Hike St Mary's Falls Trail

Saint Marys Falls is a picturesque waterfall tucked away in the Virginia mountains. It's a popular destination, especially in the summertime, when folks make their way to this breathtaking waterfall swimming spot.

If you enjoy a little bit of a challenge, we've got the perfect swimming hole for you to discover. It's tucked away in the Saint Marys Wilderness near Raphine, Virginia, and requires a bit of a hike. But for those that can brave the rocky incline, a positively picturesque lagoon of a swimming hole awaits. It's a beautiful year-round destination, but when the weather heats up, it makes for one of the best swimming holes in Virginia.

The trail isn't blazed, but it's well-defined and follows the beautiful Saint Marys River for about 2 miles. Hikers should note that there are a handful of crossings each way, so be sure to exercise caution. Water shoes are recommended! For more information, go to https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/saint-marys-falls-trail.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP, you agree with this disclaimer.

Weather forecast: Mostly sunny early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 86F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.

Notes:
1. Suggested packing list:
a. Water/lunch.
b. Walking stick/trekking poles.
c. Hot-weather gear, hat, whistle, sunscreen, bathing suit/towel.
d. Change of footwear/clothes.
2. Carpool: If you are interested, meet at King's Gourmet Popcorn
(130 Afton Cir, Afton) at 9 am. We'll use the IRS standard mileage rate of 14 cents per mile in service of charitable organizations. Based on Google Maps, it's about 63 miles roundtrip to St Mary's Falls Trail. That's about $9 for a solo driver. If you have passengers, it would be fair to charge half ($4.50) of that per person.