Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains of Shenandoah National Park near Sperryville, Virginia, the Piney River is a string of clear, cool swimming holes that reward hikers willing to head off the beaten path. Fed by mountain streams and shaped by the ancient bedrock of the Blue Ridge, the river carves a series of natural pools, chutes, and small cascades — an old-fashioned, crystal-clear mountain swim a world away from the summer crowds.

The swimming holes are reached on foot via the Piney Branch Trail, which drops from Skyline Drive (near milepost 22) down along the Piney River. As you follow the trail downstream, the water widens at several spots into pools deep enough for a refreshing dip, including a lovely one at the base of a small waterfall. The trail crosses the river at several points over uneven, rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear you don't mind getting wet is essential.

It's a quintessential Shenandoah experience: a moderate hike through a dense Appalachian canopy, the sound of running water the whole way, and the payoff of cool, clear pools tucked beneath the trees. The deeper you go, the more solitude you'll tend to find, so it's worth exploring a bit to discover your own favorite spot along the river.

Summer is prime swimming season, while spring brings stronger flows and the fullest waterfalls. Come prepared for a national-park backcountry outing: bring plenty of water, wear shoes with good grip for slick rock and river crossings, watch the weather since mountain streams can rise quickly after rain, and pack out everything you bring in. As the closest town to the park's eastern side, Sperryville makes a convenient base for lodging, dining, and supplies.

For a quiet, scenic, and genuinely refreshing escape, the swimming holes of the Piney River are one of Shenandoah's best-kept summer secrets.

Edwards Crossing is a popular and easily accessible swimming hole on the Yuba River. The swimming hole is named for Edwards Crossing Bridge which can be viewed from there. The river here is up to 20 feet deep in parts and has rock cliffs and forests on either side. The beautiful rock formations and blue water create stunning views for visitors to Edwards crossing. 

The depth of the river water and the low rock formations make for great low points for jumping in. Jumpers should be careful to watch water depth and they jump at their own risk.

Edwards crossing also has a sandy beach for visitors to play at and makes for easy access to the water. The beach and swimming hole are a short easy half mile hike from the gravel parking lot near the bridge. 

Edwards Crossing is popular with locals due to its accessibility. Summers and weekends can be crowded.

Jumping Rock at Red River George is the perfect hidden swimming hole. The swimming hole can be found a short hike from the Red River George Parking Lot. At this point the river calms beside a small sandy beach, and a large rock from whence Jumping Rock got it's name. The water here is deep enough for jumping and diving off the rocks. This picturesque swimming spot is the perfect place to cool off on a hot humid day.

To get to Jumping Rock you will take Sheltowee Connector/Suspension Bridge Trail. This wooded trail is beautiful and continues past the swimming hole for people wanting to continue this scenic hike. The suspension bridge hovers over Red River and is a unique addition to this natural swimming hole. 

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

Seven Falls and Three Pools is one of the classic front-country adventures above Santa Barbara, California — a rewarding hike up a wooded canyon to a chain of waterfalls and clear swimming holes on Mission Creek, in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. It's a beloved local escape that trades the beach crowds for a secluded creek canyon, and on a warm day the cool pools at the top are a genuine reward.

The outing is a roughly 4-mile round trip, steep and moderately difficult, with some scrambling on slick rock — so it's best for hikers with a bit of experience and good footwear. The route begins on the Inspiration Point Trail; where it meets Mission Creek, you leave the main path and follow the creek upstream. Boulder-hop and scramble your way up the drainage and you'll pass a series of pretty cascades — the “seven falls” — tucked into the wooded canyon, each a little more secluded than the last.

Keep going, and the payoff is the Three Pools: a set of deep, clear, waterfall-fed swimming holes carved into the sculpted sandstone higher up the creek. This upper stretch is the steepest and trickiest part, but the pools are worth it — cool and refreshing year-round, deep enough for a jump or a plunge when levels are up, and complete with a natural rock waterslide that's a local favorite. The smooth rock formations and quiet woods make it feel a world away from the city just below.

Timing and safety matter here. The falls and pools are fed by Mission Creek, which runs its fullest in spring after winter rains — that's when the water is deepest and the slide and jumps are best. By late summer and in drought years the creek can drop low or dry up, so check recent conditions. As with any rocky canyon swimming spot, the wet rock is slippery, so watch your footing, always check depth before jumping, and be cautious after rain when the creek can run fast.

The hike is part of Santa Barbara's beloved front-country trail network in the Los Padres National Forest foothills, so it pairs naturally with other nearby classics like the ridge views from Inspiration Point or the sandstone of Lizard's Mouth. It's remarkable how quickly the canyon delivers you from the edge of town into wild, quiet country.

Come prepared: wear grippy shoes that can get wet, carry plenty of water (there's none safe to drink on the trail), and get an early start on hot days, since much of the lower trail is exposed. Watch for poison oak along the creek, keep an eye on kids around the pools, and pack out everything you bring to protect this well-loved canyon. For a steep, scenic hike ending in cool mountain pools, Seven Falls and Three Pools is a Santa Barbara classic.