Jefferson Pools
Swimming hole in Lexington, Virginia · Spring
Jefferson Pools is a hot spring swimming hole. It is at 11 Bath St, Warm Springs, VA. Fee notes: About $35 Mon–Thu / $40 Fri–Sun & holidays per person for a 50-minute soak (2026); reserv…. Best season: Spring and autumn are a strong choice for their mild weather and vibrant foliage.
Typical season: Spring and autumn are a strong choice for their mild weather and vibrant foliage
About Jefferson Pools
Jefferson Pools. also searched as Warm Springs Pools. in Warm Springs, Bath County, Virginia, are among the oldest spa buildings in the United States: whitewashed octagonal bathhouses fed by ~98°F mineral springs.
Thomas Jefferson soaked here in 1818; today the pools operate as a reservation timed-soak experience associated with The Omni Homestead Resort area. This is a historic spa visit, not a free wild swimming hole.
Rates run about $35 Monday, Thursday and $40 Friday, Sunday/holidays per person for a 50-minute soak (2026). Book before you drive from Lexington or Staunton. Pair the timed soak with a quiet Warm Springs lunch. this is a spa heritage stop, so treat the bathhouses gently and follow staff timing rules. Confirm your reservation time window before leaving Lexington.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 11 Bath St, Warm Springs, VA 24484
- Water type
- Hot spring
- Water body
- Underground hot spring
- Fee
- About $35 Mon–Thu / $40 Fri–Sun & holidays per person for a 50-minute soak (2026); reservations required
- Nearest town
- Lexington
- State
- Virginia
- Coordinates
- 38.05355, -79.78075
- Best season
- Spring and autumn are a strong choice for their mild weather and vibrant foliage. Cooler months also enhance with crisp air contrasting the warm waters.
- Access difficulty
- Easy access; no hiking required. Located at the intersection of Routes 39 and 220 with nearby parking and amenities.
- Parking
- See facilities notes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- None at site. Nearby are two George Washington N. F. Campsites; Hidden Valley (the nicest and closest) and Blowing Springs.
- Land manager
- U.S. Forest Service
- Activities
- Bathing
- Facilities
- Changing rooms, toilets, and a gift shop are located onsite. Parking is convenient, and tickets cost around $17 per hour.
- Last verified
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Spring and autumn are a strong choice for their mild weather and vibrant foliage. Cooler months also enhance with crisp air contrasting the warm waters.
- Access Easy access; no hiking required. Located at the intersection of Routes 39 and 220 with nearby parking and amenities.
- Facilities Changing rooms, toilets, and a gift shop are located onsite. Parking is convenient, and tickets cost around $17 per hour.
- Camping nearby None at site. Nearby are two George Washington N. F. Campsites; Hidden Valley (the nicest and closest) and Blowing Springs.
Highlights & features
- Historic octagonal bathhouses
- Thermal waters at 98°F year-round
- Scenic Bath County location
- Rich cultural and geological significance
- Nearby George Washington National Forest
- Oldest spa buildings in the U.S.
- Thermal bathing in natural hot springs
- Historic link to President Thomas Jefferson
How to get there
Jefferson Pools / Warm Springs Pools are at about 11 Bath Street, Warm Springs, VA 24484. Mountain roads can be foggy. allow extra time in winter and shoulder seasons.
-
1. From I-64 near Lexington, take Exit 16A.
-
2. Merge onto US-220 North and continue about 26 miles toward Warm Springs.
-
3. In Warm Springs, turn onto Bath Street (near the Route 39 area) and follow signs to the historic pools / Warm Springs Pools entrance.
-
4. Check in for your reserved soak session; do not enter bathhouses without a timed reservation.
Plan your visit
Book the soak first, then plan a Warm Springs / Homestead day with lunch in town. Bring a swimsuit and towel per property rules.
For wilder Virginia swimming after your spa stop, browse the Virginia state directory and nearby listings like Arnold Valley Pool.
Access & fees
Official Warm Springs Pools (historically Jefferson Pools) operated with Omni Homestead. Reservations required year-round. about $35 Mon, Thu / $40 Fri, Sun & holidays per 50-minute soak (2026). Family, co-ed, and gender-specific sessions; follow swimsuit rules for your time slot. Parking near 11 Bath Street, Warm Springs, VA.
Top picks for this trip
ThinkSport Sport Mineral Sunscreen
The best blend of reef-safety, protection, and wearability — start here.
Check price on
Rhino Rescue Waterproof First Aid Kit
The kit to leave clipped in your pack so you are never caught without it on the trail.
Check price onDisclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
What to pack for Jefferson Pools
Gear we compare side by side for spring swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Are Jefferson Pools the same as Warm Springs Pools?
Yes. The historic site formerly called Jefferson Pools is now operated as Warm Springs Pools by The Omni Homestead Resort — same octagonal mineral bathhouses in Warm Springs, VA.
How much do Jefferson Pools / Warm Springs Pools cost?
About $35 per person Monday–Thursday and $40 Friday–Sunday and major holidays for a 50-minute soak (2026). Bath County residents can get ~20% off with ID. Confirm when you book.
Do you need a reservation for Jefferson Pools?
Yes — reservations are required year-round. Book online via Omni Homestead / Warm Springs Pools or call 540-839-3860. Arrive about 15 minutes early.
Are men and women separated at Jefferson Pools?
Sessions vary: family times, adult co-ed times, and gender-specific Adult soaking windows in the Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ bathhouses. Check the current daily schedule when you reserve.
Are swimsuits required at Warm Springs Pools?
Usually yes for family and co-ed sessions. Some adult gender-specific hours list swimsuits as optional — follow the session rules on your reservation.
Can kids soak at Jefferson Pools?
Family soaking windows allow children with a parent (rules specify ages). Adult-only blocks do not. Confirm kid policy for your time slot when booking.
Where are Jefferson Pools located?
11 Bath Street, Warm Springs, VA 24484 — about 5 miles from The Omni Homestead in Hot Springs / an easy US-220 drive from Lexington.
Do Omni Homestead hotel guests get a shuttle?
Hotel guests often have shuttle options to the pools — ask the resort when you book lodging. Day visitors drive and park near the bathhouses.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Renamed Jefferson Pools in honor of President Thomas Jefferson, these historic spa pools have served as a wellness retreat since the 19th century and remain a preserved piece of Bath County’s heritage.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile ecosystem. Avoid littering and minimize disruption to wildlife habitats.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.