Read Time: 6 minutes   |   Best for: All Hikers

The Intro

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The first thoughts that crosses any rational person's mind when hearing the words summer hiking are ( no specific order) heat, humidity, bugs & sweat drenched everything.  Let's refresh that bias, the summer hiking time has a unique offering that the other three seasons can't even touch: swimming holes! The best way to cool off & refresh from a summer hiking experience.  We take a dip (pun intended) to uncover how to pack, what to expect and then lastly, we share our faves.....
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Expectations:

• Mountain water is super refreshing and super cold, but hypothermia is a real concern. Make sure to take a break every 15 minutes.
• Pools , ponds, falls are rocky, and tough terrain on the feet and can be lead to falls and injuries. Bring water shoes.
• Get a knick or cut? Dont flush with the same water you were just swimming in, instead use your drinking water to flush and then apply coverage (band aid) and don't return to the water.
• Don't drink the water, yes sure its clean to swim but it's not digestible/ drinkable. 
• Share the area. a swimming hole is fun for everyone, know that you are sharing the area with others. 

What to bring:

• An ultralight towel - easy to pack, highly absorbable and a great way to dry your body and feet fast
• Bug spray - bugs love water, be prepared for friends to join your hike.
• Bathing suit - the most open and obvious item is better worn as a layer and not packed seperately (no changing rooms)
• Pack a change of clothes, especially a shirt or hoodie. Summer hypothermia is a real thing and can be deadly if you dont control your body temperature after a dip.
• A small medical kit 
• For water crossings, have your personals in a water-resistant plastic bag. 

White Oak Canyon
Location: Shenandoah National Park

A dynamic wonderland tapestry of big trees woven with waterfalls, shallow pools and icy fresh mountain water. There is no doubt this hike leads to one of the best swimming holes in the area. pro tip: avoid the crowds and go on the weekdays.

Explore White Oak Canyon

St. Mary's Wilderness
Location: Steeles Tavern, VA

There are few areas like St.Marys Wilderness. The trail experience is an obstacle course of water crossings but the payoff is not only can you camp here but the swimming hole is tucked within canyons and trees to provide a serene getaway.
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Explore St.Marys Wilderness

Fridley Gap
Location: Keezeltown, VA

The secret is, the swimming hole is within the first mile of hiking. However if you want to leg out six miles and then come back that's a tip of the cap honorable thing to do. The swimming hole is small but still refreshing.
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Explore Fridley Gap

Emerald Pond
Location: New Market, VA

Mountain spring fed, this pond is Caribbean blue and one of a kind. Sure, this trail is an 8 miler but why not camp out at the pond and take a morning dip before you leave?
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Explore Emerald Pond

Paul's Creek Trail
​Location: Wintergreen, VA

A little known trail (and let's keep it that way) this short and sweet trail brings the payoff with a series of cascading falls and a minor pool to dip down in.
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Explore Paul's Creek

Cascade Falls
​Location: Pembroke, VA

The Cascades provide a stunning backdrop to your dip in the form of a 66ft waterfall. The pool is one of the largest within a trail system and can be quite popular. make no mistake, This is a must hike trail and a must dip swim hole.
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Explore Cascade Falls

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