When it’s summer in Virginia, there are few joys like dipping into a refreshing body of water. Fortunately for us, there are plenty of springs, rivers, and oceans in Virginia that beckon to us during the warmer seasons. Today, we’ll introduce you to a hidden gem of a natural pool known as Mountain Run Swimming Hole in Virginia. Of course, now that we’ve shared the secret, we trust that you’ll treat this natural haven with the utmost respect. This ensures that folks will be able to enjoy this clean and crystal clear water for years to come.
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Mountain Run Swimming Hole is located near Fridley Gap, just east of Harrisonburg. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but fortunately only half-mile away from the Fridley Gap Parking Area.
Google Maps
The Fridley Gap Trail is a challenging six-mile hike that offers stunning views of the Massanutten Mountains. Luckily, swimmers don’t need to complete the trek to access the swimming hole.
Silas Ademola / AllTrails
The Mountain Run Swimming Hole, also referred to as Fridley Gap Swimming Hole, is a natural creek-fed pool that’s the perfect size and depth for wading.
Jonas Hart / Google
A beloved local treasure, this swimming hole would be considered refreshing even on the hottest of summer days.
Casey Breneman / Google
The pool measures approximately twenty feet wide and is only five or six feet at its deepest.
Theresa Reasoner / Google
The modest, shelf-like waterfall adds a serene element to the pool and ensures that the water stays clear, clean, and quite brisk.
Doug Gooden / AllTrails
So the next time you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that involves getting in the water, you’ll know exactly where to go.
Nina Pastor / AllTrails The pathway up to the swimming hole is rocky, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife — it’s been reported that snakes also enjoy lounging in this area of the woods!
Have you taken a dip at the Mountain Run Swimming hole in Virginia before? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience — be sure to leave us a comment and tell us all about it! You can find out exactly how to get to this spot by accessing Google Maps or reading the directions here.
Google Maps
Silas Ademola / AllTrails
Jonas Hart / Google
Casey Breneman / Google
Theresa Reasoner / Google
Doug Gooden / AllTrails
Nina Pastor / AllTrails
The pathway up to the swimming hole is rocky, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife — it’s been reported that snakes also enjoy lounging in this area of the woods!
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Address: .49656 -.70946, 38 CA-78, Keezletown, VA 22832, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
mountain run swimming hole in Virginia May 19, 2022 Beth C. What are the best Virginia swimming holes? For some good old-fashioned fun, you can’t beat taking a dip in a swimming hole. As you learned in the article above, Virginia has several different natural pools to choose from. Not only do these swimming holes in Virginia help you escape the heat and humidity, but more often than not, they’re entirely free of charge! One of our favorite recommendations for epic swimming holes in Virginia is Cascade Falls in Pembroke. To start, it is positively picturesque, with a tiered waterfall that descends into a beautiful natural pool below. If you can, try to visit during the week to avoid the crowds of fellow hikers and swimmers. Another great option, and one that’s less popular, is Big Falls on Cedar River in Russell County. Located near the Clinch River, this swimming spot in Virginia can be accessed via a 3.9-mile round-trip hike. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful forested scenery along with a swinging bridge! If you find yourself in the Lexington area, be sure to check out Goshen Pass. This beautiful series of rapids and natural pools in Virginia lends itself to swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. It parallels Route 39 and is a popular place come summertime. Last, but certainly not least, Devil’s Bathtub is an iconic Virginia swimming hole. It’s grown in popularity over the years, so chances are, you won’t be alone when you visit. Its emerald blue waters have captured the imaginations of photographers and hikers alike and it’s easy to see why. Visiting requires a strenuous and lengthy hike, so be sure to keep that in mind. Learn more about some of the most popular Virginia swimming holes.
The OIYS Visitor Center
mountain run swimming hole in Virginia
May 19, 2022
Beth C.
What are the best Virginia swimming holes? For some good old-fashioned fun, you can’t beat taking a dip in a swimming hole. As you learned in the article above, Virginia has several different natural pools to choose from. Not only do these swimming holes in Virginia help you escape the heat and humidity, but more often than not, they’re entirely free of charge! One of our favorite recommendations for epic swimming holes in Virginia is Cascade Falls in Pembroke. To start, it is positively picturesque, with a tiered waterfall that descends into a beautiful natural pool below. If you can, try to visit during the week to avoid the crowds of fellow hikers and swimmers. Another great option, and one that’s less popular, is Big Falls on Cedar River in Russell County. Located near the Clinch River, this swimming spot in Virginia can be accessed via a 3.9-mile round-trip hike. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful forested scenery along with a swinging bridge! If you find yourself in the Lexington area, be sure to check out Goshen Pass. This beautiful series of rapids and natural pools in Virginia lends itself to swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. It parallels Route 39 and is a popular place come summertime. Last, but certainly not least, Devil’s Bathtub is an iconic Virginia swimming hole. It’s grown in popularity over the years, so chances are, you won’t be alone when you visit. Its emerald blue waters have captured the imaginations of photographers and hikers alike and it’s easy to see why. Visiting requires a strenuous and lengthy hike, so be sure to keep that in mind. Learn more about some of the most popular Virginia swimming holes.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
For some good old-fashioned fun, you can’t beat taking a dip in a swimming hole. As you learned in the article above, Virginia has several different natural pools to choose from. Not only do these swimming holes in Virginia help you escape the heat and humidity, but more often than not, they’re entirely free of charge!
One of our favorite recommendations for epic swimming holes in Virginia is Cascade Falls in Pembroke. To start, it is positively picturesque, with a tiered waterfall that descends into a beautiful natural pool below. If you can, try to visit during the week to avoid the crowds of fellow hikers and swimmers. Another great option, and one that’s less popular, is Big Falls on Cedar River in Russell County. Located near the Clinch River, this swimming spot in Virginia can be accessed via a 3.9-mile round-trip hike. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful forested scenery along with a swinging bridge!
If you find yourself in the Lexington area, be sure to check out Goshen Pass. This beautiful series of rapids and natural pools in Virginia lends itself to swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. It parallels Route 39 and is a popular place come summertime.
Last, but certainly not least, Devil’s Bathtub is an iconic Virginia swimming hole. It’s grown in popularity over the years, so chances are, you won’t be alone when you visit. Its emerald blue waters have captured the imaginations of photographers and hikers alike and it’s easy to see why. Visiting requires a strenuous and lengthy hike, so be sure to keep that in mind. Learn more about some of the most popular Virginia swimming holes.
