St. Mary's Trailhead Parking Lot
Parking lot
4.4 (17)
478 St Mary's Rd, Raphine, VA 24472
Historical Creek Slide ReferenceVA
Big Marys Creek Slide
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Big Mary's Creek near Vesuvius has a historical slide reference, but exact public entry is unverified. Learn how creek access differs from Nature Camp's pool.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
Confirm a specific authorized entry and current restrictions before a creek visit. A camp program description does not authorize visitors to use camp grounds, parking, pool or creek routes.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Historical Creek Slide Reference
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
No current public creek-entry or parking fee verified. Do not assume free access from older descriptions.
Best season
Confirm access before scheduling a swim. Earlier ideal-flow and clear-water seasonal promises are withdrawn
Nearby towns
Staunton, Steele's Tavern, Vesuvius
Water body
Big Mary's Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Staunton, Steele's Tavern, Vesuvius
Access location not verified
37.906245, -79.197253
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . Swimming permission remains unconfirmed.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Big Mary's Creek Slide: identify the entry before planning a swim
This historical record describes a creek slide near Vesuvius. The exact current approach and public access remain unverified. The location pin is retained for reference, not presented as a confirmed parking area or water entry.
The creek and camp pool are different features
Nature Camp's youth program mentions Big Mary's Creek and a natural slide at Table Rock. Its certified-lifeguard statement applies to the separate filtered pool. Those program descriptions do not establish public access or safe conditions at this historical roadside location.
Why the old driving instructions need confirmation
The archived account gives an FR104 distance and steep path. We have not verified that approach today. Official camp directions lead into the camp and to parking beside its pool, not to a confirmed public creek entry. Do not assume camp parking and amenities are available for an independent swimming trip.
No landing-depth or gallery shortcut
There is no verified safe slide landing, swimming season or water-quality report here. Three saved photos show rocky creek scenery, but do not independently identify this exact feature. They are withheld until location evidence supports accurate captions. Avoid sliding, jumping or diving on the strength of a name, photo or old description.
Getting There
Exact current parking and slide approach are unverified. The historical FR104 route, 1.3-mile distance and steep descent are retained in archived directions, not endorsed as a current access plan. Nature Camp's official directions lead into the camp and to parking beside its separate pool; they do not verify the historical slide route. Do not enter camp grounds or use its parking without authorization.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Nature Camp identifies Big Mary's Creek along its grounds and Table Rock as a natural slide used by campers. We have not established that Table Rock is the same feature as this historical roadside record, or that its program access applies to the general public.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Confirm a specific authorized entry and current restrictions before a creek visit. A camp program description does not authorize visitors to use camp grounds, parking, pool or creek routes. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
High Bridge Trail Parking
Park
4.7 (162)
Farmville, VA 23901
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
St Mary's Falls Trail
Hiking area
4.9 (44)
WVG6+6C, Raphine, VA 24472
Stoney Creek Resort and Campground
Campground
4.1 (162)
277 Lake Dr, Greenville, VA 24440
Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park
Campground
4.6 (1567)
484 Walnut Hills Rd, Staunton, VA 24401
Montebello Camping & Fishing Resort
Campground
4.6 (287)
15072 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Montebello, VA 24464
Unassuming cabins, some with mountain & lake views, plus a lake, a general store & fishing ponds.
Public Restroom
Public bathroom
4.2 (46)
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.7 (1630)
Skyline Drive Milepost 51, Stanley, VA 22851
Skyline Drive resource for info, maps, exhibits & ranger programs plus restrooms & first aid.
Restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Marys Creek Slide
Is the exact public slide entry verified?
No. This historical route and pin have not been confirmed as a current authorized public swimming entry.
Does Nature Camp's lifeguard information apply to the creek?
Its published lifeguard statement applies to the separate filtered, chlorinated camp pool. It does not establish coverage at the historical creek slide.
Is Table Rock definitely this listing's slide?
No. Nature Camp describes Table Rock as a creek slide used by campers, but we have not independently established that it is the same roadside feature in this record.
Can I use camp parking to reach the creek?
Do not assume so. The camp directions describe camp access and pool-side parking. Obtain authorization and a specific route before entering its grounds.
Why are the saved photos withheld?
The three creek photos do not establish the exact slide location, and one includes visitors. They are not used as proof of access or a safe landing.
Highlights
Camp pool and creek distinguished
Historical approach clearly qualified
Public access unresolved
Unlocated creek photos withheld
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- No safe slide landing, depth, water-quality clearance or creek lifeguard coverage verified
- Do not slide, jump or dive based on the feature's name or old reports
- Wet rocks and current can be hazardous
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Nature Camp describes an environmental education program that uses mountain streams for outdoor learning; participation is different from public recreation access.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Three reviewed saved images show a rocky wooded creek and small cascades. Their exact feature location is unresolved, and one includes visitors. No photo is approved for this slide gallery.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Avoid disturbing creek banks, respect camp operations and posted boundaries, and carry out litter.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Confirm access before scheduling a swim. Earlier ideal-flow and clear-water seasonal promises are withdrawn.
Difficulty Level
Historical notes describe a short steep descent, but its current location and condition are unverified. No accessibility rating established.
Fee
No current public creek-entry or parking fee verified. Do not assume free access from older descriptions.
Facilities
Nature Camp says its filtered, chlorinated pool has certified lifeguards when operating. That statement does not establish creek lifeguard coverage, toilets, drinking water or accessible entry for this listing.
Activities
Historical swimming and slide reference only; public access remains unverified.
Phone
No exact swimming-site contact verified
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
No creek-side camping permission verified. Earlier reports of camping beside the falls are not current authorization. Arrange any overnight stay through the relevant land manager or campground.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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