Rip Rap Swimming Hole

We have encountered a few swimming holes on our hikes over the years….and they are always a fun place to stop for a break, and maybe a short dip to cool off in  as our hike progresses.  But, there is one spot that we have found that we return to again and again just for the swimmin’ hole, and that is along the Rip Rap Trail.  The Rip Rap Trail  hike in its entirety is about 5 miles in one direction, and you can travel that  from the base of the mountain up to Skyline Drive, or do it in the opposite. (Or if you are REALLY adventurous, do a round trip)   Along the way, there are a handful of swimming holes, but this one here reigns supreme:

The quickest way to the swimming hole is to access the trail head for the Rip Rap hike is located in the area of Crimoria, between the towns of Grottoes and Waynesboro.  We did not have our GPS to mark it, but we estimated the swimming hole to be about 1.5 miles in, on mostly flat (but rocky) terrain.  There are 3 river crossings, and they can be pretty high depending on the recent rainfall levels.  On our most recent trip, we hit them high…but have also hit them dry.  Regardless, wear shoes that can get wet, and ones that have good grips.

Actual directions from 340 (heading from Grottoes towards Waynesboro):

Left on Route 612 – travel about 1.7 miles

Left on Black Bear Lane

Quick left when you see the sign for Rip Rap Trail (after just about .1 mile)

Travel about .9 miles to parking lot on right.

Important note:  One thing to be aware of when heading to this trail head:  It butts up against a lot of privately owned land.   And you will see lots of No Trespassing signs.  Be careful not to park in any of those areas, and be respectful of people’s private residences when you visit these areas.

 

I like this swimming hole because it take a bit of work to get into it, but not too much.   Thus, un-experienced hikers can easily tackle it for the fun of the swimming hole.   Yet it is just enough of a hike in to deter some, keeping the crowds down.  It has never been crowded when we visit.  However, we have never been on the weekends, so maybe it gets more crowded then.  Regardless, there is plenty of space to set up camp and enjoy the beautiful surrounds.  There are also ample natural rock settings that can serve as seats and props for picnics.  All in all, it is a great place to spend the day.

 

 

 

But, be aware:  Billy and JJ and friend let out a audible sigh in reaction to the cold water as they took their first plunge.  Because of all the rain we have had, the center of the hole was pretty deep.  Billy eventually succeeded in touching the bottom!

 

 

 

 

 

Of us all, J-Wow might have enjoyed the ole swimmin’ hole the most.  And, since we were mostly alone, she was allowed off her leash to really explore!  Her favorite place, the ‘waterside’ that leads down the mountain into the hole!

 

Our rankings:  (4.7 out of 5)

Billy: 4 (Not too far in, very fun and the perfect size)

JJ:  4.5 (Great, but the water is too cold!!!!!)

Minnie:  5 (Loved it!)

J-wow: 5 (can I give it a 6, or even 10?)

The B’s* : 5!  (So Fun!)

*Mickey could not join us on this adventure because we went during the week.  But, we were lucky enough to be accompanied by our good friends, the B’s.  So, they are filling in as guest judges so that we keep all the rankings uniform!!!  They have had just a few forays into the ‘great outdoors’, but I am hopefully optimist that their experience at the Rip Rap Swimmin’ Hole will lead to them want to join us on the trails a little more in the future!