When temperatures begin to rise, there’s one thing that’s on everyone’s mind: finding a way to cool down. Sure, air conditioning can be quite refreshing and in some cases completely necessary. But there are few things more restorative than a natural swimming hole. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best swimming holes in Virginia. Enjoy the lovely surroundings of the George Washington National Forest as you meander your way towards an oasis just outside of New Market. This hidden gem of a natural attraction promises to cool your temperature and restore your soul all at once.
There’s a lovely spring-fed swimming hole that’s just waiting to be discovered. The aptly-named Emerald Pond can be found in a tucked-away hollow off of Bird Knob Trail and is hands down one of the best swimming areas in Virginia.
The trek to Emerald Pond begins with a 3 mile hike that wanders through lush forest.
Katy Palis / AllTrails Keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers, especially this time of year. To begin, you’ll start at the aptly named Wildflower Trail (blazed white). In .3 miles, you’ll reach an intersection and take a right to the Massanutten South Trail (blazed orange). After another mile or so, you’ll want to take a right at the next intersection towards the Bird Knob Trail (blazed white).
Soon you’ll arrive at a breathtaking vista of the Harrisonburg Valley. This tends to be a busy section of the trail, as many people take the out-and-back trail to the overlook.
Katie Zechman / AllTrails
The trail will eventually begin to descend towards an old logging road. Take this road for .1 miles and your paradise awaits.
Thalia Romero / AllTrails
Despite being a mountain pond, the water is an inviting temperature and definitely refreshing if you’ve made the hike. Resisting a dip in these waters will be nearly impossible. So kick off your shoes, wade into the water, and enjoy the natural surroundings of one of the best swimming holes in Virginia.
cspitler/YouTube
The reflection of the trees shining in the pond’s clear emerald waters makes for an unforgettable setting. Even these beautiful pictures don’t quite do justice to the deep greens and blues reflected in the water of this iconic swimming lake in Virginia.
cspitler/YouTube
It’s really no mystery how this pond got its name. Can you imagine a better place to spend a summer afternoon?
Thalia Romero / AllTrails
Google Maps The map above shows the outlined Emerald Pond Loop, which is 8 miles total for those who wish to continue hiking after seeing the pond. Click here for an extensively outlined hiking guide, courtesy of HikingUpward.
Looking for more incredible swimming areas in Virginia where you can cool off this summer? Be sure to check out These 11 Must-Visit Swimming Holes In Virginia.
Katy Palis / AllTrails
Keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers, especially this time of year. To begin, you’ll start at the aptly named Wildflower Trail (blazed white). In .3 miles, you’ll reach an intersection and take a right to the Massanutten South Trail (blazed orange). After another mile or so, you’ll want to take a right at the next intersection towards the Bird Knob Trail (blazed white).
Katie Zechman / AllTrails
Thalia Romero / AllTrails
cspitler/YouTube
Google Maps
The map above shows the outlined Emerald Pond Loop, which is 8 miles total for those who wish to continue hiking after seeing the pond. Click here for an extensively outlined hiking guide, courtesy of HikingUpward.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Swimming Holes In Virginia July 02, 2019 Beth Copenhaver Where is the bluest water in Virginia? You might be surprised to learn that Virginia’s beaches, lakes, and swimming spots boast some incredibly blue water. Mentioned in the above article, Emerald Lake is one prime location with stunningly blue-green water. Another location that promises to impress is Devil’s Bathtub. This hidden gem of a destination requires intense hiking but promises the reward of gorgeous blue water that you can wade into. Does Virginia have any man-made swimming holes? While the majority of swimming holes in Virginia are natural, there are a few man-made swimming spots that incorporate natural springs. Head to the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia and you’ll find several examples of man-made pools that harness the warm natural springs that flow underground. The Blue Ridge Swim Club near Charlottesville is another example of a man-made swimming pool that uses natural springs as a source of water. Do I need to look out for algae blooms in Virginia? Algae blooms can occur when warm weather and nutrients combine to form algae growth. Not all algae are harmful, of course, but some can cause symptoms such as an upset stomach, nausea, and skin rashes. The best way to avoid these algae blooms is to heed warning signs posted by the Virginia Department of Health. Also, be sure to never drink water from a pond, even if the water appears to be clean. What are the best beaches in Virginia? Virginia is home to thousands of miles of coastline, so there are seemingly endless beach options to choose from. Virginia Beach is the largest beach in Virginia and is home to one of the longest boardwalks in the entire state. If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, Virginia Beach is a great destination. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, try some lesser-known beaches such as Chesapeake Beach, the beaches at Chincoteague and Assateague, or the stretch of beach at First Landing State Park. Do any Virginia beaches have waves? Yes! Virginia Beach is situated right on the Atlantic Ocean and therefore experiences plenty of waves. While the surf in Virginia is relatively small, storms and wind can cause a dramatic increase in wave activity. The average wave height in Virginia ranges between 2 - 4 feet and in the winter, the waves are even bigger.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Swimming Holes In Virginia
July 02, 2019
Beth Copenhaver
Where is the bluest water in Virginia? You might be surprised to learn that Virginia’s beaches, lakes, and swimming spots boast some incredibly blue water. Mentioned in the above article, Emerald Lake is one prime location with stunningly blue-green water. Another location that promises to impress is Devil’s Bathtub. This hidden gem of a destination requires intense hiking but promises the reward of gorgeous blue water that you can wade into. Does Virginia have any man-made swimming holes? While the majority of swimming holes in Virginia are natural, there are a few man-made swimming spots that incorporate natural springs. Head to the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia and you’ll find several examples of man-made pools that harness the warm natural springs that flow underground. The Blue Ridge Swim Club near Charlottesville is another example of a man-made swimming pool that uses natural springs as a source of water. Do I need to look out for algae blooms in Virginia? Algae blooms can occur when warm weather and nutrients combine to form algae growth. Not all algae are harmful, of course, but some can cause symptoms such as an upset stomach, nausea, and skin rashes. The best way to avoid these algae blooms is to heed warning signs posted by the Virginia Department of Health. Also, be sure to never drink water from a pond, even if the water appears to be clean. What are the best beaches in Virginia? Virginia is home to thousands of miles of coastline, so there are seemingly endless beach options to choose from. Virginia Beach is the largest beach in Virginia and is home to one of the longest boardwalks in the entire state. If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, Virginia Beach is a great destination. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, try some lesser-known beaches such as Chesapeake Beach, the beaches at Chincoteague and Assateague, or the stretch of beach at First Landing State Park. Do any Virginia beaches have waves? Yes! Virginia Beach is situated right on the Atlantic Ocean and therefore experiences plenty of waves. While the surf in Virginia is relatively small, storms and wind can cause a dramatic increase in wave activity. The average wave height in Virginia ranges between 2 - 4 feet and in the winter, the waves are even bigger.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
You might be surprised to learn that Virginia’s beaches, lakes, and swimming spots boast some incredibly blue water. Mentioned in the above article, Emerald Lake is one prime location with stunningly blue-green water. Another location that promises to impress is Devil’s Bathtub. This hidden gem of a destination requires intense hiking but promises the reward of gorgeous blue water that you can wade into.
Does Virginia have any man-made swimming holes?
While the majority of swimming holes in Virginia are natural, there are a few man-made swimming spots that incorporate natural springs. Head to the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia and you’ll find several examples of man-made pools that harness the warm natural springs that flow underground. The Blue Ridge Swim Club near Charlottesville is another example of a man-made swimming pool that uses natural springs as a source of water.
Do I need to look out for algae blooms in Virginia?
Algae blooms can occur when warm weather and nutrients combine to form algae growth. Not all algae are harmful, of course, but some can cause symptoms such as an upset stomach, nausea, and skin rashes. The best way to avoid these algae blooms is to heed warning signs posted by the Virginia Department of Health. Also, be sure to never drink water from a pond, even if the water appears to be clean.
What are the best beaches in Virginia?
Virginia is home to thousands of miles of coastline, so there are seemingly endless beach options to choose from. Virginia Beach is the largest beach in Virginia and is home to one of the longest boardwalks in the entire state. If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, Virginia Beach is a great destination. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, try some lesser-known beaches such as Chesapeake Beach, the beaches at Chincoteague and Assateague, or the stretch of beach at First Landing State Park.
Do any Virginia beaches have waves?
Yes! Virginia Beach is situated right on the Atlantic Ocean and therefore experiences plenty of waves. While the surf in Virginia is relatively small, storms and wind can cause a dramatic increase in wave activity. The average wave height in Virginia ranges between 2 - 4 feet and in the winter, the waves are even bigger.
