While summers in Virginia are incredible, there are times when it’s necessary to get a little creative with ways to cool down. Thankfully, there are plenty of swimming holes that accomplish just that. And what’s better than a beautiful, natural swimming hole? A swimming hole at the base of a waterfall, of course. It’s the perfect summer escape, and finding one is as easy as locating the nearest one near you. You’ll love splashing around in these five stunning spots that bring you the best of Virginia’s outdoors. Here are some of the best waterfalls in Virginia that you can swim in.

(Please note: as with all swimming areas, it’s best to exercise extreme caution and use your best judgment on safety conditions when seeking out waterfalls in Virginia that you can swim in.)

1. Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park (Luray)
Whiteoak Canyon Trail, Virginia, USA
Josh Katz/YouTube
ByGraceIGo/YouTube
Whiteoak Canyon is one of the most popular destinations in the entire Shenandoah National Park, mostly because it has six waterfalls. Each waterfall, ranging in height from 35 to 86 feet, has a swimming hole at the bottom. These are popular destinations, so you can expect a bit of a crowd. But this incredible atmosphere will well be worth it. Learn more about what makes Whiteoak Canyon Trail in Virginia such an amazing outdoor experience.

Check out this video by @joshkatz:
2. Upper Little Stoney Falls
Little Stony Falls, Forest Rd 701, Dungannon, VA 24245, USA
Shawn Tackett/Google Local
MidwayMountaineers/YouTube
The 2.8-mile Little Stony National Recreation Trail was built along an old railroad and meanders along streams and gorges. There are two waterfalls located along the trail and the Upper Falls makes for a beautiful swimming destination. In addition to hiking and swimming, this is also a popular spot for fishing. And the coolest part of all? You can actually walk behind this waterfall in Virginia.

Check out this video by @MidwayMountaineers:
3. Panther Falls (Buena Vista)
Panther Falls, Virginia 24521, USA
Tim Russon/Google Local
Chris Pugh/Google Local
This beautiful Blue Ridge swimming spot has everything you'd want from one of the best waterfall swimming holes in the state: creeks for wading, and boulders for (careful) jumping. Panther Falls Road can be accessed from Rt. 60 from Buena Vista. This also makes for a great campsite. There's a lot to love about this gorgeous waterfall swimming hole in Virginia.
4. Cascades Waterfall (Pembroke)
Cascade Falls Trailhead, 2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA
Merritt Boyd/flickr
Chris Dilworth/flickr
Located in the beautiful Jefferson National Forest, Cascade Falls in Virginia will be your reward after a 2-mile hike. The falls are impressively large and make for a great resting spot, especially if you're in the mood for a little swim. There is a small parking fee per car to access the trail/falls.

Check out this drone footage by @heliflyer7:
5. Dismall Falls (Giles County)
Falls of Dismal, Virginia 24134, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Chuck S./Google Local
Last, but not least on our list of waterfalls in Virginia that you can swim in is Dismall Falls. Dismall Falls in Virginia is wider and shorter than most Virginia waterfall swimming holes. The unique formation of rock ledges looks like something of a staircase. This tree-lined swimming spot is especially refreshing, considering that it is in the shade for most of the day.

Access to such a variety of swimming spots in Virginia makes us grateful to live here, especially during the warmer months. Where are some of your favorite places to cool off during the summer? Do you have any favorite waterfalls in Virginia that you can swim in? If so, be sure to tell us. We’d love to hear from you!

Looking for related content? Check out our list of 12 epic swimming holes in Virginia that you’ll want to visit at least once.

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More to Explore

Waterfalls In Virginia That You Can Swim In

Beth C. | May 06, 2022

What are some of the best places to go hiking in Virginia?

Some of the best places to go hiking in Virginia include the following:

  • The most famous of all is the famed Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia. Yet nearly one-quarter of the entire trail is located in Virginia. You can enjoy the Appalachian Trail by taking a shorter day hike, such as Old Rag Mountain Trail. Yet you should note that this 8-mile trek is not for the faint of heart.

 

For some easier hiking trails in Virginia that belong on your outdoor bucket list, we'd recommend any of the following:

  • Blackrock Summit Trail in Crozet
  • Cape Henry Trail in Virginia Beach
  • York River Backbone Trail in Williamsburg
  • Red Rock Wilderness Regional Park in Leesburg
  • The Stoneman Trail in Luray, Belle Isle Trail in Richmond
  • High Bridge Trail in Farmville
  • Chestnut Ridge Trail in Roanoke
  • Roaring Run Hoop Hole Trail in Eagle Rock
  • Loft Mountain Loop via the Appalachian Trail
  • The Chesapeake Arboretum.

 

Learn more about these beautiful hiking trails in Virginia.

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