Devil’s Bathtub Trail: Complete Visitor Guide

Scott County, Virginia — Heart of Appalachia Waterfall Trail

Hiker with trekking pole and backpack crossing a rocky creek along the Devil's Fork Trail to the Devil's Bathtub in Scott County, Virginia

Photo Credit: Jeff Hess

When visitors ask for one hiking experience they absolutely cannot miss in Virginia’s far west, one trail consistently rises to the top of the list — the Devil’s Bathtub. Hidden in the mountains of Southwest Virginia and tucked within the Jefferson National Forest, this remarkable hike has become one of Virginia’s most recognizable outdoor adventures. Known for its crystal-clear blue pool, cascading waterfalls, scenic creek crossings, and immersive forest setting, it delivers the kind of experience visitors talk about long after the hike ends.

But the real secret? The destination is only part of the adventure.

The Devil’s Bathtub is the swimming hole; the path to it is part of a larger route known as the Devil’s Fork Loop Trail (USDA Forest Service Trail #210). Hikers who slow down and explore beyond the famous pool discover an entire corridor of waterfalls, natural pools, and mountain scenery that make this one of the most rewarding hikes in the Heart of Appalachia.

Trail Facts

  • Trail: Devil’s Fork Loop Trail (Forest Trail #210), George Washington & Jefferson National Forest — Scott County, near Fort Blackmore, VA
  • Destination: Devil’s Bathtub — a swimming hole scoured into the rock of Devils Fork creek
  • Distance: about 4 miles round trip out-and-back to the Bathtub; the full loop runs roughly 7 miles
  • Difficulty: Rugged — more than ten unbridged creek crossings, uneven footing, and steep, slippery sections. Not a casual stroll.
  • Time: Allow 4–5 hours
  • Trailhead & parking: Off SR-619 near Fort Blackmore. Park at the larger free Scott County lot about a mile south of the small trailhead lot — shoulder parking between them is prohibited and towed, and everything outside the signed lot is private property.
  • Cell service: Little to none — download your maps and directions before you go

What Makes Devil’s Bathtub So Special?

There are thousands of hiking trails across Virginia, but few create the anticipation and excitement of the Devil’s Bathtub. Unlike a traditional mountain summit hike, this adventure follows a lively mountain creek through a narrow valley surrounded by steep forested ridges. Along the route, hikers cross streams, pass small waterfalls, and experience changing scenery with nearly every turn.

Then suddenly — you arrive. The famous “bathtub” appears as a deep, clear blue swimming hole carved naturally into rock by years of flowing water. Water cascades into the pool, creating one of the most photographed natural locations in Virginia.

No two visits are exactly alike. Spring brings flowing water and bright green forest growth. Summer offers cool mountain water and shaded creek access. Fall transforms the trail into a corridor of gold, red, and orange foliage. Winter reveals a quieter landscape of dramatic rock features and occasional icy formations.

Two visitors sitting at the edge of the emerald Devil's Bathtub swimming hole below a small waterfall in Scott County, Virginia

Photo Credit: Jeff Hess

The Hike Is About More Than the Bathtub

Many visitors arrive focused on reaching the famous swimming hole and turn around immediately afterward. That’s understandable — but it means missing some of the best parts of the trail.

Waterfall cascading into the deep emerald pool of the Devil's Bathtub framed by mossy layered rock in Scott County, Virginia

Photo Credit: Joshua Moore

The route is connected to the larger Devil’s Fork Loop, giving hikers the chance to continue beyond the main attraction and discover additional waterfalls — including a large waterfall near the mouth of Corder Hollow and the cascade just above the Bathtub itself — along with peaceful creek sections and scenic viewpoints. Along the way, smaller pools invite visitors to pause, cool off, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.

Take time to sit beside the water. Listen to the creek. Look up into the tree canopy. The Heart of Appalachia is full of places that reward visitors who move slower and stay longer, and the Devil’s Bathtub is one of them.

Swimming, Waterfalls, and Seasonal Beauty

One reason the Devil’s Bathtub continues to draw hikers from across Virginia and neighboring states is that it offers multiple experiences in one outing. On a single trip you can:

  • Hike through a scenic mountain corridor
  • Explore multiple waterfalls
  • Enjoy natural swimming areas
  • Photograph unique rock formations
  • Take in a peaceful forest setting
  • Discover additional pools beyond the main destination

Water is the defining feature of this trail. After summer rainfall the creek becomes energetic and dramatic; during drier stretches the pools turn calm and clear. Seasonal changes in the sunlight filtering through the trees often shift the color and appearance of the water itself. Photographers especially appreciate morning and late-afternoon light.

Waterfall spilling into the emerald Devil's Bathtub pool surrounded by fallen autumn leaves in Scott County, Virginia

Photo Credit: VTC

Know Before You Go

The popularity of the Devil’s Bathtub has transformed the visitor experience over the last several years. Improved access and designated facilities have made for a better experience for both hikers and the surrounding community. At the newer parking area you’ll find restrooms and access to one of the creek’s best swimming spots before you even begin the hike — many travelers stop to enjoy it before or after the trail.

Before heading out:

  • Wear shoes designed for wet conditions and uneven terrain
  • Bring water and snacks
  • Check the weather before your visit
  • Expect creek crossings and muddy sections
  • Allow extra time to explore beyond the main destination
  • Carry out all trash
  • Bring a real flashlight — not just your phone

Expect very little to no cell service in this area, so stay on trail and download your maps ahead of time.

Group of hikers wading across a rocky creek on the Devil's Fork Trail to the Devil's Bathtub in Scott County, Virginia

Photo Credit: Jeff Hess

Flash Flooding Warning: If it has rained recently, take the water seriously — this narrow valley funnels runoff fast. Scott County advises turning back if the creek is running above knee height. No photo is worth the risk.

Help Protect the Devil’s Bathtub for Future Visitors

The popularity of this place is both a success story and a reminder that great places require stewardship. Increased visitation has put pressure on the trail corridor and surrounding environment — trail widening, erosion, and off-trail travel can damage the very features that make it special. Visitors play an important role in preserving the experience:

Hiker pausing to photograph the rocky creek along the Devil's Fork Trail to the Devil's Bathtub in Scott County, Virginia

Photo Credit: Jeff Hess

  • Stay on marked trails — avoid creating shortcuts or widening existing paths
  • Leave no trace — pack out everything you bring in
  • Park only in designated areas — respect nearby communities and trail access points
  • Protect water quality — keep food, trash, and personal items away from the creek
  • Respect other visitors — share the experience and let others enjoy the quiet

Simple choices make a lasting difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Devil’s Bathtub is a deep, clear blue swimming hole scoured into the rock of Devils Fork creek in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, in Scott County near Fort Blackmore, Virginia. It sits along the Devil’s Fork Loop Trail, Forest Trail #210.

It is about 4 miles round trip on the out-and-back to the Bathtub, or roughly 7 miles for the full loop. Allow 4 to 5 hours.

It is rugged. Expect more than ten unbridged creek crossings, uneven footing, and steep, slippery sections. It is not a casual stroll, so wear shoes made for wet conditions and uneven terrain.

The trailhead is off SR-619 near Fort Blackmore. Park at the larger free Scott County lot about a mile south of the small trailhead lot. Shoulder parking between the lots is prohibited.

Bring water, snacks, and a real flashlight, and expect creek crossings and muddy sections. Cell service is very limited, so download your maps ahead of time. If it has rained recently, take the water seriously, since the creek can flash flood.

Experience One of Virginia’s Most Memorable Hikes

The Heart of Appalachia is filled with incredible outdoor opportunities, but the Devil’s Bathtub continues to stand out as a signature adventure. It combines waterfalls, swimming holes, forest scenery, and exploration into one unforgettable outing. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the trail changes with every season and rewards visitors who take the time to look beyond the destination.

Come hike it. Explore past the bathtub. Discover the waterfalls. And see why so many visitors consider the Devil’s Bathtub one of Virginia’s true outdoor treasures.

Looking for easier terrain first? Start with the best beginner hikes in the Heart of Appalachia — all rated green and family-friendly. Want more cascades? The HOA Waterfall Trail connects six more across the region, and nearby Natural Tunnel State Park pairs perfectly with a Devil’s Bathtub day.

Turquoise water rushing through the carved rock chute of the Devil's Bathtub in Scott County, Southwest Virginia

Photo Credit: Brad Deel

Plan Your Visit

The Devil’s Bathtub is one stop in a region full of them. Ready to build your trip? Use our free trip planner to map your route, find nearby lodging, and add more Scott County stops — or download the 2026 Field Guide for trail maps, parking coordinates, and insider tips.