Locals Love This Hidden Gem Swimming Hole in Virginia

When my fiancé and I first started dating, I asked him—an adventure-seeker, through and through—what he wanted for his birthday. His response? “A waterfall hike...but that probably doesn’t exist in Virginia.” Intent on making his birthday wish come true, I set out in search and came across White Oak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park. With falls ranging from 35 to 86 feet tall, and plenty of places to take a dip, I learned that White Oak Canyon Trail and the Cedar Run Trail are widely lauded as one of the best scenic hikes in the entire National Park, and they happen to be home to some of the most noteworthy hidden swimming holes in Virginia.

That discovery was made two years ago, and since surprising him on his birthday with a day trip to explore the White Oak Canyon-Cedar Run Loop, we’ve been back numerous times, in every season of the year. All this to say, if you’re looking for a hidden swimming hole in Virginia with a waterfall to boot, the Cedar Run Watering Hole is ready and waiting. Keep reading to learn more about the must-visit swimming spot.

Why Locals Love This Hidden Swimming Hole

The White Oak Canyon-Cedar Run Loop is beloved for its variety of waterfalls and swimming holes. When you arrive at the trailhead, you’ll walk into the forest, cross a metal bridge, and choose your own adventure. If you fork left, you’ll encounter four distinct waterfalls and several swimming holes along the Cedar Run Trail; if you veer right, you’ll wander across six falls and a handful of swimming holes. Which is to say, you can’t go wrong either way. 

That said, if your primary goal is to enjoy a more hidden swimming hole, the Cedar Run Trail is the way to go, as the Cedar Run Watering Hole is secluded within the trees and requires a more strenuous ascent to reach. While the White Oak Canyon Lower Falls and shallow swimming hole are located on a beginner-friendly hike with around 400 feet of elevation gain, the Cedar Run Trail is widely considered to be intermediate to difficult, with a rocky 1,500-foot elevation gain. 

Of all the swimming holes in Virginia, Cedar Run Watering Hole feels particularly special due to its tree-shrouded location, 34-foot waterfall, and small pool that, at roughly 11 feet deep, is suitable for dips and jumps alike (always be sure to check the depth before plunging from one of the cliffs, though). If it weren’t for being clearly marked on the map, it’d be easy to miss, as, like my fiancé, not many people equate the state with natural water wonders. 

What Makes the Water at Cedar Run Falls So Clear

Another characteristic of Cedar Run Falls that many visitors don’t expect is the water's quality. While the shaded location of the swimming hole can make it more difficult to see through the water at certain times of day, when the sun is shining brightly through the canopy, the stones along the Cedar Run Stream bed are clear as day. And since the stream is largely fed by mountain runoff, snowmelt, and rainfall, it’s about as clean as it gets (until it reaches Fauquier and Prince William counties, where it becomes more impaired due to agricultural runoff). 

What to Expect During Your Visit

Cedar Run Watering Hole (and White Oak Canyon as a whole) is one of the best hidden gems in Virginia. It’s secluded, spacious enough for a swim while still being small, and features a rocky cove with plenty of space to sit and enjoy a picnic. Plus, dogs are allowed.

Some things to know before you go:

• Admission to the White Oak Canyon-Cedar Run Loop is $15 per person or $30 per vehicle. Admission provides access for a full week from the date of purchase. 
• Onsite parking fills up extremely fast, but there are numerous private overflow lots within walking distance that have spaces for $10. 
• The trailhead has a few porta-poties for visitors’ use. 
• Hiking out and back to Cedar Run Swimming Hole is about 3.4 miles; the full Cedar Run Falls Trail, however, is 6.1 miles. If you go beyond the swimming hole, you’ll find the natural waterslide, another standout in the park. 
• The full Cedar Run-Whiteoak Circuit is around 8.1 miles. 
• Mountain water runs colder. Prepare to feel refreshingly chilled, if not all-out cold. 
• The trailhead remains open year-round, but becomes notably more difficult when snow and ice are present. 

As someone who has visited White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Falls in spring, summer, fall, and winter, I can attest to just how stunning it is year-round. Personally, I find summer the best time for a swim, but that didn’t stop us from polar plunging during our New Year’s weekend getaway in 2025 or from taking a dip this past October. My best advice? Enjoy Shenandoah National Park’s best-kept secret, then cap off the day with a trip to The Apple House or Bald Top Brewing (both about an hour away) for mouth-watering apple cider donuts and wood-fired ‘za, respectively.