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.
(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.)
- Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park (Luray)
Josh Katz/YouTube Whiteoak Canyon Trail, Virginia, USA
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.
- Upper Little Stoney Falls
Curt Fleenor/flickr Little Stony Falls, Forest Rd 701, Dungannon, VA 24245, USA
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.
- Panther Falls (Buena Vista)
Amber Karnes/flickr Panther Falls, Virginia 24521, USA
Amber Karnes/flickr This beautiful Blue Ridge swimming spot has everything you’d want from a swimming hole: 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.
- Cascades Waterfall (Pembroke)
Merritt Boyd/flickr Cascade Falls Trailhead, 2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA
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 of $3 per car to access the trail/falls.
- Dismall Falls (Giles County)
Virginia State Parks/flickr Falls of Dismal, Virginia 24134, USA
Eric S./flickr Last, but not least on our list of waterfalls in Virginia that you can swim in is Dismall Falls. Dismall Falls is wider and shorter than most Virginia waterfall swimming holes. The unique formation of rock ledges look 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!
Josh Katz/YouTube
Whiteoak Canyon Trail, Virginia, USA
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.
Curt Fleenor/flickr
Little Stony Falls, Forest Rd 701, Dungannon, VA 24245, USA
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.
Amber Karnes/flickr
Panther Falls, Virginia 24521, USA
This beautiful Blue Ridge swimming spot has everything you’d want from a swimming hole: 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.
Merritt Boyd/flickr
Cascade Falls Trailhead, 2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA
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 of $3 per car to access the trail/falls.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Falls of Dismal, Virginia 24134, USA
Eric S./flickr
Last, but not least on our list of waterfalls in Virginia that you can swim in is Dismall Falls. Dismall Falls is wider and shorter than most Virginia waterfall swimming holes. The unique formation of rock ledges look 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.
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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The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls in Virginia that you can swim in May 06, 2022 Beth C. What are some of the best places to go hiking in Virginia? If you love the great outdoors, Virginia won’t disappoint. In addition to gorgeous scenery, the Old Dominion is also home to some of the best hiking trails in the nation. 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 Stonyman 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, and finally, the Chesapeake Arboretum. Learn more about these beautiful hiking trails in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls in Virginia that you can swim in
May 06, 2022
Beth C.
What are some of the best places to go hiking in Virginia? If you love the great outdoors, Virginia won’t disappoint. In addition to gorgeous scenery, the Old Dominion is also home to some of the best hiking trails in the nation. 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 Stonyman 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, and finally, the Chesapeake Arboretum. Learn more about these beautiful hiking trails in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you love the great outdoors, Virginia won’t disappoint. In addition to gorgeous scenery, the Old Dominion is also home to some of the best hiking trails in the nation. 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 Stonyman 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, and finally, the Chesapeake Arboretum. Learn more about these beautiful hiking trails in Virginia.
