30+ Freshwater Swimming Holes in Virginia

Warm temperatures call for a dip in the water, and Virginia has 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!

Note: Please enjoy Virginia's swimming holes with a friend; never swim alone. Follow Leave No Trace practices when experiencing any part of Virginia's outdoors.

Mountain Streams

If you are unfamiliar with mountain streams, trust us when we tell you—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—You're likely to see anglers and swimmers wading in the waters at this popular access point.

Goshen Pass—Access the waters of Virginia's oldest state-managed natural area via Route 39 or across a swinging bridge over the Maury River. 

Don't Miss: In the same vicinity is Blowing Springs Recreation Area in Bath County. Check out the geological air duct that blows 58-degree water out of the rocks!

The Walton Tract along the Cowpasture River has a canoe put-in area that is frequented as a swimming hole.

Waterfalls

Virginia has plenty of waterfalls, and several that allow you to swim or wade at the base. Here are a few of our recommendations. 

• Whiteoak Canyon, Shenandoah National Park
• Dismal Falls, Bland County
• Campbell Creek, Nelson County
• Roaring Run, Botetourt County
• Nottoway Falls, Lunenburg County
• Roaring Run, Eagle Rock
• Big Falls at Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, Russell County
• Little Stony Creek Falls at Little Stony National Recreation Trail, Scott County

James River

As Virginia's largest river, the mighty James offers a bounty of opportunities for a swim. Choosing your James River access point can be tricky, as this gem can roar powerfully in certain areas, especially after a heavy rain upstream. Try these locations, but remember never to swim alone.

Pro tip: Follow these safety guidelines from the James River Association when out on the water. 

• Headwaters of the James, Botetourt County
• Horseshoe Bend, Scottsville
• James River State Park, Buckingham County
• Pony Pasture, Richmond
• Belle Isle Historic Park, Richmond
• Jamestown Beach Park, Williamsburg
• Huntington Park, Newport News

More Swimming Holes

New River Trail State Park—Splash around in the oldest river in North America, the New River, at New River Trail State Park in Foster Falls.

Blue Hole on Moormans River—Located near the Sugar Hollow Reservoir in Crozet, this swimming hole is within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park.

Fun fact: A "blue hole" is a common way to refer to a swimming hole, so you may find similar language in other towns around Virginia. 

Dunlap Creek—This creek flows beneath the renowned Humpback Bridge in Alleghany County. When the water's high enough, it's a great place for a dip and enjoy a beautiful, historic site.

Craig Creek Recreation Area—This is 130 acres in Botetourt County that's available for camping, picnics, and of course, swimming! The water is gentle and perfect for families.

Shenandoah River—While there's no designated swimming area (like a beach) at Shenandoah River Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. State Park in Warren County, you can wade out and splash around or tube to your heart's content.

East Fork Elk Creek—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 Falls—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.