Rapidan Rivers
Madison, Virginia
| GPS: |
38°26'37.6"N 78°22'10.6"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Virginia |
Rivers Fishing
Swim
Rapidian Rivers is a perfect location to cool off while enjoying the day at Shenandoah National Park. The water along the Rapidian Rivers deepens in several places creating several unique swimming holes. These swimming holes are all surrounded by lush forests and several are beneath small trickling waterfalls. These swimming holes provide a cooling respite in the heat of Virginia summer days.
The swimming holes are easily accessible by short hikes to and along the river. Making this a great break from normal Shenandoah activities.
Rapidian Rivers has a deep history and is known as being a beloved campground for many historical figures. This area is also known for its trout and catfish fishing. Rapidian Rivers offer visitors a great opportunity to connect with nature and history. These protected grounds are peaceful places to play and enjoy the cool clean water.
More Information
swimmingholes.org VIRGINIA Swimming Holes and Hot Springs rivers creek springs falls hiking camping
THE web site for beautiful, natural places for a cool dip or hot soak.
https://www.swimmingholes.org/va.html
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Madison, Virginia
- Head southwest on US-29 BUS S/
S Main St toward Church St (0.9 mi) - US-29 BUS S/
S Main St turns slightly right and becomes US-29 S (1.9 mi) - Turn right onto VA-230 W (3.7 mi)
- Turn right onto State Rte 662 (5.3 mi)
- Turn right to stay on State Rte 662 (1.1 mi)
- Turn right onto Rapidan Ranch (0.1 mi)
- Turn left to stay on Rapidan Ranch (0.1 mi)
Other Swimming Holes Nearby
Big Rock Falls
Syria, Virginia
4.6 miles NWA moderately challenging 1.5-mile trail follows Mill Prong River to a beautiful cascading waterfall with a swimming hole that fills up nicely at higher water levels.
Hike, Swim
Rose River
Syria, Virginia
4.9 miles NA moderately difficult 4-mile forested loop in Shenandoah National Park descending to the Rose River and a stunning 67-foot waterfall — wading is possible in some spots.
Hike, Swim
Old Rag Area
Crewe, Virginia
6.8 miles NSix swimming holes at the base of waterfalls and along rivers in Shenandoah National Park's Old Rag area, all reached by hikes of varying length from Skyline Drive or nearby routes.
Swim 2.8 mi
Cedar Run Falls
Oldrag, Virginia
6.8 miles NSix waterfalls, a natural waterslide, and a deep swimming hole reward experienced hikers who tackle this strenuous 8-mile, 2,794-ft-elevation Shenandoah trail.
Hike, Swim
Whiteoak Canyon
Syria, Virginia
8.3 miles NA Shenandoah hike featuring both a two-tiered lower waterfall and a classic single-drop upper falls — with cool wading spots along the trail for a well-earned break before the 1,040-foot climb back.
Hike, Swim
Nicholson Hollow Trail
Morning Star, Virginia
11.7 miles NAn 8-mile moderately strenuous Shenandoah hike past stream crossings, small cascading waterfalls, shaded forest, and the historic Corbin Cabin — wading is possible in low-flow conditions.
Hike, Swim 5.2 mi
Hazel River Falls
Sperryville, Virginia
13.2 miles NEA 5.3-mile moderate hike in Shenandoah National Park leading to two moss-covered waterfalls, a wading and swimming pool, flat sunbathing rocks, and small caves to explore.
Hike, Swim
Fridley Gap
Keezletown, Virginia
18.7 miles WA small, chest-deep swimming hole at the halfway point of a beautiful George Washington National Forest loop — cold all year and only 0.5 miles from the trailhead.
Hike, Swim
Piney River
Sperryville, Virginia
19.1 miles NMultiple swimming holes along Piney River — including one beneath a small waterfall — reached by following Cumberland Trail through the forest near Sperryville.
Hike, Swim
Rock Mills
Castleton, Virginia
19.4 miles NECLOSED. This property is owned by the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. Swimmers here without a permit will be prosecuted for trespassing. A classic all-American swimming hole with a tire and rope swing, a small sandy beach, and smaller pools for little ones — privately owned but open to the public near a historic country Baptist church.
Swim
Hazel Falls
Rixeyville, Virginia
22.6 miles NEA remote cool, clear swimming hole with a dual waterfall — an upper rocky overhang shelter pool and a deeper lower pool — reached by a mile-plus hike on Hazel Mountain and White Rocks Trails.
Swim
Charlottesville Area
Williamsville, Virginia
23.3 miles SWTwo swimming spots north of Charlottesville, Virginia — a fee applies, so check details before heading out.
Swim 3.8 mi
Overall Run Falls
Overall, Virginia
24.9 miles NVirginia's longest consecutive waterfall anchors a challenging 8-mile Shenandoah hike with rock scrambles, cool river rest spots, and a deep swimming hole for experienced swimmers.
Hike, Swim 6.1 mi
Rip Rap Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
28.3 miles SWA 50-foot, mountain-fed swimming hole on a difficult 10-mile Shenandoah Valley loop that also passes Chimney Rock and a scenic waterfall — cold, clear, and worth the effort.
Hike, Swim 15.7 mi
Sugar Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
29.6 miles SWAn 11-mile loop starting and ending at Sugar Hollow Reservoir, passing Blue Hole and Rip Rap swimming holes — a hiker's way to combine challenge with a cool dip in Shenandoah.
Hike, Swim
Overall Area
Crewe, Virginia
30.0 miles NSwim near Crewe, Virginia
Swim
Gooney Creek
Front Royal, Virginia
30.1 miles NCamp, Hike, and Swim near Front Royal, Virginia
Camp, Hike, Swim
Mint Springs Valley Park
Crozet, Virginia
31.8 miles SWTwo small lakes with sandy beaches, miles of forested hiking and mountain biking trails, a sand volleyball pit, and a playground — all in an eight-acre valley park near Crozet, Virginia.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
Elizabeth Furnace
Strasburg, Virginia
33.6 miles NA recreation area in the Shenandoah with 32 electric campsites, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing access, and a Passage Creek swimming hole with a log to jump from.
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb, Swim
Buzzard Rock Hole
Strasburg, Virginia
34.6 miles NA cold, clear, deep swimming hole below the iconic Buzzard Rock, with a sunbathing ledge all around — just note the rocky shallow bottom makes jumping unsafe.
Hike, SwimNearby Campsites
Gooney Creek
Front Royal, Virginia
30.1 miles NCamp, Hike, and Swim near Front Royal, Virginia
Camp, Hike, Swim
Elizabeth Furnace
Strasburg, Virginia
33.6 miles NA recreation area in the Shenandoah with 32 electric campsites, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing access, and a Passage Creek swimming hole with a log to jump from.
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb, Swim
Natural Chimneys
Mount Solon, Virginia
39.2 miles WTowering vertical limestone formations draped in trees and vines, with shallow river swimming holes, 2.5 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a well-equipped 135-site campground.
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
North River Gap
Mount Solon, Virginia
43.2 miles WA free recreation area with an easy 2.4-mile river gorge hike through lush forest, a wading and swimming spot in the North River, and primitive campsites for $5 a night.
Camp, Hike, Swim
