This Secluded Lagoon In Virginia Might Just Be Your New Favorite Swimming Spot
By Beth|Updated on February 08, 2024(Originally published May 25, 2018)
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
Is there anything better than discovering a new secret swimming spot? Hiding in Virginia awaits the most unexpectedly blue water right in the middle of Jefferson National Forest. While the trek is not for the faint of heart, your efforts will be well rewarded with this naturally beautiful landmark. Here’s more on the secluded lagoon in Virginia known as the Devil’s Bathtub, which may just be your new favorite swimming spot.
Please Note: Parking at Devil’s Loop Trail is limited and all visitors must respect private property signs. If you should arrive and see that the parking lot is full, consider taking a nearby trail, such as Little Stoney Falls or Guest River Gorge.
If the idea of meandering through a hardwood forest, crossing several streams, and testing your endurance along the way sounds like an appealing adventure, you'll want to set your sights on Devil's Fork Loop Trail in Fort Blackmore, Virginia.
The best time to visit Devil's Bathtub is during the week when water levels are relatively low. Before you take on your hike make sure you download the AllTrails app and use the Devils Fork and Devils Bathtub Loop Trail map to keep track of where you are on the trail. This is an important tool we use every time we go out on the trail and would highly recommend it.
Following along Devil's Creek, the rocky trail makes for a difficult and often slippery terrain. Be sure to lace up those hiking boots and tread carefully!
The whole loop trail will take you on an epic nearly 8-mile hike with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain along the way. The trail is rated as hard and will definitely be a challenge but the reward is also very great.
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After approximately 12 trying stream crossings, hikers will catch glimpses of the beautiful blue waters promised by Devil's Bathtub.
This forested oasis seems like an impossibility but just look at the breathtaking clearty of the water! Take a break and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the rippling sapphire colored water. We would suggest taking full advantage of this natural wonder and bringing a snack to enjoy along the way. Have you ever had a picnic with a view like this?
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The crystal-clear waters of this first swimming hole reflect shades of blue, turquoise, and even green depending on the time of day.
Make sure to explore the area and find the perfect spot to dip into the water. If one area is busy head on down the path to the next one. There should be plenty of room to make a whole day of fun in the forest.
After enjoying these fantastic water attractions, you can head back to the parking area or continue along the loop, which measures 7.8 miles in total.
Is this not one of the best natural wonders in Virginia? Directions to the Devil’s Fork Loop Trail can be accessed by downloading the AllTrails app. For more information on this hike make sure to open up the Devil’s Fork and Devil’s Bathtub Loop Trail page. As mentioned before, parking at the trailhead is limited, and private property signs must be respected. Have you seen this gorgeous attraction before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences!
This hike is located in the Jefferson National Forest which is a natural wonderland filled with tons of amazing trails to explore, make sure to check it out.
