St. Mary's Falls - Swimming Hole near Raphine, Virginia
Raphine,Virginia
37.9305, -79.09967
7.3 miles E of Raphine, Virginia
GPS: 37°55'49.8"N 79°5'58.8"W
Maps | Directions
State: 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.

28.4K Written by endovereric
4.2K Edited by tasiawhicker

More Information

St Mary’s Wilderness – George Washington National Forest, VA

When presented with free time and the opportunity to explore arises, it can be difficult to decide where to go. The number of destinations seem endless with each place offering something completely…

https://waynorthblog.com/2016/04/08/st-marys-wilderness-george-washington-national-forest-va/
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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 Raphine, Virginia

  1. Head southeast on VA-606 toward State Rte 804 (2.1 mi)
  2. Turn left onto US-11 N (0.1 mi)
  3. Turn right onto VA-56 E (5.4 mi)
  4. Turn left toward Blue Rdg Pkwy (463 ft)
  5. Turn right onto Blue Rdg Pkwy (3.8 mi)
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Hiking to St. Mary's Falls and Cliff Jumping Fun - by ThisABILITY Racing
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