Arnold Valley Pool
Swimming hole in Lexington, Virginia · Creek
Arnold Valley Pool is a creek swimming hole. It is near Lexington, Virginia. Access is free. Best season: Late spring through early fall (May to October) for warm temperatures and ideal.
Typical season: Late spring through early fall (May to October) for warm temperatures and ideal
About Arnold Valley Pool
Arnold Valley Pool is a Creek swimming destination near Lexington in Virginia. The setting stays informal and low-key. Fed by the cool, clear waters of East Fork Elk Creek, this unofficial . The surrounding woods hum with birdsong, and the creek gurgles and rushes over smooth stone before widening into the pool. A refreshing oasis that feels genuinely removed from the modern world. You'll arrive through a forested corridor, the gravel road narrowing as the trees press in on both sides. The air cools noticeably as you near the water, carrying the clean, mineral scent of a mountain creek. East Fork Elk Creek has spent centuries carving its character into the bedrock here, and the results are spectacular. Mossy boulders, root-laced banks, and the centerpiece of it all: a natural rock slide sculpted smooth by generations of moving water. By autumn, the surrounding Appalachian forest erupts in amber, crimson, and gold, making the pool as beautiful to look at as it is to swim in. Wildlife is a regular presence; keep an eye out for herons wading in the shallows or the flash of a kingfisher overhead. Swim at your own risk at Arnold Valley Pool. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Creek
- Water body
- East Fork Elk Creek
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Lexington
- State
- Virginia
- Coordinates
- 37.63402, -79.45031
- Best season
- Late spring through early fall (May to October) for warm temperatures and ideal . Autumn offers stunning foliage views.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate. Access requires navigating unmarked gravel roads; suitable for vehicles with good ground clearance.
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Restrooms
- None on site
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Cliff jumping
- Reported
- Camping
- Very nearby is campground at Cave Mountain Lake in Jefferson N.F. Which has a beautiful . Tends to fill up on weekends and there are no reservations.
- Land manager
- U.S. Forest Service
- Activities
- Swimming, Sliding, Rope swing
- Facilities
- No facilities available. You should bring your own supplies, including water, snacks, and safety gear.
- Listing last updated
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitLate spring through early fall (May to October) for warm temperatures and ideal . Autumn offers stunning foliage views.
- AccessModerate. Access requires navigating unmarked gravel roads; suitable for vehicles with good ground clearance.
- FacilitiesNo facilities available. You should bring your own supplies, including water, snacks, and safety gear.
- Camping nearbyVery nearby is campground at Cave Mountain Lake in Jefferson N.F. Which has a beautiful . Tends to fill up on weekends and there are no reservations.
Highlights & features
- Crystal-clear waters
- Natural rock slide
- Secluded forest setting
- Rope swing for adventure
- Wildlife and vibrant flora
- Natural slide carved by the creek
- Rope swing over the water
- No facilities, offering a pure outdoor experience
How to get there
Arnold Valley Pool lies in Virginia near Lexington, Lynchburg, and Natural Bridge. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Arnold Valley Pool is a beautiful . Follow the directions below carefully to ensure you arrive at the correct location.
Directions from the Blue Ridge Parkway (near Lexington and Natural Bridge)
Begin your journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway and proceed to Petit's Gap at Milepost 71. At Petit's Gap, turn onto the unmarked, unpaved road to the west , which is Forest Road 35 . Note that this road is gravel, winding, and may be rough in certain areas. Drive cautiously. Follow Forest Road 35 as it descends the mountain for several miles. Eventually, the road will level off and cross a small bridge over the East Fork Creek. Continue driving along Forest Road 35 with the creek on your left. You will pass several parking pull-offs along this stretch, but do not stop yet Keep driving until you cross a second small bridge over the creek. The pull-off you need lies 0.1 miles BEFORE this second bridge Park at the pull-off and walk back to enjoy the swimming area. Directions from I-81 (near Lexington and Natural Bridge): Take
Exit 180 off I-81 and follow Route 11 South toward Natural Bridge.
From Natural Bridge, turn onto Route 130 East and follow it to Natural Bridge Station.
At Natural Bridge Station, turn onto Route 759 South and continue until you reach Route 781 East Follow Route 781 East, which will run alongside the East Fork Creek with the creek on your left. Note that Route 781 eventually transitions into Forest Road 35 Continue driving until you cross a small bridge over the creek, at which point the creek will now be on your right. Drive 0.1 miles past this bridge and look for the pull-off on your right. Park here to access the swimming area.
Helpful notes
Parking
The pull-off near the swimming area. Ensure your vehicle is parked safely and does not obstruct the road. Trailhead
There is no formal trailhead; access to the swimming area. Road Conditions: Forest Road 35 is gravel and may be rough in places. Drive slowly and cautiously, especially if your vehicle has low clearance. Have a safe visit to Arnold Valley Pool! Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
Plan your visit
Arnold Valley Pool works well as a day trip from Lexington or Lynchburg. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Matts Creek James River Swimming Spots (about 3.4 mi away) or browse more Virginia creek spots in our directory. For the full list in Virginia, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via unmarked pull-offs along Forest Road 35 (Route 781). This is a gravel forest service road that can be rough; drive with caution. Parking is limited and unofficial. The swimming hole is on public land managed by the US Forest Service, but it is not a designated or maintained recreation site.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Arnold Valley Pool?
Yes. Arnold Valley Pool near Natural Bridge / Glasgow, Virginia is a clear East Fork Elk Creek swimming hole with a natural rock slide. Free informal access — no lifeguards.
Is Arnold Valley Pool free?
Yes. There is typically no entry fee. Park legally and respect private property along the creek corridor.
How do you get to Arnold Valley Pool?
Within day-trip range of Lexington, Lynchburg, Natural Bridge, and Glasgow in western Virginia. Use local maps for East Fork Elk Creek access; forest roads can be rough.
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Map & location
Culture & history
Located near Lexington, a historic town known for its Civil War-era significance and educational institutions, and Lynchburg, rich in Appalachian heritage.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Avoid littering, respect wildlife, and minimize environmental impact to preserve the area’s natural beauty.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.