Blacksburg Hole

Tucked along the banks of the ancient New River in southwestern Virginia, Blacksburg Hole is one of those places that feels like a well-kept local secret — though on a hot July afternoon, you'll quickly discover you're not the only one who found it. This unofficial natural swimming area draws locals from Blacksburg and Radford alike, along with students from nearby Virginia Tech who have claimed it as a summertime ritual. There are no entrance booths, no lifeguards, and no amenities to speak of — just you, the river, and the steady pull of one of the oldest waterways in North America.

The Setting and Landscape

The New River earns its reputation as a geological marvel. Despite its name, it is widely considered one of the oldest rivers in North America, cutting through the Ridge and Valley province of the Appalachians long before those mountains took their current shape. At Blacksburg Hole, the river spreads wide and unhurried in places, then narrows and quickens around bends bordered by rocky outcroppings and dense riverside vegetation. Herons stalk the shallows. Dragonflies hover over the surface. In summer, the tree canopy along the banks filters the afternoon sun into shifting patterns of light and shadow. Come autumn, those same banks erupt in gold, amber, and rust — making this one of the most photogenic river spots in the New River Valley. Wildflower enthusiasts will find spring rewarding as well, with blooms threading through the understory on the walk down to the water.

Swimming and the River Experience

The New River is not a swimming pool, and Blacksburg Hole makes that clear the moment you step in. The current here is real and demands respect — this is a moderate-difficulty destination suited to confident swimmers who understand moving water. The river runs cool and clear in summer, fed by mountain tributaries, and the sensation of wading in on a sweltering August day is instantly restorative. Deeper pockets offer room to float and drift, while shallower gravel bars let younger visitors splash at the margins. Strong currents are part of the draw for adventurous swimmers, but exercise genuine caution and never swim alone. Commercial tubing is available nearby, offering a more structured way to enjoy the river's flow if you prefer a guided float over open swimming.

Plan Your Visit

Blacksburg Hole is free to visit and accessible by car with roadside parking, though the site offers no formal facilities — bring everything you need, including water, snacks, and a way to pack out your trash. The swimming is best from June through August when water levels and temperatures are most inviting. If you're making a weekend of it, Claytor Lake State Park is nearby and offers camping as well as a designated swimming lake for families seeking more structured amenities. The nearby towns of Blacksburg and Radford provide easy access to food, fuel, and lodging. Blacksburg in particular, home to Virginia Tech, has a lively downtown with restaurants and coffee shops worth exploring before or after your time on the water. Come for the swim, stay for the river.

The New River has supported local communities for centuries, serving as a vital resource for both recreation and ecological balance in the region.

Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles, avoid disturbing wildlife, and minimize environmental impact by packing out all trash.