Humpback Bridge

Tucked into the rolling hills of western Virginia between Lexington and Covington, the Humpback Bridge swimming hole on Dunlap Creek is the kind of place that feels like a local secret — even when it isn't. The star of the scene is the historic covered bridge itself, a rare humpback-arched structure that curves gently overhead like a wooden rainbow. Its weathered timbers cast dappled shadows over the creek below, giving the whole spot a storybook quality that catches you off guard the first time you round the bend and see it.

The Setting and Landscape

Dunlap Creek moves through a landscape of soft green hills and hardwood trees that close in around you like a natural amphitheater. In summer, the canopy is dense and cool, filtering the afternoon sun into shifting patches of gold on the water's surface. Come fall, the same trees erupt in amber, rust, and crimson — making this one of those rare swimming holes that's almost as compelling to photograph as it is to swim in. In spring, the greenery is almost painfully vivid, and by winter, when the crowds have long gone, the bridge takes on a quiet, contemplative dignity. The terrain is flat and easy to navigate, making it genuinely accessible for visitors of all ages and mobility levels.

Swimming and the Rope Swing

Dunlap Creek is a classic Virginia creek swim — cool and refreshing against warm summer skin, with the kind of clarity you can appreciate as you wade in from the bank. The creek bed is natural and varies in depth, making it suitable for wading and casual swimming. The real crowd-pleaser, though, is the rope swing. You'll hear the shouts and splashes before you see it — a simple, time-honored contraption that turns a perfectly pleasant swimming hole into something genuinely exhilarating. Grab the rope, swing out over the water, and drop into the creek with a satisfying plunge. It's the kind of fun that makes adults forget they're adults. Note that this is an unofficial swimming site with no lifeguards or safety staff on duty, so swimmers should use their own judgment and keep a close eye on children near the water.

Practical

Humpback Bridge is a historical landmark dating back to 1857, offering insight into early American engineering and local culture.

Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the creek and surrounding ecosystem. Avoid disturbing wildlife and pack out all trash.