The Aquamarine Water At This Secluded Swimming Hole In Virginia Is Worth The Hike

After a long, tough day of hiking, there's nothing better than taking a quick dip to cool off and relax. Of course, most hiking trails don't come with their own swimming pools attached. If you want to cool off after a hike, you're usually going to have to find a swimming spot on your own. But in a few rare cases, nature does provide a nice spot to hop in the water after you've been out on the trail all day. Natural swimming holes are not only great spots to get some much-needed relaxation — they also add a level of unique beauty to the natural scenery around them and provide one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. 

The most incredible swimming holes around the world are as famous for their picturesque qualities as for their swimming opportunities. Some natural swimming holes have been world famous for a while, but others are only now seeing a surge in popularity in the age of social media. One of the best lesser-known swimming holes, both for swimming and for extraordinary beauty, is Virginia's provocatively named Devil's Bathtub. 

Despite its foreboding name, the Devil's Bathtub is probably the closest thing to heaven you'll find after hiking for several miles through Virginia's Appalachian Mountains. According to local accounts, the Devil's Bathtub earned its name from its pristine waters, supposedly cold enough to "squelch the fires of hell." Hikers certainly appreciate this after the challenging hike to get there. But even if you're not planning on taking a swim, the pool's unique charms make for memorable sightseeing. The Devil's Bathtub contains deep, clear aquamarine waters that shine out in the surrounding forest like a gem, adding a striking layer of beauty to the already beautiful scenery of Virginia's rugged Appalachian region. 

The Devil's Bathtub lies in a secluded area of southwestern Virginia's Jefferson National Forest, in the heart of Virginia's magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. Even without any gorgeous natural pools, this area of Virginia is ripe for amazing hiking adventures. The region's many trails pass gorgeous waterfalls, prominent rock formations, and even scenic portions of the much longer Appalachian Trail. The famed Blue Ridge Parkway even passes through Jefferson National Forest, making the area a perfect stop on an ideal Blue Ridge Parkway Appalachian getaway. 

The Devil's Bathtub is located in Virginia's Scott County, about four hours from Roanoke. Unfortunately, getting to the Devil's Bathtub is not exactly an easy feat. The Devil's Fork Trail to the swimming hole is around 7 miles long, and much of its terrain is steep, rocky, or otherwise precarious. The waterways that formed the swimming holes frequently flood the trail with numerous small streams. So, you're likely to get wet even if you're not planning on swimming. 

Still, if you can make it through the entire length of the Devil's Fork Trail, you'll be rewarded with one of the most incredible sights Virginia has to offer. At the trail's climax, scenic waterfalls cascade down the Devil's Fork stream and cut through the natural sandstone and shale underground. The resulting pools flood with the stream's natural, clear waters. That water then mixes with algae to create the distinctive shade of aquamarine that makes the Devil's Bathtub and its surrounding pools so memorable. Admiring these exquisite natural pools from afar would be rewarding enough, but if you're a bit sweaty, you can change into your swimming gear and hop into the cold water for a much-deserved swimming break before the hike back. 

In recent years, the Devil's Bathtub has seen a surge in popularity, thanks largely to social media. While this fame is certainly warranted, it has led to some unfortunate consequences for the swimming hole and the surrounding trail. Overcrowding has resulted in excess litter, environmental damage, and irresponsible behavior from visitors. If you're planning a future hiking trip to the Devil's Bathtub, make sure you enjoy the trail responsibly. 

The first step is safety. While the trail to the Devil's Bathtub is not one of the top most dangerous hikes in the United States, it is still a pretty difficult route with several strenuous sections. Prepare to scramble over rocks, cross muddy streams, and climb up and down steep slopes. The water in the pool, as pretty as it is, is not safe to drink. So make sure you bring enough drinking water to get you through the full 7 miles. 

Many sections of the trailhead border private property, and trespassing has become an issue. Upon arrival, only park in the trail's designated parking area, and respect any "No Parking" signs. Finally, always pack away all of your litter to "leave no trace" on the trail itself. This way, you can help ensure the Devil's Bathtub stays clean and pristine for future visitors.