We’ve got just the relief you need from the hot summer heat… how amazing does a waterfall in Virginia that you can swim in sound? There’s no place to better to be on a hot summer’s day than at one of the many waterfalls in Virginia you can swim in, and really, doesn’t a swimming hole with a waterfall sounds like absolute magic? Here’s one that many people don’t know about, and you’ll definitely want to visit it soon.

How amazing does a day spent splashing and playing in this waterfall pool sound? Cascade Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Virginia. You're definitely going to want to pay it a visit. But good things often require effort, so you'll have to take a hiking trail to reach it.
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Cascade Falls is tucked away in the beautiful Jefferson National Forest. You can find the trailhead near Pembroke.
Tony Roberts/Google
There are actually two trails here, one leading to the upper falls, one leading to the lower falls. Most people take the lower trail to access the falls and then return along the upper trail.

From Pembroke, you'll want to take VA-623 for about four miles until reaching the end of the road. The trailhead has restrooms and also a little picnic area to refuel before the hike.
The four-mile round trip lower falls hike is considered moderately difficult.
102JOE102/Tripadvisor
You'll experience a 725-foot elevation change during the hike.
Enjoy the pleasant journey. There's nothing like being surrounded by the trees and sounds of wildlife. The babble of Little Stony Creek is a stunning soundtrack along your hike!
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Cascade Falls is more than worth the effort. This 66-foot tall waterfall plunges down into a little pool. It's the perfect spot for wading and splashing after your lengthy hike.
ADITYA KOTHARI/Google
Why not bring a picnic lunch? This pretty swimming hole in Virginia is great for enjoying the afternoon with a sandwich. It's like your own little oasis in the middle of the forest.
Matthew Brosinsky/Google
We know it's tempting to climb up on the rocks that surround the waterfall. However, that's really not a good idea.
elevaTOURS/Google
The rocks are quite slippery. Several people have fallen to their deaths here. It's much safer to just relax and enjoy the pretty scenery that's all around you.
Had your fill of swimming and splashing? You can head back the way you came, or, for a change in scenery, opt to take the upper trail.
VacaTravelTips/Tripadvisor
The upper trail is a little bit easier than the lower trail you took to come in. Make sure to remember to pack up all of your trash before you leave Cascade Falls. It's important to leave no trace behind, so that the folks who visit after you can also experience the scenic beauty of this magical place.

Ready to check out even more fabulous swimming holes in Virginia? Take a look at these five waterfalls in Virginia that you can swim in. It’s such a magical experience to frolic within a waterfall!

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Waterfalls In Virginia You Can Swim In

Lisa Sammons | June 16, 2022

Are there more waterfalls in Virginia you can swim in?

Surprisingly, we actually have quite a few waterfall swimming holes in Virginia. The idea of taking a dip into a natural watery cascade (especially after a lengthy hike!) is so incredibly refreshing. There's nothing more magical than dunking your head underneath a beautiful waterfall. One of our favorite waterfalls in Virginia you can swim in is at Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park. There are six waterfalls at the canyon, all of which have a swimming hole at the base!

What are some more hiking trails with waterfalls in Virginia?

There's no shortage of waterfall hikes in Virginia. Our state is blessed with so many different cascades all over that it's easiest to just take a road trip to see many of them all at once! One of our favorite waterfalls in Virginia is Apple Orchard Falls. To reach this 200-foot monstrosity, you'll have to take a 2.9-mile out and back trail through the woods, but the hike is lovely and the waterfall is absolutely magnificent.

What are some of the best parks in Virginia?

With so many state parks in Virginia, we have almost limitless opportunities for outdoor fun. Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular in the state, and with good reason: it's absolutely stunning. But don't miss out on some of our wonderful state parks, too! Hungry Mother State Park has great cabins for camping and a marvelous overlook that will let you see for miles and miles.

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Jefferson National Forest, Virginia 24134, USA