Rip Rap Hollow - Hike and Swim near Crozet, Virginia
Riprap Trail Parking,Crozet,Virginia
38.17760486806999, -78.76516180946697
8.3 miles NW of Crozet, Virginia
Address: Riprap Trail Parking
GPS: 38°10'39.4"N 78°45'54.6"W
Maps | Directions
State: Virginia
Trails/Routes: 6.1 mi

Hike and Swim

Rip Rap Hollow is a secluded swimming hole that makes for a great stop along the 10 mile loop hike in Shenandoah Valley. This is a difficult hike, but for those up to the challenge it provides incredible panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley. Along this hike hikers can also enjoy a waterfall view and views of the famous Chimney Rock. 

Hikers should park in the Rip Rap Hollow Parking lot and start the loop on Appalachian Trail. For hikers who want to take the ten mile hike over a couple of days, camping is allowed in a couple of primitive camping spots along the trail. These campsites have no amenities and should be kept in their natural state by campers. 

The Rip Rap Hollow swimming hole is a section of river that slows and widens into a 50 foot swimming hole. This mountain fed spring is cold and clear and makes for a beautiful spot to cool off after a long hike. 

Bathing suits: May be optional depending on solitude or crowd

Mapped Route/Trail Distances

Rip Rap Hollow Trail 6.1 miles
View on Map
30.5K Written by endovereric
4.2K Edited by tasiawhicker

More Information

Riprap Hollow Hike - Shenandoah National Park, VA | MyHikes

https://myhikes.org/trails/riprap-hollow-hike

Riprap Trail

https://virginiatrailguide.com/2010/05/28/riprap-trail/

swimmingholes.org VIRGINIA Swimming Holes and Hot Springs rivers creek springs falls hiking camping

https://www.swimmingholes.org/va.html
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Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Crozet, Virginia

  1. Head southwest on VA-240 W/Crozet Ave toward The Square (1.4 mi)
  2. Turn right onto US-250 W (1.4 mi)
  3. Merge onto I-64 W via the ramp to Staunton (7.6 mi)
  4. Exit onto US-250 E (0.6 mi)
  5. Sharp left toward Skyline Dr (495 ft)
  6. Turn right onto Skyline Dr
    Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days
    (15.4 mi)
  7. Turn left (115 ft)
or

Please DO NOT try to enter from Black Bear Lane as this uses a private road.

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Guest Review/Comments

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Alex Piper

5/24/20 4:28 pm
Lower entrance to Rip Rap is no longer accessible. Property owner blocked off the road entrance and posted no trespassing signs, and hand written sign says to access trail from the Skyline Drive.
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Trails

Distance ?

6.1 miles

Real Ascent ?

1,623 feet

Real Descent ?

1,644 feet

Grade (-14° to 11°)

-25% to 20%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.