Mountain Run with Fridely Run - about a 15-20 minute easy walk. Kids will enjoy the rock hopping - AND the swimming hole. The trail is not blazed but just follow the trail upstream - you may not see the creek always but you will hear it. You may have to scramble over a rock field and find the trail again on the other side. Near the end, the trail goes into the creek bed - you will have to rock-hop for a bit. Just past here is the swimming hole - a low falls over a broad and very sharp edged rock and a small, deep pool. This is the swimming hole (there may be others on the way up here depending on water levels).
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes, 1/06, 8/08
DATE UPDATED	8/28/2008

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NORTH CREEK AREA [3 PLACES] (NORT)	PHOTOS BELOW TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond A Road Trip Dip
TOWNS	ROANOKE, LEXINGTON, BUCHANAN
STATE	VA
WATER	Jennings Creek/North Creek
TYPE	Creek
DESCRIPTION	Several nice swimming holes near and in the Jefferson N.F. near I-81 and Buchanan. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREAS	George Washington N. F.
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	No
ACTIVITIES	Swimming
FACILITIES	Picnic tables, vault toilets at campground
PHONE	Unknown
CAMPING	Very nice camping at North Creek site, no reservations. To get here, continue on RT 614 to 3.3 miles from I-81 then turn left on FR 59 at the sign for North Creek Campground. There is another little (but delightful) swimming place in North Creek (with jacuzzi and little chute) behind site 13 in the North Creek Campground. )PHOTO . (You need to be camping at North Creek Campground to enjoy this one - no drop ins).
BATHING SUITS	The Jennings Creek swimming holes are very exposed and bathing suits are customary. Behind campsite 13 is pretty private - maybe bathing suits optional at night for a private group.
DIRECTIONS	From I-81 at Exit 168 (Buchanan) go east on RT 614 (set odometer here). Go across the James River. Then: JENNINGS CREEK 1 [JEN1]: Go 2.8 miles on RT 614 from I-81, slow down and look on the left side of road in Jennings Creek for the first swimming hole. (May depend on water level). PHOTO . LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=37.54708, lon= -79.61911(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 11/05. JENNINGS CREEK 2 [JEN2]: Go 3.1 miles on RT 614 from I-81, see on left side of road a large swimming hole in Jennings Creek (may not be easy to see as it is below the road level) - but do not park here - park at large parking area on the right just beyond the curved concrete bridge and walk back to the swimming hole. PHOTO . LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=37.54553, lon= -79.61578(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified. Updated 11/05. JENNINGS CREEK 3 [JEN3]: Swimming hole in Jennings Creek where the Appalachian Trail crosses Rt 614. Has provided cool relief to many a foot-weary and hot trail hiker! PHOTO . To get here from North Creek Roadside hole, continue on RT 614 (do not turn onto FR 59) to about 4.5 miles from I-81 where RT 614 will cross a bridge over Jennings Creek and the A.T. will cross the road here as well. The swimming hole is on the left at the bridge. LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=37.52936, lon= -79.62258(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/2006. Updated 8/06.
CONFIDENCE	Varies-see above
VERIFIED	Varies-see above
DATE UPDATED	8/25/2006

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OLD RAG AREA [7 PLACES] (OLDR)	PHOTOS BELOW TO LOCAL AREA MAP TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond
TOWNS	WARRENTON, SPERRYVILLE
STATE	VA
WATER	Varies (see below)
TYPE	Falls/River
DESCRIPTION	There are numerous (we list 6 locations) swimming holes at the bottom of falls and elsewhere in rivers in the East Central region of the Shenandoah National Park, in the vicinity of Old Rag Mountain (a very popular climb), south of Sperryville. All of these swimming holes require hikes of varying length and strenuousness to reach. They can all be hiked to down from Skyline Drive or up from the vicinity of RT 231, south of Sperryville or RT 211, west of Sperryville (see local area map). Several approach directions are suggested below in many instances. A fee is charged to travel Skyline Drive, but there is also a fee charged to hike up from lower end of several of these trails, depending on the season and weekend/weekday. For detailed guidance on many of the hikes described below, see the book, "Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park", or (archived) the on-line "Guide to Shenandoah N. P. and Skyline Drive" both of which include some of the hikes to swimming holes mentioned below. CEDAR RUN FALLS [CEDA] (TO LOCAL AREA MAP) (See the book, "Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park", Hike #14, for more detailed hiking directions) There is not only Cedar Falls but also several smaller falls and swimmable pools on this trail. LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=38.542, lon= -78.367(source: Topozone-p) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP To get there from Sperryville, take RT 522 south through town (a very short distance) then turn south (right) on RT 231. Go about 10 miles on RT 231 then turn west (right) on RT 643 for about 5 miles then make a right on RT 600. Continue to the parking area for Whiteoak Canyon (you may have to pay). Hike a short distance on the Whiteoak Canyon Trail, then, after you cross a bridge, turn left onto Cedar Run Trail. Follow this trail until after it crosses Cedar Run the first time (about 30 minutes from the beginning of Cedar Run Trail - it crosses right below the first falls then heads steeply up a hill on the far side - can be hard to see the trail here). You will see several falls beginning here, the uppermost and by far the biggest one (about 1.3 miles from the beginning of the Cedar Run Trail) , Cedar Run Falls (see CEDAR RUN FALLS PHOTO), has a huge pool at the bottom. To access this pool, you must go to the top of the falls, cross Cedar Run, then climb down the rocks along the far side of the falls. This crossing and climbing can easily be done at lower water levels BUT AT HIGHER LEVELS MAY NOT BE SAFE-use good judgment. At the top of this falls, there is also a large pool with a sliding rock to slide down into the pool, but CHECK WATER LEVEL TO BE SURE THIS IS SAFE. If you follow the trail on up from the falls, it will cross Cedar Run and then shortly (about 1.5 miles from beginning of trail) you will come to the Half Mile Cliffs, where there are also swimmiable pools at the bottom of the cliffs. f you proceed up this trail an unknown distance, just before you get to Skyline Dr.(at Hawksbill Gap) there are also more swimmable cascades HAZEL FALLS [HAZE] (TO LOCAL AREA MAP) (See the book, "Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park", Hike #11, for more detailed hiking directions.) Hazel Falls (also known as "Cave Falls" as there is a cave there) has a shallow pool at the bottom of the falls, not good for swimming. PHOTO OF FALLS However, a little further downstream, there is a rectangular-shaped pool enclosed in sheer rock faces, a deep pool which is suitable for swimming. Very Confident. Verified 10/02. LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=38.6355, lon= -78.2871(source: measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP To get there from Skyline Drive: A short distance south of the RT 211, Thornton Gap entrance to Skyline Dr. is the Hazel Mountain Overlook and jsut south of that is the Meadow Springs Parking Area". Park here and take the well-marked "Hazel Mtn. Trail" downhill to the east. At about 1.6 miles (there is a clearly marked post here) go left on the White Rocks Trail. Go about .8 miles on White Rocks Trail to another post which points to Cave Falls (Hazel Falls) to the right. Take this right path, which is short but steep with rock steps in places. When you get near the Hazel River, follow the trail to the right (upstream) and go to the falls. The pools are below the falls. ROSE RIVER 1 [ROS1] (TO LOCAL AREA MAP) Several fine swimming holes in the Rose River, some very deep and clear, rocks to jump from (be careful of underwater rocks). Can't see holes from trail, follow directions carefully! LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=38.5127, lon= -78.3879(source: Topozone) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP I received this report from a visitor in 2003:"We visited this swimmin' hole yesterday and had a great time. It was right where the directions said it would be, off the fire road and up river. I would suggest with younger kids to stay downriver right off the fire road, as getting up to the deeper holes was very difficult; lots of fallen trees, debris, thorns, and definitely not much of a trail, if any, in places. It was definite "bush-whackin'" as my husband called it. We all got very scratched up, but the water was great (COLD!). I guess if you're feeling adventurous, venture upstream for progressively bigger, deeper pools, but when we return, we'll stay lower. The pools there are big and clear as well, though not very deep. As an added bonus we saw a good-sized bear right on the fire road (probably eating the beautiful raspberries, which are plentiful right now on both sides of the trail). Don't forget your water shoes/sandals to protect your feet in the water!!!" To get there from Sperryville, take RT 522 through town (a very short distance) turn south (right) on RT 231. Continue on RT 231 to Banco, then go northwest (right) on RT 670 through Syria (see Graves Mountain Lodge swimming holes below). Stay on RT 670, it will turn into a dirt road then eventually end at a parking area for the trailhead. The hike begins on an old fire road, an easy walk, then at about 1.2 miles crosses a metal bridge. A short distance beyond the bridge, see a small fishing information sign on a post on the right side of the road. At this sign, there is a trail that goes off the road toward the river on the right. Follow this trail and go up stream. There is a place where it looks like the trail crosses the river-DO NOT CROSS OVER THE RIVER- stay on the south side of the river walking upstream. The trail is faint and disappears at places, continue on. After walking about 8 minutes, you will pass the remains of an old stone wall on your right. Just past the wall, several paths go down to the river, there are about 3 swimming holes here. The best is the uppermost- a very large rock across the river with several trees on top of it and a very deep hole below. All of this is about a 10 minutes walk from the fire road. ROSE RIVER 1 PHOTO GRAVES MOUNTAIN LODGE [GRAV] (TO LOCAL AREA MAP) This from a fan:"I found this swimming hole while attending the annual Bluegrass Festival that occurs at Graves Mountain Lodge the weekend following Memorial Day every year. It is a small swimming hole (in the Rose River), but it does have a nice rope swing that my kids were able to swing off as well as us older kids. The hole is actually about 100ft on the left (on RT 670) before the Apple warehouse that you see as you approach the lodge, which is about 300 yds further on the left. We stayed the whole week after Memorial Day and my kids and the grownups too had a blast hanging out watching people swing. By the way, the festival is pretty awesome even if you don't like that type of music. Just being around fields full of people camping and having a good time is incredible. All the mountains all around are beautiful and White Oak Canyon and Old Rag Mountain are nearby, so a nice swimming hole after a long hike is the perfect end to a day. I am a firm believer in leaving things better than you found them, so we usually take a couple trash bags to places like that to clean up so others can continue to enjoy." LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=38.48697, lon= -78.32575(source: Measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO. This is a large, all-summer swimming hole for the whole family. You can also eat a fine county-style meal and/or spend the night at the Lodge Check out Graves' website . To get there: Follow the directions above to Rose River 1, as you pass through Syria the swimming hole is on the left side of the road just before the apple warehouse (you cannot see the swimming hole from the road). There is a very wide grassy area there by the Rose River where you can park or you can park at the warehouse and walk back to the swimming hole. There is also a small place in the river right behind the warehouse that might be a nice waterplay place but not deep enough for swimming. Verified 10/08. Very confident. Updated 11/08. ROSE RIVER 2 [ROS2] (TO LOCAL AREA MAP) (See the book, "Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park", Hike #17, for more detailed hiking directions) At the far upper end of the Rose River, up by Skyline Drive, is Rose River Falls, a 67 foot drop into a large, deep pool with a flat rock alongside for easy access and sunning. LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=38.5319, lon= -78.4096(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP To get there you could hike up from below from the vicinity of ROSE1(stay on the fire road up to Skyline Drive, then follow the Skyline Drive directions). It is much easier to hike down from Skyline Drive (2.6 miles, round trip, steep in parts). Park at Skyline Drive milepost 49 (Fisher Gap parking area), walk to the north end of the parking area, cross Skyline Drive (carefully, there is a curve here), walk a very short distance on the fire road (100 ft) where you will see a trail on your right and a concrete trail marker post on your left. Walk down this trail; it is a horse trail for the first0.5 miles, then at another concrete post, the horse trail goes off to the left, you go to the right. In another0.5 miles you will see another concrete post, indicating that Rose Falls are .3 miles further. Here there are several small cascades then the 67 foot Rose Falls with an easily accessible, swimmable pool at the bottom. Further down is a sort of very steep chute between rocks and a very high, steep drop from the trail to the pool below this chute. DO NOT TRY TO CLIMB DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS CHUTE, IT IS VERY HIGH, STEEP AND DANGEROUS. ROSE RIVER 2 PHOTO WHITEOAK CANYON [WHIT] (TO LOCAL AREA MAP) (See the book, "Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park", Hike #14, for more detailed hiking directions). This is on a trail (White Oak Canyon Trail) that has 5+ waterfalls in a total 5 mile round trip hike if you do the whole distance up and back. The trail is steep in places, but you can hike to a nice swimmable waterfall and back in much fewer that the whole 5 miles. Several falls are easy to get to off the trail and have a large pool at bottom for swimming. As you hike the trail, be on the lookout AND LISTEN for the roar of the falls (you can't always see them from the trail). Bathing suits are optional in some of the more secluded spots here. here. LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=38.5565, lon= -78.3544(source:Topozone) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP To get there from Sperryville, take RT 522 south through town (a very short distance) then turn south (right) on RT 231. Go about 10 miles on RT 231 then turn west (right) on RT 643 for about 5 miles then make a right on RT 600. Continue to the parking area for Whiteoak Canyon (you may have to pay). Hike up Whiteoak Canyon Trail (past the left turn off for Cedar Run Trail). Keep hiking and listen for the falls. In less than 2 miles from the start, you will hear the first one (not visible from trail) that is just a short climb down from the trail that has a very large, swimmable pool at the bottom. FIRST FALLS PHOTO. At about 2 miles up, you will come to another falls with swimming at the bottom (fewer crowds here.). SECOND FALLS PHOTO. For notes on places further up, I have this information from a regular user: "Just above that spot the man trail does a switchback and you leave the river then climb UP for about another mile. It's quite strenuous and eventually you come back to the river above what I call swimming hole 5 ( I count from the bottom up). The easiest and safest way to get to the best spots ( holes 4, then 3.) THIRD FALLS PHOTO, FOURTH FALLS PHOTO. is to walk down the creek bed from that trail crossing. If you go all the way up the trail you eventually go to Skyline Drive near one of the big campgronds ( Big Meadows?) so you can walk down if you want . Once a person decides to walk down to holes 5, 4, and 3 you are in a pristine area where clothes are quite optional and you are secluded from all path traffic. I've seldom seen anyone there since it's hard to find and hard to get to. If you continue down past hole 3 there is a big cliff above hole 2 that you can walk down ( if it's dry) CAUTION- but there are a couple spots that are very dangerous. Even I get the heeby geebies in one spot. The safest way to get from 2 to 3 is actually to walk up the cliff face above spot 2 ( it's safer going uphill) . If you are brave and go for it..it really isn't too bad. Once you clear the first face it's paradise! from 3 to 4 there are realy about 5-6 places to swim and spot 3 is awesome. Spot 4 has a real nice place to swim and spot 5 has a great area to lay on the rocks and catch rays." NICHOLSON HOLLOW [NICH](TO LOCAL AREA MAP) (See the book, "Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park", Hike #11, for more detailed hiking directions) Small falls into a great hole, hidden by large rocks, not visible from trail. Can't see from trail, listen carefully! Bathing suits may be optional here, not easily seen. LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=38.5784, lon= -78.3029 (source: Topozone) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP To get there from Sperryville, take RT 522 south through town (a very short distance) then turn south (right) on RT 231. Go about 10 miles on RT 231 then turn west (right) on RT 643 for about 5 miles then make a right on RT 600. Go to the parking area for Nicholson Hollow Trail (not as far as Whiteoak Canyon parking) (you may have to pay). Hike up the road from the parking area a short distance to a concrete marker on the north side of the road where the trail begins. Follow this trail, it will ford 2 creeks, then follow the Hughes River upstream. After about 30 minutes from the start, you will pass an old stone wall on a ridge on the right, then you will hear a roar. Hike off the trail toward the roar (a short distance) and you will see a small falls from between rocks into a large pool. This is the swimming hole. NICHOLSON HOLLOW PHOTO
AREAS	Shenandoah N.P.
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	Yes, at the lower end (Sperryville approach) to Whiteoak, Cedar and Nicholson- $5 per person on summer weekends. To enter from Skyline Drive, the fee is $10.00 per car (good for 7 days).(1999 rates)
ACTIVITIES	Swimming
FACILITIES	None
PHONE	None
CAMPING	There are several established camp grounds in Shenandoah N.P. on Skyline Drive. The closest is Big Meadows, others are Matthews Arm and Lewis Mountain. These get full during busy times, some have reservations. Primitive camping is allowed in most areas of the N.P but you must get a permit and must camp a minimum number of feet from roads or trails.
BATHING SUITS	See above
DIRECTIONS	See above
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes
DATE UPDATED	10/03/2002

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RIP RAP HOLLOW (RIPR)	PHOTO PHOTO PHOTO PHOTO TO STATE MAP TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond A Road Trip Dip
TOWNS	WAYNESBORO
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=38.17010, lon= -78.79362(source: measured by another) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	Meadow Run
TYPE	Falls/Pool/Tubs
DESCRIPTION	An easy hike to a beautiful swimming hole! A primo swimming hole experience! A small falls into very large, deep pool with crystal clear water.
AREAS	Shenandoah N.P.
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	If you hike down from Skyline Drive, there is a park entrance fee, $10.00 per car. No fee if you hike up from below.
FACILITIES	None
ACTIVITIES	Swimming, Hiking
PHONE	Unknown
CAMPING	There are several established camp grounds in Shenandoah N.P. on Skyline Drive. The closest are Loft Mountain and Lewis Mountain. These get full during busy times, some have reservations. Primitive camping is allowed in most areas of the N.P but you must get a permit and must camp a minimum number of feet from roads or trails. There are some level places near the swimming hole and along the trail for primitive camping. Camping also in George Washington N.F., nearest is Sherando Lake, off of Rt 664 south of Waynesboro. Crowded on summer weekends.
BATHING SUITS	May be optional depending on solitude or crowd
DIRECTIONS	The Rip Rap Falls swimming hole is on the Rip Rap Trail which goes from Skyline Drive down to RT 612 north of Waynesboro near I-64. You can hike it from either end; the hike up from RT 612 below is shorter and easier. From below: Take I-81 to I-64 east at Staunton. Take I-64 east to exit 96 then take RT 340 north about 8.5 miles to RT 612 east near Crimora. Take RT 612 east for 1.7 miles to a left hand turn at a road signed "Black Bear Lane", also has a very small neighborhood watch sign. Take this left turn and go for about .1 mile then see a "private road" sign and a concrete post indicating "Rip Rap Trail". Go left again for about .9 miles to the end of this road at the trailhead. Park and hike up Rip Rap Trail (easy, level hike) about 1.7 miles to the falls and pool. Very confident. Verified. Updated 2/18/2003. From above: From Skyline Drive, milepost 90, park at the Rip Rap Trail parking area. Follow a short trail about 100 yards to the main Appalachian Trail. Turn right and hike the AT about .4 miles to the Rip Rap Trail. Turn left and hike down the Rip Rap trail. It is 2-3 miles down this trail to the carved rock swimming holes. All told, it is 8-9 miles round trip to go down and back, pretty strenuous.
CONFIDENCE	See above
VERIFIED	Partially, see above
DATE UPDATED	11/18/2005

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ST. MARYS FALLS (STMA)	PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 TO STATE MAP BACK TO HOMEPAGE A Family-Friendly Walden's Pond A Road Trip Dip
TOWNS	STAUNTON, STEELE'S TAVERN, VESUVIUS
LAT, LON [NAD27]	lat=37.93050, lon= -79.09967(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE	VA
WATER	St. Mary's River
TYPE	Falls
DESCRIPTION	This is a very beautiful wide but low falls with several swimming pools. NOTE: AS OF 4/2006 THIS TRAIL IS IN VERY POOR CONDITION FROM FLOODING - BUT PASSABLE WITH SOME DIFFICULTY. HERE IS A REPORT.
AREAS	George Washington N.F., St. Mary's Wilderness
SANCTION	Unofficial
FEE	No
ACTIVITIES	Swimming
FACILITIES	None
PHONE	None
CAMPING	The closest established camping is at Sherando Lake in the George Washington N.F. which has a nice swimming lake. Also nearby is Cave Mountain Lake in Jefferson N.F. near Natural Bridge, which has a beautiful swimming lake. Both camping places tend to fill up on weekends and there are no reservations at either.
BATHING SUITS	Customary
DIRECTIONS	From Staunton, go south on I-81 to Exit 205, (RT 606, Raphine/Steele's Tavern.) Go east on RT 606 thru Steele's Tavern to the junction with RT 11, jog left briefly on Rt 11, then right onto RT 56 toward Vesuvius. Go about 1 mile on Rt 56 then, before Vesuvius, turn north on RT 608. In about 2 miles RT 608 makes a right turn under a railroad bridge. Go about .3 miles past this bridge to Forest Rd. 41, called "St. Mary's Road". Turn east(right) on RT 41 and go past the "Blue Ridge Bear and Coon Club" to the parking area. This is a popular hiking place; there is a nice picnic area near the river by the parking area. Hike about 2 mi up the well marked (and well used) trail to the falls. The falls are the main swimming place but there are several very nice swimming places visible from the trail before you get to the falls. (See also "Big Mary's Creek Slide")
CONFIDENCE	Very confident
VERIFIED	Yes
DATE UPDATED	4/12/2006

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