Address: Unnamed Road, Raphine, VA 24472, USA
katherine ashley
The hike is absolutely worth the end result! Wear walking shoes and not the water shoes. It's rocky in some areas and you do have to cross the river several times. I wouldn't recommend going up there after it rains bc it makes the trail even more difficult. The water is the clearest I've ever seen, but with that comes the illusion that it's not too deep.
tori snow
Love this hike! The trail can be hard to follow, but just follow the river and you'll make it.
Forrest Lloyd
This hike is definitely one that requires some navigation skills, but the end result is well worth the initial confusion. All in all, the general consensus is there are a total of 5 river crossings before reaching the final swimming hole where the actual falls are. That said, about a 1/4 of a mile before the falls is a smaller swimming hole with some low rocks to jump into about 4-4.5ft deep water. I prefer that spot just because it's always less crowded (if not empty) and the dog can swim there more comfortably! Plus there are plenty of sunning rocks. It was a fun hike, but be prepared to be confused the first time through. It appears some orange trail markers are in some places, but those aren't always there and it definitely takes some orienting to get there. But it isn't a steep incline and there isn't anything too taxing. This is a very Rocky hike so your shoes should definitely have a hard sole. All in all, I can't wait to return to swim in the crystal clear water of the St Mary's river!
John Ball
Hiking to this swimming hole is definitely worth the effort and navigation skills it takes to get here. In the winter months the water is too cold and low for swimming. In the spring the water is usually high and warm enough for jumping in for a splash.
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From I-81 take the Greeville exit 213. - Head South on US 11 through Greenville and about 4 miles beyond. - Turn left onto Dabneys Rd. - Turn left onto Rt 608. - Turn right onto St. Mary's Rd. There's a parking area at the end of the road. Halfway there the road becomes unpaved. Park and then walk the trail for about an hour or so (depending on speed) to get to the first small swimming hole. Then another half hour or so to get to where the girl is jumping off the cliff. It is a long walk with some technical areas and you do have to crossover the creek a few times but it was worth it!
Just type in St. Mary's Road in Raphine. Yes, there are camp sites there.
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