St. Mary's Falls
Raphine, Virginia
Hike and Swim
St. Mary's Falls is a beautiful swimming hole located in St. Mary's Wilderness. This unique swimming hole has beautiful blue green water and unique rock formations. These low rocks provide a great jump off point for swimmers. Swimmers should check water depth before jumping. The cascading falls create a cool water swimming hole even on the hottest of days.
To find St. Mary's Falls hikers need to head to St. Mary's Wilderness in George Washington National Forrest. The path to the falls is marked by ribbons with written instructions. The hike is 4.4 Miles out and back with very little elevation change. Hikers should keep St. Mary's river on their left while hiking and look for a pink ribbon marking where to cross to the other side.
This invigorating hike and swimming hole make for wonderful locations to visit and explore in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.Read More
Directions
- Get directions on Google Maps


Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby

Campbell Creek
Tyro, Virginia
6.5 miles SESwimming places in creek, pool at bottom of falls and others nearby. A 6 miles hike, round trip, much on the AT and a good bit of elevation change to get there. Good if you are looking for a serious...
Swim
Big Marys Creek Slide
Vesuvius, Virginia
7.1 miles SWBig Mary's Creek Slide is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It is popular because of its beautiful waterfalls, cool clear water and the natural waterslide. The waterslide...
Swim
Pauls Creek
Nellysford, Virginia
12.7 miles EPaul's Creek Trail is a beautiful short hike to a unique little swimming hole. From the parking lot to the waterfall and back is a quick and easy 1.2 mile hike. This makes this a beautiful hike...
Hike, Swim
Panther Falls
Amherst, Virginia
18.6 miles SWSwim near Amherst, Virginia
Swim
Ben Salem Wayside
Lexington, Virginia
20.2 miles SWSwim near Lexington, Virginia
Swim
Mint Springs Valley Park
Crozet, Virginia
22.6 miles NEMint Springs Valley Park is a beautiful eight acre park with a variety of activities to enjoy. The park has two small lakes with beaches and is surrounded by forests with miles of trails. The park...
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim 15.6 mi
Sugar Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
23.7 miles NESugar Hollow Loop is an 11 mile hiking loop that starts and ends and Sugar Hollow Reservoir. While no swimming and boating are allowed at the reservoir, this is a fun place to enjoy the beautiful...
Hike, Swim 6.1 mi
Rip Rap Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
24.9 miles NERip 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...
Hike, Swim
Matts Creek Area
Clifton Forge, Virginia
27.9 miles SWSwimming places on the Appalachian Trail near the James River and near an A.T. shelter. A very pleasant 2.5 mile hike each way. Swimming holes near shelter will likely be very...
Swim
Stokesville Campground
Madison, Virginia
29.4 miles NSwim near Madison, Virginia
Swim
Natural Chimneys
Mount Solon, Virginia
29.6 miles NNatural Chimneys is known for its beautiful vertical limestone formations. These formations are coated with trees and vines and surrounded by rushing river water giving visitors an otherworldly view....
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
North River Gap
Mount Solon, Virginia
29.9 miles NNorth River Gap is a recreation area between Todd Lake and Stokesville Campground. Though smaller, North River Gap is well worth exploring and enjoying its unique features. One of North...
Camp, Hike, Swim
Cowpasture River Area
Millboro, Virginia
31.7 miles WSwim near Millboro, Virginia
Swim
Arnold Valley Pool
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
32.7 miles SWSwim near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
Swim
Charlottesville Area
Williamsville, Virginia
32.9 miles NETwo nice swimming places north of Charlottesville. For details... Fees: Yes
SwimBullpasture Gorge
Williamsville, Virginia
33.1 miles NWBullpasture Gorge is a beautiful river gorge with 3 miles of accessible white water rapids. These rapids are popular for kayakers and rafters alike.
Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Whitewater
Longdale
Clifton Forge, Virginia
34.3 miles WSwim near Clifton Forge, Virginia
Swim
Jefferson Pools
Warm Springs, Virginia
38.0 miles WNatural hot springs at 96-98 degrees bubble up from a rock floor into large pools which are housed in old wooden buildings, one for men, one for women, built in the 1700-1800's....
Swim
North Creek Area
Mount Solon, Virginia
38.8 miles SWSeveral nice swimming holes near and in the Jefferson N.F. near I-81 and Buchanan. For details... Bathing suits: The Jennings Creek swimming holes are very...
Swim
Blowing Springs
Warm Springs, Virginia
43.9 miles WSwim near Warm Springs, Virginia
SwimNearby Campsites

Natural Chimneys
Mount Solon, Virginia
29.6 miles NNatural Chimneys is known for its beautiful vertical limestone formations. These formations are coated with trees and vines and surrounded by rushing river water giving visitors an otherworldly view....
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
North River Gap
Mount Solon, Virginia
29.9 miles NNorth River Gap is a recreation area between Todd Lake and Stokesville Campground. Though smaller, North River Gap is well worth exploring and enjoying its unique features. One of North...
Camp, Hike, Swim