Summer is the season of enjoying the great outdoors, but that also means enduring quite a lot of heat. Fortunately, there are countless swimming holes in Virginia that promise to be both fun and refreshing. Whether you’re finishing up a hike or are in dire need of a quick cool down, you’ll be glad to have these 8 locations in your repertoire. From woodsy swimming spots to beautiful Virginia beaches, this list showcases all sorts of different landscapes. So pack a bathing suit, towel, and prepare to make this summer the most memorable one yet.

1. Little Stoney Creek Falls (Scott County)
Curt Fleenor/flickr
Upper Little Stoney Falls in Virginia can be accessed via the Little Stoney National Recreation Trail near Dungannon. The base pool under the waterfalls are relatively shallow, so anyone who feels like taking a cool dip in these fresh waters can venture in (carefully, of course!) For anyone just interested in the waterfall view, there's also a bridge that spans the falls. For more details about this site, click here.
2. Devil's Bathtub (Fort Blackmore)
Wendell Dingus/YouTube
Devil's Bathtub in Virginia is perhaps one of the most spectacular swimming spots in the state, although it comes with a major disclaimer: the trek to get here is strenuous. As part of a 7.2-mile circuit, this spot is ideal for the backpacker enthusiasts, but not necessarily recommended for small children or anyone wary of a trek through the woods. If you'd like to read more about this swimming hole, click here. For step-by-step directions to this hidden gem, refer to the official Scott County tourism page here.
3. The Beach at Tangier Island
Tess Dixon/flickr
Virginia has no shortage of beaches, but it's no secret that these spots can fill up quickly during the summer. Why not head to a more discreet coastal location? Tangier Island is just that, complete with stretches of white sand and natural preserves that allow visitors to learn more about conservation of the surrounding landscape. The beach is about a twenty minute walk from the town of Tangier, and there are also no facilities here. For directions and more information on this site, click here.
4. Douthat State Park (Millboro)
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Douthat State Park features a gorgeous lake with a man-made beach at the foot of the mountains. Surrounded by hiking trails and picnic areas, this swimming spot is a little slice of heaven. After a fun-filled day of swimming and lounging on the beach, you might consider staying for dinner at the newly-renovated lakeside restaurant. For more information on this spot, click here. Address: 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, VA, 24460

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5. Emerald Pond (New Market Gap)
cspitler/YouTube
Like Devil's Bathtub, the pristine waters of Emerald Pond are a reward for those who have hiked to them. Luckily, this spot doesn't require quite as much effort. The spring-fed swimming hole is tucked away in the George Washington National Forest and is every bit as refreshing as its pristine blue waters suggest. For more information about the hike there, click here.
6. Blue Ridge Swim Club (Charlottesville)
Blue Ridge Swim Club / Facebook
Tucked away in Charlottesville, you'll find the scenic and historic Blue Ridge Swim Club. This spring-fed swimming pool is the perfect tonic for a hot summer day. While this site does require a membership, visitors are welcome to tour the site and can inquire about purchasing a $60 summer membership by calling ahead (keep in mind that spots may be limited). For more details about this site, click here.
7. The Shenandoah River
Shenandoah River Outfitters / Facebook
Just outside of Luray flows the majestic Shenandoah River. This cool water is incredibly refreshing on a warm summer day. Whether you feel like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or simply floating along, you'll enjoy the surrounding scenery. To learn more about this natural lazy river, click here.
8. Lake Anna State Park (Spotsylvania)
Virginia State Parks / flickr
Lake Anna State Park in northern Virginia is a family-friendly summer destination that features lovely hiking trails, wildlife, camping areas, and a picturesque beach. Visitors are invited to swim in the refreshing waters of Lake Anna, which measures over 13,000 acres. When you're finished cooling off, you can pan for gold and see what sort of treasures you find. Address: 6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania, VA, 22551

Have you enjoyed any of these refreshing swimming holes in Virginia? If so, be sure to share your experience with us in the comments below! Or, if you have any favorites that may have missed the list, be sure to share those as well. As always, don’t forget to bring the appropriate swimming gear and ensure that you leave these swimming spots even better than you found them!

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Swimming Holes In Virginia

Beth Copenhaver | June 15, 2019

What is the cleanest lake in Virginia?

Virginia is home to an impressive array of beautiful lakes, and many of them make for inviting swimming holes, as you learned in the article above. It's difficult to say exactly which of Virginia's lakes is the absolute cleanest, although many believe that Smith Mountain Lake may hold this title. Smith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir located in southern Virginia that has become a beloved vacation destination for both residents and visitors.

Does Virginia have any natural inland lakes?

Virginia is home to so many lakes that you may wonder which of them are natural. The answer is that only two hold the distinction of being natural Virginia lakes: Lake Drummond and Mountain Lake (not to be confused with Smith Mountain Lake). Lake Drummond is a 3,100 acre fresh water lake at the center of the Great Dismal Swamp. At just 50 acres, Mountain Lake is notably smaller, and is even known to disappear at times. This freshwater lake is located near Newport, Virginia and is famous for being the background to a few scenes in Dirty Dancing.

What is the only state with no natural inland lakes?

The only state in the U.S. without a single natural inland lake is Maryland. However, Maryland is home to several reservoirs, nearly 4,000 ponds, and the massive Chesapeake Bay, so there's no shortage of water.

What state has the least amount of lakes? 

It won't surprise you that the state with the least of lakes is Maryland, considering it has none, yet West Virginia is a close second with only one small lake (which is often referred to as a pond). If you're curious as to which state has the most amount of lakes, the answer is Alaska. It's estimated that Alaska is home to over 3 million lakes!

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