Hike/Swim Devil's Bathtub Trail (7.6 miles, 1,493' gain)

I recommend carpooling/caravaning using a vehicle that is good on gravel road.

## The Game Plan

1.The Launch & The Split: Mile 0.0 - 0.2.
Depart from the parking lot and pass the forestry gate. We will cross the initial stream, but at the trail junction immediately after, we will bear right to head straight up onto the ridge trail.

2.The Upper Ridge Climb: Mile 0.2 - 5.5.
This is the longest, driest stretch of the hike. We will follow an old logging road bed as it steadily climbs up the mountain ridge. It's a peaceful, backcountry walk with minimal crowds, letting the group find their rhythm before the technical terrain begins.

3.The Descent to the Bathtub: Mile 5.5 - 5.7.
The trail drops off the ridge and descends steeply back down toward the river canyon. This leads us directly to the upper section of the Devil's Fork creek, right where the main swimming pools are located.

4.The Devil's Bathtub: Mile 5.8.
Reward time! We will hit the Bathtub from the upstream side. The smooth, contoured sandstone tub and its icy, aquamarine water will be the perfect place for a long lunch and a swim. Reminder: The rock lips around the water are slick as ice, so exercise caution.

5.The Rope Scramble & Lower Pool: Mile 5.9 - 6.1.
Just past the Bathtub, we will navigate a narrow, eroded cliff bank utilizing an anchored guide rope to steady our footing. This drops us down past another massive, deep swimming hole.

6.The Creek Splash & Coal Cart Home: Mile 6.1 - 7.6.
The final stretch is a splash zone. We will follow the canyon downstream, tackling roughly 12 to 15 distinct creek crossings. Look out for the historic iron coal cart resting in the woods around mile 7.0 before hitting the final trailhead gate.

ALLTRAILS MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-devils-fork-and-devils-bathtub-loop-trail-7cfcb8e?u=i&sh=y1w9cy

BRING:

• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with great grip. No flip-flops or smooth-soled sneakers. An extra pair of dry socks left in the car is a lifesaver.
• Waterproof Bags: Put your phone and keys in a Ziploc or dry bag inside your pack in case of a slip during a stream crossing.
• Clothing: Swimwear/quick-dry layers. The water is cold even in the peak of summer!
• Navigation: Cell service is non-existent at the trailhead. Download the custom AllTrails map for offline use before leaving home.
• Leave No Trace: This area suffers from heavy tourism. We pack out everything we pack in.
• Trekking poles if you have them,
• Plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch.

PARKING/CARPOOLING/CARAVANING: Gather at the gravel parking lot on Straight Fork Road off of Route 619 (Coordinates at 36.81866, -82.62674) at 9:45 AM. The trailhead is right up the road at coordinates: 36.819541, -82.627852

I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. Be sure you coordinate at least the day before with who you are riding with to ensure you are in sync. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.

POST EVENT DINNER, DRINKS, & SOCIALIZATION:
We will stop to get dinner & drinks afterward at a place to be determined. Make sure whoever you ride with has the same plans as you so you can eat afterward if you want.

EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring plenty of drinking water and a lunch/snacks. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the hike leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventurers” and "Harrisonburg Active Adventures" meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.

SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.

DOGS: Dogs are allowed on this hike