VIRGINIA SWIMMING
HOLES |
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ON STATE MAP BELOW: BLUE = swimming hole, GREEN = road trip dip (click here for info) , RED = hot spring. Hold cursor over map tags for info(click here if you don't see this info), then click to go to detailed listing. The map location is very approximate. Use our directions with a highway map.
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | LEXINGTON, LYNCHBURG, NATURAL BRIDGE, GLASGOW |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=37.56572, lon= -79.48064(source: Topozone) (accuracy: approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP LINK TO MAPTECH MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | East Fork Elk Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | This is a primo, classical swimming hole! Really nice pool in creek, always deep enough to swim, nice gradual slope, good for kids. Also a 4-5 foot slide into the deepest part of the pool and (sometimes) a rope to swing from. | NOTE: Wade in here before you jump! There are hidden rocks in the pool and the water is shockingly cold! Up the gravel road past the "pool" about .5 mile or less on the left, there is a piped spring where you can get fresh spring water which is safe to drink. (Said to be "verified"). The locals seem to think there is an entrance to an underground cave at the bottom of the pool and they also think it is about 30 ft deep at the deepest spot (others say there is no cave and it is not more than 10 feet deep!). The water temperature is VERY COOL. I would not recommend this place to those sensitive to cold. But otherwise, on a hot day, it is a great place to swim.
AREAS | George Washington N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Sliding, Rope swing |
FACILITIES | None |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Very nearby is campground at Cave Mountain Lake in Jefferson N.F.
which has a beautiful swimming lake. Tends to fill up on weekends and there are no
reservations. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | This is a great swimming hole but you must follow these directions very carefully to find it. Here are two ways: | From the Blue Ridge Parkway: (near Lexington and Natural Bridge) At Petit's Gap, which is at milepost 71, turn off on the UNMARKED unpaved road to the west, which is Forest Road 35. This is a winding, sometimes rough, gravel road. After you wind down the mountain for several miles, the road will level off and cross a small bridge over the East Fork creek and will run along this creek, with the creek on your left. You will pass several apparent parking pull-offs along here but ignore these until you cross over the second small bridge over the creek. The pull-off you want is .1 miles BEFORE you cross this second bridge. Go back and enjoy! From I-81: (near Lexington and Natural Bridge) Take exit 180, then RT 11 south to Natural Bridge. Then take RT 130 east to Natural Bridge Station. Then take RT 759 south to RT 781 east. RT 781 will run along the East Fork creek, with the creek on your left (RT 781 eventually becomes Forest Road 35). When you cross over a small bridge over the creek and the creek is now on your right, go .1 miles past this bridge and the pull-off for the swimming hole is on your right.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 6/01 |
DATE UPDATED | 6/18/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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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 | |
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A Family-Friendly 
Swimmingholes.info
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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 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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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.)
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 3/2003 |
DATE UPDATED | 3/25/2003 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | BLACKSBURG, RADFORD |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=37.24964, lon= -80.60908(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | New River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming hole in major river, can have strong currents,
be very careful. Not for children or weak swimmers. Popular with students from VPI and
Radford, sometimes crowded.
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AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Tubing (commercial tubing nearby) |
FACILITIES |
None |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Claytor Lake S.P is nearby, also has swimming
lake. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Blacksburg, take RT 685 (Price's Fork Rd.) west toward Radford
for 3.5 mi.. Turn right on RT 652 (McCoy Rd.) for 7.5 mi.. Go right on RT 625 (Big Falls Rd.)
and cross over railroad tracks. Go about 1-2 mi. (past commercial business on right; "New River
Junction") to roadside parking areas. Swimming place is here in river. Strong currents, be very
careful. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/15/1999 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | LEXINGTON, COVINGTON, WARM SPRINGS |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=38.06481, lon= -79.88817(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | Back Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Several deep swimming/wading places in creek an easy walk from the Blowing Springs national forest campground. Looks like it could be a good tubing place too since there is a trail you can easily walk back upstream. |
AREAS | George Washington N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, tubing |
FACILITIES |
None |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | At site. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary (near trail and campground) |
DIRECTIONS | From I-64 at Covington, go north on RT 220 to Warm Springs then go west (left) on RT 39 about 10 miles to the signs for Blowing Springs Recreation Area. (See also JEFERSON POOLS and COWPASTURE RIVER AREA near Warm Springs). Go to the back of the camground where there is a trailhead and sign "Back Creek Gorge Trail". Hike this easy, level trail which soon goes downstream along the creek and in about .5 miles (10 minutes) there is a major offshoot trail that heads down to the river. Here there is a broad, low falls across the river and a deep swimming place below. PHOTO . For another place, continue downstream about another .25 miles (5 minutes) to where there is a deep swimming place with large, flat rocks at the bank. PHOTO | I think this could also be a fun tubing place - put in near the entrance to the campground (there is a short trail right by the entrance that goes down to the creek) and take out at the swimming place mentioned above and walk back to the camground.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 5/04 |
DATE UPDATED | 5/18/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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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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Swimmingholes.info
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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 .
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 5/04 |
DATE UPDATED | 5/18/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | CHARLOTTESVILLE, FREE UNION |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=38.14050, lon= -78.55650(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | Moorman's River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Camp Albemarle is primarily an outdoor/nature educational camp for kids associated with the Albemarle County Schools. They (Elly Tucker) contacted us to say that they do have a lovely swimming hole in the river there and that groups NOT from Albemarle County are welcome. You must have a GROUP of 15 persons or more. The fee for day use (including to swim) is $5.00 per person. Overnight accomodations (bunk houses, boys and girls separately) are available for $5.00 per night, or you can set up your tent and camp there. Be sure to contact them (Phone: 434-924-6376) BEFORE you plan to take your groups there. You can e-mail Elly Tucker at elly@virginia.edu.
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AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, see above |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Wading |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
PHONE | 804-296-5820 (Chuck Pace) |
CAMPING | At site, fee. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Charlottesville, take RT 601 northwest. Be careful to keep on RT 601 as it turns several times! Before you get to Free Union, RT 601 crosses the Moorman River. On the left is 4-H Camp Rd. Camp Albermarle is here. See their website (above) for a detailed map.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 5/21/2002 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | MARION |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=37.87456, lon=-79.00281(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | Campbell Creek |
TYPE | Waterfall/Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming places in creek, pool at bottom of falls and others nearby. A 6 miles hike, round trip, much on the AT and a good bit of elevation change to get there. Good if you are looking for a serious hike one day, but otherwise maybe not worth the hike as the swimming holes are not the most impressive. |
AREAS | George Washington N.F.
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SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
none |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Backpack camping at A.T. shelter on trail. Nearby is car camping in George Washington N.F. at Sherando Lake, off of RT 664 south of Waynesboro. Crowded on summer weekends. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional - pretty remote |
DIRECTIONS | (Wear long pants, there is lots of poison ivy on this trail!) From Waynesboro, take the Blue Ridge Pkwy south to where RT 664 crosses it (at about milepost 12; Reed's Gap). Turn east (left) onto RT 664 and immediately there is a parking area on the right. Park here and find the A.T. trail that leaves this parking area to the south, intially just a path across a grassy field next to the woods. | Hike the AT trail south and in about 1.6 miles you come to the Maupin Field Shelter, a typical A.T. trail shelter (there is a spring behind this shelter for water, purify it to be sure!.) Here you will depart from the A.T. and follow instead the Mau-Har trail (so named because it connects the Maupin and Harper's Creek shelters using a short cut along Campbell Creek; an alternative to the A.T.). This Mau-Har trail does not receive as much use as the A.T. so it may be a bit overgrown with poison ivy. The Mau-Har trail begins to the left rear of the shelter as you face it and is signed after you go a few yards down the trail. After about 1 mile on the Mau-Har trail, the trail goes down a long log staircase to Campbell Creek, crosses the creek and follows the creek downstream on the other side. In about another .25 miles, there is Campbell Creek Waterfall, where it may be possible to swim. I think the better swimming hole is a short distance downstrream from here. See photos of both spots above.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 5/02 |
DATE UPDATED | 6/3/2002 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ROANOKE, BLACKSBURG, PEMBROKE |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=37.3673, lon= -80.5763(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | Little Stony Creek |
TYPE | Waterfall |
DESCRIPTION | Outstanding swimming place below a lacy 60 foot waterfall.
Somewhat strenuous 2 mile gradual uphill hike to falls, easy walk back down. Great
swimming if you can take the cold water. Easy, gradual entrance to swim, nice gravel
bottom, deep places further out. Can walk under falls also. Very photogenic area of New
River Valley. Very unsafe to jump from falls into pool. Near Virginia Tech. Mountain
Lake Resort (where "Dirty Dancing" was filmed) is nearby also. |
AREAS | Cascade Falls Recreation Area , Jefferson N.F.
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SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | $3.00 to park, bring exact change |
FACILITIES |
Toilets,
Picnic tables |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | White Rocks N.F. campground is nearest, in Jefferson N.F..
Continue west on Rt 460 to north on Rt 635 to get to White Rocks. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Blacksburg, go west on RT 460 about 18 mi to Pembroke,
turn north on RT 623 to Cascade Rec Area. It is a 2 mi hike to the waterfall.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 12/15/1999 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ABINGDON, LEBANON |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=36.9627, lon= -82.0524(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | Big Cedar Creek |
TYPE | Falls |
DESCRIPTION | Also known as "Big Falls". This description from a fan:" The falls are normally warm on a sunny day due to the creek being exposed to the sun most of it's winding path. The hole is at the foot of the falls and is approx 50' wide and 25' long by 10' deep. You can jump off the base of the falls on the eastern end fairly safely. I would tread in before attempting to jump in to insure depth."
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AREAS | Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve (State) |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping |
FACILITIES |
None |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | None at site. |
BATHING SUITS | May be optional |
DIRECTIONS | Cedar Creek Falls are in southwestem Virginia, about 25 miles north of Abingdon. From I-81 at Abingdon, take ALT RT 58 west through town to U.S. RT 19 north. Go about 20 miles to Business 19 into Lebanon. At the second light, turn left on RT 82 west. Go 1.1 mile to RT 640 (Glade Hollow Road) and turn right. Go 4.2 miles (at fork, stay right on RT 640, now called River Mountain Rd.) and turn left on RT 721 (a gravel road, signed "State Park Rd."). Go 0.8 mile to the parking area on the left. Two ways from here: | If you have a high clearance vehicle, drive past this lot and follow the rough stone road across the creek using a submerged bridge (this short piece is the only real rough section of the road). Drive 0.7 mile to the large parking area and park. If you don't have high clearance, park at the first lot and cross the creek on the swinging bridge. (It looks like you could swim right here at the bridge also.) Follow the path downstream a short way to join up with the road after it crosses the submerged bridge. Walk 0.7 mile to the large parking area. Either way, from the second parking area, find the trail on the left as you enter the parking area (large rock and sign) and walk along this trail to the north 0.2 mile - the falls are very visible on the right.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 6/2006 |
DATE UPDATED | 6/27/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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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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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | WYTHEVILLE |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=36.98073, lon= -81.18665(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | Stony Fork Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Water play/swimming hole at recreation area in Jefferson National Forest. Sandy beach. Easy loop hiking trail. This from a visitor in 2007:" This park is now closed and has been for the last two years - there is a metal gate that is locked. Foot traffic is allowed into the area. You can pull off the main road, and park on either side of the entrance up to the gate. A short walk down a paved roadway into the original park to the swimming area (1/8 to 1/4 mile). There are still some picnic tables there. Grass has sort of grown up some. Due to being closed, no traffic, this area is now very private and secluded. Bathing Suits would now be optional in the swimming area, there is good coverage from the trees, etc. There is a small sandy man made beach area just as you go into the swimming area, it is deep in the middle of the area. Do not dive in this area. Area is fed from a natural stream of water. No fee for this area since closing. No one bothers you there. There are several other places along the stream, where some short paths travel to the water, for wading, or play. Many secluded areas in this park."
|
AREAS | Jefferson National Forest |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
ACTIVITIES |
Water play, Swimming |
FACILITIES |
Toilets, maybe picnic tables |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | None at site. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional |
DIRECTIONS | From I-81 exit 70 at Wytheville, take RT 52 north about 6 miles to signs for the Dark Horse Hollow recreation area.
|
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 2/4/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | KINGSPORT(TN), BIG STONE GAP(VA), FORT BLACKMORE(VA) |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=36.8187, lon= -82.6324(source: Measured) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | Devils Fork/ Stony Creek |
TYPE | Varies- see below |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes in the Devil's Fork area of southwestern VA. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. [See also nearby "LITTLE STONY FALLS AREA" swimming hole.]
|
AREAS | Jefferson N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Sliding |
FACILITIES |
None |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | None at site, but primitive camping is allowed in the national forest. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional, very remote |
DIRECTIONS | These holes are not really close to anywhere! 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 619 north (past Rt 653) about five miles to the intersection of Rt 619 and Rt 657. (There is an apparent swimming hole and rope swing at this bridge - but may be on private land.) Go left on RT 619 over a small bridge. Then: | STONY CREEK [STON] This from a fan:" This hole is on the way to The Devil's Bathtub. It is a very large deep hole in Stony Creek, depending on the rain and season. It is close to a house but permission is not necessary and has always been granted to use the hole or to fish. Upon looking at the hole it appears 5' deep but it is near 12' most of the year. In crystal clear waters looks can be deceiving. There is a large tree that has been turned into a diving board. It can be very slippery." PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 LAT, LON [NAD27]lat=36.82069, lon= -82.61833(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: "After going over the bridge that crosses Stony Creek (at Campbell's Store ) turn right on RT 657 and go 0.5 mile. There will be a small bridge and you can park here. Walk along the creek behind the house that sits there and the hole is easy to find. Permission is not necessary but always nice to ask and he enjoys the visitors." Pretty confident. Verified by another. Updated 2/5/07. DEVILS BATHTUB [DEVB] This is deep pool of crystal clear water in a natural rock tub on the Devils Fork creek.Bathtub is a rock tub fed by a small waterfall on the Devil's Fork. The tub is about 14 feet long, 5 feet wide and looks like a bathtub. Narrow chutes lead downstream to a larger swimming hole. LAT, LON [NAD27]lat=36.81338, lon= -82.64778(source:Measured) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here; from the intersection of RT 619 and RT 657, continue on RT 619 for about another 0.4 miles, and turn left onto a narrow gravel road (FS 2631 I think) beside a white house with a chain link fence. Follow this (very rutted gravel) road for less than .5 mile, keeping right when the road forks. (If, instead, you go left at he first fork, there is an apparent swimming hole just past the barricade at the end of this short road.) You will come to a dead end at a circular parking area. Park here and, to find the trail, go up the wooden stairs (yes, stairs!) out of the circular parking area onto a forest road (there is a gate blocking this road.) This is Devil's Fork Trail. Follow it and, after about 0.25 miles, this road crosses the creek (keep in mind that there are several creeks in this area, the first one you cross is NOT the one you'll be following). Follow the dirt road for 150 more feet and look for a yellow blazed hiking trail to your left that goes into the woods. Turn left here to stay on the trail. (Do not follow the dirt road up the hill, this trail also has yellow blazes, but goes to the top of the mountain). You will come to another creek. Now follow the yellow-blazed trail up along the creek. All told, it is about 1.5 miles of pretty easy hiking (if you dont get lost!) up to the Devil's Bathtub. Along this trail you will come to several apparent swimming places before you get to the Devils Bathtub itself. Holes 1-4 (below) all come before Devil's Bathtub. The third hole is the main swimming hole, but it's not the bathtub. HOLE #1: The first apparent swimming hole you will come is early into the 1.5 mile hike. It is difficult to judge the depth from the trail, but it is only about three feet deep. It is also down the bank, so I would recommend skipping this one. PHOTO HOLE 1 . HOLE #2: The second swimming hole you will come to is a pool of water that forms where the creek emerges from flowing between two large rocks. It also has a large log overhead. The water here appears shallow, but it is actually about six feet deep at the deepest point. Do not try to jump off the log, there are submerged rocks that sick up further than they appear to from the surface. You might try jumping feet first from the rock across the creek, but be sure to scope out the right area to jump first. PHOTO HOLE 2 . SLIDE: Just downstream from Hole #3 (see below) where the trail crosses the creek, there is a sliding waterfall that goes down about 15 feet into a small pool. It looks like it would be fun to slide on, but it is actually pretty bumpy". The sliding waterfall is fed by the water spilling out of Hole 3. PHOTO OF SLIDE . HOLE #3: This is the main swimming hole. It is the largest swimming hole you will come to before the bathtub and it is fed by a small waterfall. It is about 10 feet deep at its deepest point. There is a log that stretches across the water. If you want to jump off this log, make sure to jump out far and don't dive head-first because the water is only three feet deep under the log. If you like to snorkel, bring your diving mask because there are some interesting formations under the water. There is a small rock canyon about three feet wide and ten feet deep where the waterfall spills into the pool. PHOTO HOLE 3 HOLE #4: From Hole 3, you can continue up the trail, or walk up the creek about 150 feet to get to the fourth hole and the Devil's Bathtub. If you decide to go up the creek, you might want to go barefoot. The rocks are very slick and there is no broken glass. This hole is fed by the small waterfall that spills out of the Devil's Bathtub. It is about five feet deep at its deepest point. You probably won't see this one from the trail, but you will see it when you get down to the bathtub. PHOTO HOLE 4 DEVILS BATHTUB This is the Devil's Bathtub (In September 2006 the sign pointing the way was a little ways upstream from the bathtub and was leaning against a tree. It's no longer in the ground.) This report from a visitor:" The Devil's Bathtub was one of the coolest things I have ever seen. It actually did look just like a large deep bathtub. The water in the bathtub and all the swimming holes was blue and crystal clear. I brought my diving mask and snorkel along, and the bottom of the bathtub looked really neat under the water. The bathtub was about 10 to 12 feet deep. This was also a very clean place, it didn't look like it got many visitors (probably because it's somewhat difficult to find and because the nearby Stony Creek swimming hole seems to be more popular). I didn't see any broken glass at all, and the only trash we found was a sock and one beer can, which we carried out." PHOTO A OF DEVILS BATHTUB , PHOTO B OF DEVILS BATHTUB , PHOTO C OF DEVILS BATHTUB , PHOTO D OF DEVILS BATHTUB . Very confident. Verified by another. Updated 1/5/2007.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | By another |
DATE UPDATED | 1/5/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | GREAT FALLS VA, WASHINGTON D.C. |
STATE | VA |
WATER | Difficult Run, Scotts Run |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Just north of the "Beltway" on the Virginia side are several parks with fine hiking trails that follow creeks down to the Potomac River. At some locations, people and dogs sometimes swim. I think it is great for the dogs, but I wouldn't recommend it for people! The headwaters of both of these creeks are in very urban developed areas and the water is not clean. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
|
AREAS | Great Falls N. P., Scotts Run Fairfax County Park |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Dog swimming, hiking |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | None |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS |
DIFFICULT RUN [DIFF]: A very nice trail ending at the Potomac River and runing parallel to Difficult Run creek. Near the lower end, there are 3 deep pools at the bottom of rapids. SEE PHOTO One must climb down sometimes steep paths to get from the main trail to these pools in the creek. THIS IS NOT A CLEAN OR SAFE PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO SWIM, for dogs it is great.
LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=38.9765, lon= -77.2381 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP | I received the following information from the National Park Sevice on 6/22/01: "I've had the pleasure of viewing your web page for fantastic swimming holes in the East. What a great job you're doing! Unfortunately, swimming or wading at Difficult Run, in Virginia, one of your suggested sites is illegal. Difficult Run is located in Great Falls Park, VA., a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Not only is swimming illegal there it is dangerous. At least one section of the creek is called "Splat Rock" and park rangers and fire and rescue personnel have already had to remove one unfortunate "swimmer" from the creek this year." "That unfortunate swimmer missed the deep part of the pool by inches but didn't miss the unseen rock under the water. Unfortunately, swimming anywhere in the park is illegal. Violators (swimmers) are subject to be fined by U. S. Park Police." "Your cooperation is needed. Again, please desist advertising Difficult Run as a suggested swimming hole. It would be even better if you informed your readers that this swimming hole is not." Walter E. McDowney Site Manager Great Falls Park, VA To get there: From Virginia side of I-495 (Beltway) exit North on Rt. 193 (Georgetown Pike) towards Great Falls Park. Go approx. 3.7 mi until you cross over Difficult Run. Road curves sharply to left, then right, then left again. Look to your left and you will see a large parking area. Park here. (If you get to entrance of Great Falls Park you've gone about 3/4 mi too far.) (On summer weekends, the small parking lot here gets full often. Unfortunately, there seem to be no alternative places to park nearby.) Walk on the trail on the left side of the creek, downstream, back the way you came, toward and under the Rt 193 bridge. After you have been walking about 15 minutes, you will begin to hear and see rapids off to your right in the creek. You will see rather steep paths leading down off the main trail to these rapids. The pools at the bottom of about 3 of these rapids are deep. If you get to the Potomac River, you have passed them. Here's how to get to one easily accessible and nice, rocky gorge to sun on the rocks: When you see a sign post in the main trail indicating "Ridge Trail" to the left, go off the main trail to your right on a smaller trail that goes down to the creek. Where this short trail ends at the creek are some major drops and pools in a large, deep rocky gorge. I would urge great caution here, it looks like very swift currents are possible when the water level is high. SCOTTS RUN [SCOT]: This is a Fairfax County Park with trails that lead down to the Potomac River, one of which follows Scotts Run creek. Where the creek empties into the Potomac is a very scenic waterfall with a large pool at the bottom where people and dogs sometimes swim. This water is not clean and I would not recommend it for people to swim here. LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=38.96792, lon= -77.20272(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP To get there: From Virginia side of I-495 (Beltway) exit north on Rt. 193 (Georgetown Pike) towards Great Falls Park. Go a very short distance and you will see the first of 2 parking areas for Scotts Run park on your right (not well signed- this is the East parking area). Continue past here and GO SLOW to the West parking area which is just around a bend (you will pass it if you go fast.) Park in the west parking area and take the trail along Scotts Run down to the river. At the river, walk upstream a short distance to the falls where Scotts Run empties into the Potomac.
CONFIDENCE | Highly confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 10/18/2001 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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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.
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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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | BLACKSBURG, PEARISBERG |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=37.18836, lon= -80.90036(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | Dismal Creek |
TYPE | Waterfall |
DESCRIPTION | Several falls, the water is deep enough under the upper falls to swim and places to jump. Locals often leave trash and broken glass; carry more trash out than you bring in, please - and DON'T GO BAREFOOT! | This from a visitor in 2007: "This area is in the National Forest, but is very secluded due to the tree coverage. Some very large flat rocks around water area, for laying out, swimming area is very private now, over the last few years, the tree coverage hides it from the road nearby. You can hear traffic if any comes, most goes on by. The road is at the top of the hill, and makes a 90 degree turn around area, although, swimming and other areas are now very secluded and private due to trees growing, hiding from road, which is a dirt/gravel road into national area, and campgrounds. Not alot of traffic on this road, almost need to know about it, to get there. Very nice for swimming, playing, laying out, secluded, private area."
AREAS | Jefferson N.F.
|
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Walnut Flats and White Pine Horse Camp are very nearby camping
areas in the Jefferson N.F. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional |
DIRECTIONS | From I-81 near Pulaski, Exit 98, take RT 100 north. Go 11.5 miles then left on RT 42. Go about 10 miles then turn right on RT 606. In 1 miles, turn right on RT 671 (FR 201). The pavement ends in about .5 miles then go another .5 miles to the wide place in the road (brown trash bins on the right) where there is parking for a limited number of cars. The (short) path to the Falls of Dismal begins here. There is a wooden sign set back in the trees saying "Dismal Falls". There is a pool under the upper falls big enough to swim.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 6/3/2002 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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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 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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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 north 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 (best place!) and continue to about 7.5 miles. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 10/08/2001 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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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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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | LEXINGTON, WARM SPRINGS |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=38.04628, lon= -79.79069(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | Underground hot spring |
TYPE | Hot spring |
DESCRIPTION | Natural hot springs at 96-98 degrees bubble up from a natural rock floor into large pools which are housed in old wooden buildings, one for men, one for women, built in the 1700-1800's. Very relaxing, quiet scene, with bubbles coming up from below to tickle and soothe. Fee of $12.00 includes towel and changing room, bathing suits are optional. Primitive buildings, no heat other than that arising from the warm water. Open 10:00AM to 6:00PM daily from April to October or November, depending on weather. A nice stop on a cool day. Near the famous, old Homestead Hotel and resort, well worth a look.
|
AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | $15.00 per person per hour. Hours are 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. From 10:00-12 noon under 18 can be in the pool, after 12 noon only over 18 allowed. |
ACTIVITIES |
Bathing |
FACILITIES |
Changing rooms, Toilets |
PHONE | 540-839-5346 |
CAMPING | None at site. Nearby are two George Wasington N. F. campsites; Hidden Valley (the nicest and closest) and Blowing Springs. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional (sexes segregated) |
DIRECTIONS | From Lexington, go north on RT 11 (under I-64) to RT 39, follow the very scenic RT 39 through Goshen Pass (see "Goshen Pass" swimming hole), through the town of Goshen and on to the town of Warm Springs (a total of about 40 miles from Lexington to Warm Springs). The Jefferson Pools are a couple of large, old whitewashed buildings in Warm Springs at the intersection of RT 39 and RT 220. Go to the gift shop first to pay.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 10/01 |
DATE UPDATED | 10/08/2001 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PETERSBURG, RAWLINGS, MCKENNEY |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=36.95200, lon= -77.76580(source:Measured by another) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | Quarry |
TYPE | Quarry |
DESCRIPTION | Flooded quarry used primarily as a family SCUBA resort. Can be
very crowded on summer weekends. Last report is that swimmers are admitted on their own on weekdays, but must
be with a dive group on weekends. WEB SITE.
|
AREAS | None |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, see website |
FACILITIES | Chemical toilets, changing rooms, picnic tables, no drinking
water | ACTIVITIES | Swimming, SCUBA diving, kayaking, no fishing
|
PHONE | 804-478-9000 |
CAMPING | On site. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From I-85 exit 39, go south on RT 1 to Rawlings Road, follow the
Lake Rawlings signs.
|
CONFIDENCE | Highly confident |
VERIFIED | By another |
DATE UPDATED | 11/15/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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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.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 7/2003 |
DATE UPDATED | 7/17/2003 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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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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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | LEXINGTON, BUENA VISTA, GLASGOW |
STATE | VA |
WATER | James River/Matts Creek |
TYPE | River/Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming places on the Appalachian Trail near the James River and near an A.T. shelter. A very pleasant 2.5 mile hike each way. Swimming holes near shelter will likely be very shallow late in the summer. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. (See also "Arnold Valley Pool" and "Ben Salem Wayside" swimming holes near here.) |
AREAS | George Washington/Thomas Jefferson N. F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
FACILITIES | Shelter and picnic table at Matts Creek Shelter. |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Developed camping nearby (south of here) at Cave Creek Lake. Primitive camping at sites along the A.T.. |
BATHING SUITS | May be optional, depending on solitude or crowd. |
DIRECTIONS | From I-81 at Exit 180 (Natural Bridge) go south on RT 11 to Natural Bridge, then east on RT 130 to Glasgow then south on RT 501 to a large parking area on the right (by the James River) for the Appalachian Trail. Cross the James River (impounded here behind a dam) on the spectacular foot bridge (a foot bridge named after Mr. William T. Foot, go figure!) FOOTBRIDGE PHOTO 1 , FOOTBRIDGE PHOTO 2 , FOOTBRIDGE PHOTO 3 . From here it is about a 2.5 mile hike (one way) to the Matts Creek Shelter as follows: | JAMES RIVER SWIMMING [JAME]: You could actually swim in the James River under the footbridge before you cross over. I was told there that some crazy local folk jump off the footbridge into the river but dont do it! After you cross the footbridge, you will come to a sign that says "A.T. S" (south) - keep walking. Very shortly you will come to a sign that says "A.T. N" (north) here you turn RIGHT (not left) and follow the trail upstream along the bank of the James River. In about 1 mile, you will pass signs that say "Camping Allowed" and "James River Face Wilderness". After this, the trail turns left (away from the James River) and begins following Matts Creek uphill. (Just before it turns left, there are some nice primitive camp sites on the right along the James River where one might camp and/or swim in the James JAMES RIVER CAMP/SWIM PLACE PHOTO . LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=37.60433, lon= -79.40131(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/06. Updated 8/25/06. MATTS CREEK SHELTER [MATC]: Continue hiking up the trail with Matts Creek on your right. DO NOT take a left at the sign which says "Matts Creek trail-RT 501" keep on straight and very soon you will come to the shelter and 2 little swimming holes. There may not be much of a swimming hole late in the summer when the water level is low - these pictures were taken late in the summer. SHELTER , SWIM UNDER BRIDGE AT SHELTER , OTHER SWIM HOLE NEAR SHELTER . LAT, LON [NAD27]:lat=37.5993, lon= -79.4137(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/06. Updated 8/25/06.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 8/2006 |
DATE UPDATED | 8/25/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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| 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 arund here. 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 |
Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | BLACKSBURG, RADFORD, PULASKI, PEARISBURG, NARROWS |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=37.27295, lon= -80.94476(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | Wolf Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | The town park for Narrows has a swimming hole, slate-lined, on Wolf Creek - official, diving board, sometimes lifeguard, free. |
AREAS | Narrows Town Park |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | No |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, diving |
FACILITIES |
Picnic Tables, Toilets |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | None at site |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From I-81 near Pulaski, Exit 98, take RT 100 north through Dublin and Pearisburg to Narrows, a total of about 30 miles. In Narrows, turn west (left) on RT 61 which runs along Wolf Creek. Go an unknown distnce on (scenic) RT 61 to the Narrows Town Park on RT 61. There should be signs. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/22/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | HARRISONBURG, BRIDGEWATER, MT.
SALON |
LAT, LON [NAD27] | lat=38.35858, lon= -79.08511(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | VA |
WATER | North River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | There are several fairly shallow swimming places in the river here
that are frequented by people camping in the Natural Chimneys Regional Park.
|
AREAS | Natural Chimneys Regional Park |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Yes, to enter campground |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
FACILITIES |
Picnic Tables, Camping, Toilets |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | There is developed camping right at the site in Natural Chimneys
Regional Park but not much shade, mostly open sites. Also a very nicely developed campground
nearby at Todd Lake in George Washington N.F. To get there from Natural Chimneys
Regional Park , continue on RT 747 west through Mt. Solon about 7 mi to intersection with RT 730. Take RT 730 north through Stokesville and over
the 1 lane steel trestle bridge (see "Stokesville 1" for swimming hole here at bridge)
straight onto RT 718 (don't turn RT onto RT 730, go straight onto RT 718). Continue on RT
718
past another swimming hole (see "Stokesville 2" for swimming hole here) then left on
FR 95, follow signs to Todd Lake. Has a beautiful swimming lake
also. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Harrisonburg, take RT 42 south (through Bridgewater) for
about 12 mi. to RT 747 at Mossy Creek. Take RT 747 west to Mt. Solon. Natural Chimneys
Regional Park is in Mt. Solon. The swimming areas are in the North River at the rear of the
campground; follow a well-worn trail from the rear of the campground down to the river's
edge. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 12/15/1999 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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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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Swimmingholes.info
