Summer calls for a dip in the water, and we have fresh mountain streams and rivers that you’ll find most refreshing on a hot day. Our list has been compiled through various avenues of research, including tips from local residents. If they love these swimming holes, you’re sure to as well!
Dismal Falls
If you are unfamiliar with mountain streams, let me tell you that they’re cold. Pack a picnic and refresh yourself in the Maury River at one of these public access points in Rockbridge County:
- Ben Salem Wayside
- Goshen Pass
- In the same vicinity is Blowing Springs Recreation Area, Route 39, Bath County. Check out the geological air duct that blows 58-degree water out of the rocks!
- Additionally, the Walton Tract along the Cowpasture River has a canoe put-in area that is frequented as a swimming hole.
Swim or wade at the base of a waterfall!
- Falling Spring, Alleghany County (see video clip below!)
- Whiteoak Canyon, Shenandoah National Park
- Dismal Falls, Bland County
- The Cascades at Cascades National Recreation Trail, Jefferson National Forest, Giles County
- Devil’s Bathtub, Scott County
- Campbell Creek, Nelson County
- Roaring Run, Botetourt County
- Nottoway Falls, Lunenburg County
- Big Falls at Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, Russell County
- Little Stony Creek Falls at Little Stony National Recreation Trail, Scott County
Choosing your James River access point can be tricky, as this gem can roar mightily in certain areas, especially after a heavy rain upstream. Try these locations, but never swim alone.
- Headwaters of the James, Botetourt County
- James River State Park, Buckingham County
- Pony Pasture, Richmond
- Belle Isle Historic Park, Richmond
- Jamestown Beach Park, Williamsburg
- Huntington Park, Newport News
Splash around in the oldest river in North America, the New River.
- Bisset Park, Radford
- New River Trail State Park, Foster Falls
Blue Hole – many river towns have a special swimming hole they dub “Blue Hole.” Aforementioned Goshen Pass is sometimes known as Blue Hole by locals and here are two more:
- A site James Madison University students and Harrisonburg locals call “Blue Hole” is located on Dry River off Rawley Pike (Route 33) in Rockingham County. A large boulder makes a fantastic jumping platform into this deep swimming hole.
- University of Virginia students love their own “Blue Hole” on Moormans River near the Sugar Hollow Reservoir in Crozet. This swimming hole is within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park.
Dunlap Creek flows beneath the renowned Humpback Bridge in Alleghany County. When the water’s high enough, it’s a great place for a dip. Otherwise, dipping your toes works, too, at this beautiful, historic site.
Dunlap Creek flows beneath Humpback Bridge.
Craig Creek Recreation Area is 130 acres in Botetourt County that’s available for camping, picnics, and of course, swimming! The water is gentle and perfect for families.
Blackwater Creek at Hollins Mill in Lynchburg is shallow for wading in to cool off on a hot summer day and is also an access point for the Blackwater Creek Natural Area and Trail.
While there’s no designated swimming area (like a beach) at Shenandoah River Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr. State Park on the Shenandoah River in Warren County, you can wade out and splash around or tube to your heart’s content.
Off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Rockbridge County at Petite’s Gap (milepost 71) is an unmarked gravel road (Petite’s Gap Road). Descend, winding, for several miles until you cross East Fork Elk Creek in Sulphur Spring Hollow. At the second crossing, pull off – your swimming hole is in that vicinity.
St. Mary’s River is home to St. Mary’s Falls, which can be found in Saint Mary’s Wilderness in Augusta County. This swimming hole includes a rock slide, which can be great fun if the water level is just right. It’s just south of the falls.
Please enjoy Virginia’s swimming holes with a friend; never swim alone. Also, follow “leave no trace” practices when experiencing any part of Virginia’s outdoors.
Which of these have you been to? Which do you love that aren’t listed here? Leave a comment to tell us all about it.
Virginia is for Lovers.
Request a Free Travel Guide.