Arnold Valley Pool
Swimming hole in Lexington, Virginia · Creek
Guide to the unofficial Arnold Valley Pool swimming hole in Virginia. Find directions, safety tips, and details for swimming and rope swing access.
About Arnold Valley Pool
Tucked deep into the folds of the Appalachian highlands of western Virginia, Arnold Valley Pool is the kind of place that rewards the curious and the patient. Fed by the cool, clear waters of East Fork Elk Creek, this unofficial swimming hole sits within a dense forest canopy that filters summer sunlight into shifting green and gold. 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.
The Setting and Landscape
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.
What Swimming Is Like
The water at Arnold Valley Pool runs crystal-clear, the kind of clarity that lets you watch your feet on the creek bottom even in deeper sections. As a mountain creek, it carries a refreshing coolness even on the hottest summer days — bracing at first entry, then utterly invigorating. The natural rock slide is the crowd favorite: you position yourself at the top, push off, and the creek does the rest, delivering you with a splash into the pool below. For those craving more air time, a rope swing arcs out over the water, offering a moment of weightlessness before the cold plunge. There are no lifeguards or safety staff on site, so swimming here is a self-directed experience that calls for good judgment, especially with younger visitors or in higher water conditions following rain.
Practical
The experience
- Best time to visit Late spring through early fall (May to October) for warm temperatures and ideal swimming conditions. Autumn offers stunning foliage views.
- Access Moderate. Access requires navigating unmarked gravel roads; suitable for vehicles with good ground clearance.
- Facilities No facilities available. Visitors should bring their own supplies, including water, snacks, and safety gear.
- Camping nearby Very nearby is campground at Cave Mountain Lake in Jefferson N.F. which has a beautiful swimming lake. 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 is a beautiful swimming hole located in Virginia, accessible from several nearby towns including Lexington, Lynchburg, Natural Bridge, and Glasgow. Follow the directions below carefully to ensure you arrive at the correct location.
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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 is located 0.1 miles BEFORE this second bridge . Park at the pull-off and walk back to enjoy the swimming hole.
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Directions from I-81 (near Lexington and Natural Bridge): Take
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Exit 180 off I-81 and follow Route 11 South toward Natural Bridge.
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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 hole.
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Helpful Notes
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Parking
The pull-off near the swimming hole is unmarked but easy to spot if you follow the directions carefully. Ensure your vehicle is parked safely and does not obstruct the road. Trailhead: There is no formal trailhead; access to the swimming hole is directly from the pull-off. Road Conditions: Forest Road 35 is gravel and may be rough in places. Drive slowly and cautiously, especially if your vehicle has low clearance. Enjoy your visit to Arnold Valley Pool!
Plan your visit
Arnold Valley Pool is reachable from several Virginia communities, including Lexington, Lynchburg, Natural Bridge, and Glasgow. Natural Bridge sits closest and makes a logical base, while Lexington offers a wider range of dining and lodging options. Whether you come for a single afternoon dip or build a long weekend around the surrounding Blue Ridge landscape, this creek-side retreat offers something increasingly rare: pure, unmediated nature, right at the water's edge.
Arnold Valley Pool is reachable from several Virginia communities, including Lexington, Lynchburg, Natural Bridge, and Glasgow. Natural Bridge sits closest and makes a logical base, while Lexington offers a wider range of dining and lodging options. Whether you come for a single afternoon dip or build a long weekend around the surrounding Blue Ridge landscape, this creek-side retreat offers something increasingly rare: pure, unmediated nature, right at the water's edge.
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.
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
Is ARNOLD VALLEY POOL free to visit?
ARNOLD VALLEY POOL may require a fee or pass. Reported fee: No. Fees and hours change seasonally — verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at ARNOLD VALLEY POOL?
Yes, ARNOLD VALLEY POOL is an officially sanctioned recreation area where swimming is permitted. Reported activities include: Swimming, Sliding, Rope swing. Always respect posted closures and seasonal restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is ARNOLD VALLEY POOL?
ARNOLD VALLEY POOL is a creek on East Fork Elk Creek located in VA, near LEXINGTON. Guide to the unofficial Arnold Valley Pool swimming hole in Virginia. Find directions, safety tips, and details for swimming and rope swing access.
When is the best time to visit ARNOLD VALLEY POOL?
The best time to visit ARNOLD VALLEY POOL is Late spring through early fall (May to October) for warm temperatures and ideal swimming conditions. Autumn offers stunning foliage views.. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather — always check conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at ARNOLD VALLEY POOL?
Reported facilities at ARNOLD VALLEY POOL include: No facilities available. Visitors should bring their own supplies, including water, snacks, and safety gear.. Amenities can change — contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near ARNOLD VALLEY POOL?
Very nearby is campground at Cave Mountain Lake in Jefferson N.F. which has a beautiful swimming lake. Tends to fill up on weekends and there are no reservations.
Nearby swimming holes
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.