Devils Bathtub And Surrounding Swimming Holes In Virginia
Swimming hole in Fort Blackmore, Virginia · Creek
Devil's Bathtub is a naturally sculpted jade swimming basin on Devil's Fork in the Jefferson National Forest near Fort Blackmore, Virginia. Reached via a strenuous 3.8-mile round-trip trail requiring multiple rocky stream crossings. Free USFS access; parking is extremely limited at the trailhead on High Knob Road.
Typical season: Weekday mornings in summer/fall with moderate creek levels
About Devils Bathtub And Surrounding Swimming Holes In Virginia
Devil's Bathtub (Devils Bathtub) is a sandstone chute and swimming pool on Devil's Fork in Jefferson National Forest near Fort Blackmore and Big Stone Gap in southwest Virginia. not near Roanoke. People come for the jade-green tub after a wet, rocky creek hike with multiple fords. Access is free, but the **tiny trailhead lot** and private-road easement create chronic parking chaos. Do **not** park on private property or along the access road. use Stony Creek Park overflow on VA 619 if the lot is full. High-clearance helps on the rutted spur to the trailhead. Plan ~1.5, 2 miles one-way to the tub (or a longer loop beyond). Wear water shoes; expect trash pressure and pack everything out. Pair with other SW Virginia / Kingsport-area listings from our Virginia swimming holes hub after you confirm flow is safe.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- Devil's Fork Loop Trailhead, FS Rd 619 / Alley Valley Rd, Fort Blackmore, VA 24250
- Water type
- Creek pool / sandstone chute
- Water body
- Devil's Fork
- Fee
- Free (Jefferson National Forest day-use); tiny trailhead lot — do not park on private property
- Nearest town
- Fort Blackmore
- State
- Virginia
- Coordinates
- 36.81859, -82.62657
- Best season
- Weekday mornings in summer/fall with moderate creek levels.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate — wet fords, roots, and slick rock; more strenuous if finishing the full loop.
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Restrooms
- Limited — see facilities notes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Camping
- Not at the trailhead lot; use designated NF camping elsewhere.
- Land manager
- U.S. Forest Service
- Activities
- Hiking, swimming, photography
- Facilities
- Minimal trailhead parking; Stony Creek Park has overflow parking/restroom options. No facilities at the tub.
- Listing last updated
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitWeekday mornings in summer/fall with moderate creek levels.
- AccessModerate. wet fords, roots, and slick rock; more strenuous if finishing the full loop.
- FacilitiesMinimal trailhead parking; Stony Creek Park has overflow parking/restroom options. No facilities at the tub.
- Camping nearbyNot at the trailhead lot; use designated NF camping elsewhere.
Highlights & features
- Six unique swimming holes
- Natural rock slides
- Cool, clear mountain water
- Dense Appalachian forest surroundings
- Wildlife and photography opportunities
- Natural rock formations shaped over millennia
- Remote location offering solitude
- Crystal-clear waters fed by mountain springs
How to get there
Trailhead coordinates ~36.8186, -82.6266 near Fort Blackmore. Download offline maps. cell service is poor.
1. From Fort Blackmore, take VA 619 (Big Stoney Creek Road) north/northwest into the national forest.
2. Turn onto the signed gravel access toward Devil's Fork Loop / Alley Valley area (FS roads past the fishing/hunting club signage).
3. Park only in the official trailhead lot (~7 cars). If full, return to Stony Creek Park overflow on VA 619 and walk in — never block private driveways.
4. Follow yellow-blazed Devil's Fork Loop Trail upstream with multiple wet crossings; a signed spur points to the Bathtub pool.
5. Return the same way unless you are prepared for the less-maintained full loop climb.
Bring water shoes, poles for fords, and a leave-no-trace kit.
Plan your visit
Devils Bathtub And Surrounding Swimming Holes In Virginia works well as a day trip from Kingsport(Tn) or Big Stone Gap(Va). Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Little Stony Falls Area (about 12 mi away) or browse more Virginia swimming spots in our directory. For the full list in Virginia, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, natural area with no facilities or on-site management. Parking is limited along Route 619. Some nearby swimming spots may be on private property; always observe and obey all posted signs.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Devil's Bathtub in Virginia?
The hike to Devil's Bathtub is approximately 3.8 miles round-trip on the direct yellow-blazed trail, or 7.2 miles on the full loop. The trail crosses the rocky creek over a dozen times, requiring sturdy water shoes or hiking boots.
Is Devil's Bathtub free to visit?
Yes. Access through George Washington and Jefferson National Forest is free with no permit or parking fees. However, parking at the small trailhead lot fills early on weekends, and overflow parking is available at Stony Creek Park.
Can you swim in the Devil's Bathtub?
Yes. Swimming and wading are permitted in the natural bathtub basin and the larger swimming hole located about 100 yards downstream. The water remains cold (around 55°F–62°F) throughout summer.
Are dogs allowed at Devil's Bathtub?
Yes, dogs are allowed on leash. However, the steep, rocky terrain and frequent creek crossings with slick boulders can be challenging for some dogs.
Can you swim at Devil's Bathtub?
Yes. The sandstone chute empties into a swimming pool when flow is reasonable. Fords, slippery rock, and cold water make it a hike-first swim — not a roadside beach.
Is Devil's Bathtub free?
Yes. It is free Jefferson National Forest day-use. There is no entrance booth — the constraint is parking, not a ticket.
How long is the hike to Devil's Bathtub?
About 1.5–2 miles one-way along Devil's Fork with multiple creek crossings. The full mountain loop beyond the tub is longer and harder to follow.
Where is Devil's Bathtub Virginia?
Near Fort Blackmore in Scott County, southwest Virginia (Big Stone Gap / Kingsport side of the state) — not Roanoke.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
Regional guide
This spot is featured in our Devil's Bathtub & southwest Virginia swims roundup with related swimming holes in Virginia.
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Located in the Appalachian region, the area reflects the natural heritage of the mountain communities around Kingsport, Big Stone Gap, and Fort Blackmore.
Conservation
Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, carry out all trash, and respect private property boundaries to protect the delicate ecosystem.
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.