Posted in Virginia Nature May 13, 2022 by

If You Didn’t Know About These 11 Swimming Holes In Virginia, They’re A Must Visit

Looking for the best swimming holes in Virginia? You’ve come to the right spot!

Anyone who lives in Virginia knows there’s no better remedy for the heat than jumping into a swimming hole. Whether it’s a hike to reach them or a simple back road, there’s something so rewarding in discovering these hidden gems. With these incredible swimming holes in Virginia at your disposal, you can welcome the summer heat with open arms.

1. Blowing Springs (Warm Springs)
Blowing Springs, Virginia 24484, USA
katiebordner/flickr
Just a short distance from Blowing Springs Campground, visitors will find many wading places and some of the best swimming holes in Virginia to splash around in. This might also be a great opportunity for tubing, since a trail follows alongside the creek. Get more useful information about visiting Blowing Springs.
2. Cave Springs (Dryden)
Cave Spring, VA 24018, USA
DM/flickr
Cave Springs is one of the largest campgrounds in Jefferson National Forest, offering exquisite campsites and hiking trails. Just a little exploring will prove that there will be more than a few places for taking a quick dip. Learn more about what Jefferson National Forest has to offer visitors.
3. Panther Falls (Buena Vista)
Panther Falls, Virginia 24521, USA
Amber Karnes/flickr
The Panther Falls swimming hole is located just outside of Natural Bridge in Buena Vista. This VA swimming hole features a beautiful waterfall and is one of the more popular ones in the area. Here are more details about Panther Falls.
4. Blue Hole at Jennings Creek (Botetourt)
Jennings Creek, Virginia 24066, USA
tom ginther/YouTube
AwesomeInProgress/YouTube
Jennings Creek's Panther Ford swimming hole is beloved among Botetourt County residents. You might spot an Appalachian Trail hiker or two cooling off from a long day's hike here. For those just wanting a quick visit, there's a small lot near Route 614. Looking for something a bit different? Learn about more places to swim in VA.
5. Little Stoney Creek Falls (Scott County)
Little Stony Falls, Forest Rd 701, Dungannon, VA 24245, USA
Curt Fleenor/flickr
The Little Stoney Recreation Trail is located between Coeburn and Dungannon. The trail was constructed for logging and is now enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts. The trail features two beautiful waterfalls: one eight-feet long and the other 24-feet long. At the bottom of each are some of the best swimming holes in Virginia. Check out this writeup to learn more about Little Stoney Creek Falls.
6. Walton Tract on the Cowpasture River (Bath County)
Walton Tract, 9 Crizer's Gap, Millboro, VA 24460, USA
Paul Showalter/YouTube
Walton Tract is an area located on the Cowpasture River that provides a stunning view of wildlife and landscape. There are plenty of opportunities for fishing and swimming in these brisk and beautiful waters. Get all the details on Walton Tract from the Virginia DWR.
7. Roaring Run Falls (Eagle Rock)
Roaring Run Road, Roaring Run Rd, Virginia, USA
r6n69ad6/YouTube
Roaring Run Falls is another spot in Botetourt County, just a few miles northwest of Eagle Rock. The Roaring Run Creek is well-known for its excellent trout fishing, but the recreation area also has some great places to swim in VA. Consider turning this swimming hole adventure at Roaring Run Falls into a short hike.
8. Wolf Creek (Burke's Garden)
Wolf Creek, Virginia 24179, USA
Josh/flickr
Wolf Creek is a small tributary of the North River located in the lush landscape of Burke's Garden. The mountain spring water will be incredibly brisk due to its high elevation, but it's still a great VA swimming hole. The Virginia DWR website can fill you in with more details about visiting Wolf Creek.
9. Pony Pasture (Richmond)
Pony Pasture Trails, Richmond, VA 23225, USA
Kevin Kelley/flickr
Pony Pasture is an area of the James River that is one of the most popular spots for relaxing by the water. More specifically, it's a great spot for tubing and birdwatching, although swimming is always a popular activity. It's also one of the best spots for picnics that you'll find. It's important to check water levels of the James before attempting to swim, as this can be a dangerous area when currents are particularly strong. Learn more about recreating at Pony Pasture.
10. Overall Run (Rileyville)
Overall Run Falls, Virginia 22610, USA
Compass Points Media/flickr
The Overall Run loop passes one of the largest continuous falls in the state. There are many other smaller falls and streams that make for excellent swimming holes in Virginia. Photographed above is the sister waterfall, accessed via 697. Check out this writeup on Overall Run to help plan your visit.
11. Cascades Waterfall (Pembroke)
Cascade Falls Trailhead, 2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA
Chris Dilworth/flickr
This southwestern Virginia spot is one of the most pristine waterfall trails in the state. Seeing the Cascades is often the motivation for those who embark on this trail, especially considering it's one of the best swimming spots in Virginia. Read up on the details of this hike to Cascades Waterfall.

The true beauty of VA swimming holes is that most of them are unnamed, just waiting to be stumbled upon by hikers and other folks enjoying a beautiful summer day. You just never know where your new favorite spot might appear. What are some of your favorite places to swim in VA? Let us know in the comments!

Address: Blowing Springs, Virginia 24484, USA
Address: Cave Spring, VA 24018, USA
Address: Panther Falls, Virginia 24521, USA
Address: Jennings Creek, Virginia 24066, USA
Address: Little Stony Falls, Forest Rd 701, Dungannon, VA 24245, USA
Address: Walton Tract, 9 Crizer's Gap, Millboro, VA 24460, USA
Address: Roaring Run Road, Roaring Run Rd, Virginia, USA
Address: Wolf Creek, Virginia 24179, USA
Address: Pony Pasture Trails, Richmond, VA 23225, USA
Address: Overall Run Falls, Virginia 22610, USA
Address: Cascade Falls Trailhead, 2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

best swimming holes in virginia

May 19, 2022
Rachel Raimondi

What is the hottest month of the year in Virginia?

Like any Mid-Atlantic state, Virginia experiences its warmest months and highest temperatures in the summertime. Specifically, the month of July is its hottest. The average temperature is about 80, but don’t be surprised to find many days where the mercury rises to the high 80s and low 90s. The hottest temperature the state ever had was 110 way back in July of 1954. Luckily, there are plenty of swimming holes in Virginia to head to when you need to cool off.

Which beach in Virginia has the most pristine sand?

Being as though the state has nearly 50,000 miles of streams and river, more than 300,000 acres of lakes, and access to both an ocean and a bay, it’s no surprise that you can find a lot of great beaches and places to swim in VA. But one of the very best with the most immaculate sand is located on Tangier Island on the Chesapeake Bay. It’s super secluded, which might be due to the fact that it’s not that easy to get there. But if you do, be prepared to be amazed. Learn more about this beautiful beach.

What are the most easily accessible hikes in Virginia?

The Old Dominion State has tons of trails to explore (including those within the 311-square-mile Shenandoah National Park), and many of them are easily accessible. High Bridge Trail runs 30 miles through Cumberland, Nottoway, and Prince Edward counties. Along this crushed stone surface, you’ll be able to take in gorgeous Appomattox River views. Over in Ridgeway, there is the Richard P. Gravely Jr. Nature Preserve, where you can head along two miles of wooded trail that heads by the Smith River with an assortment of flora to take in, such as rhododendrons. And there’s plenty more easy hikes in Virginia if you’re interested!

Address: Blowing Springs, Virginia 24484, USA
Address: Cave Spring, VA 24018, USA
Address: Panther Falls, Virginia 24521, USA
Address: Jennings Creek, Virginia 24066, USA
Address: Little Stony Falls, Forest Rd 701, Dungannon, VA 24245, USA
Address: Walton Tract, 9 Crizer's Gap, Millboro, VA 24460, USA
Address: Roaring Run Road, Roaring Run Rd, Virginia, USA
Address: Wolf Creek, Virginia 24179, USA
Address: Pony Pasture Trails, Richmond, VA 23225, USA
Address: Overall Run Falls, Virginia 22610, USA
Address: Cascade Falls Trailhead, 2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA