New Market Safety Area South
Parking lot
4.5 (2)
I-81, Timberville, VA 22853
Restroom
Creek/FallsVA
Mountain Run
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Mountain Run at Fridley Gap near Harrisonburg with five FAQs and five historical photos. Distinguish the short creek walk from the demanding mountain loop.
Swimming restriction
Harrisonburg Tourism lists swimming at Fridley Gap. This is not a current water-quality report or a guarantee of suitable conditions.
Water type
Creek/Falls
Access
Informal
Fee
Current fee not confirmed by the reviewed source.
Best season
Choose your visit around current weather, access notices and trail conditions
Nearby towns
Harrisonburg, New Market
Water body
Mountain Run
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Harrisonburg, New Market
Access location not verified
NEW MARKET, VA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Mountain Run
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
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
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- 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.
Mountain Run at Fridley Gap near Harrisonburg
This listing concerns the creek and waterfall stop on Massanutten Mountain described by Harrisonburg Tourism, not a similarly named lake destination. Check Fridley Gap and Airey Lane when planning your arrival.
Choose the short walk deliberately
The tourism page, reviewed October 9, 2026, describes a roughly one-mile out-and-back and a separate challenging six-mile mountain loop. It identifies purple trail blazes and a right turn at the early junction. Keep the waterfall outing separate from an extended ridge hike; a short distance is not an accessible-route certification.
Prepare before losing reception
Tourism lists no trail services or supplied food and water, with limited or absent phone service. Bring drinking water and save directions before departure. Its mention of an informal camping spot is not independently verified overnight permission. Confirm camping, fees and pet restrictions with the land manager.
Water and gallery context
Tourism includes swimming, but this is not a current water-quality assessment. Do not jump or dive. Five historical images show creek, cascades, trail, fallen logs and a ridge sunset. The ridge scene is not the short waterfall approach; photographs cannot establish current depth, flow or access. Our coordinate remains withheld because a precise entrance has not been verified.
Getting There
Use the Fridley Gap trailhead at the end of Airey Lane, as described by Harrisonburg Tourism. Follow the purple-blazed trail east, keeping right at the junction about 0.2 miles from the parking area. The short waterfall walk is not the full mountain loop. Check current trail notices and follow posted signs rather than relying on older road-turn instructions.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Tourism identifies the Airey Lane trailhead; phone service may be limited or absent. Save directions before departure and check current signs.
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
Harrisonburg Tourism lists swimming at Fridley Gap. This is not a current water-quality report or a guarantee of suitable conditions. 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.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
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
Route 211 Park and Ride Lot
Parking lot
3.6 (18)
7625 US-211, Luray, VA 22835
New Market Safety Area North
Parking lot
4.5 (2)
I-81, Timberville, VA 22853
New Market Walking Tunnel
Hiking area
5 (1)
New Market, VA 22844
Yellow Cliffs Mountain Overlook
Hiking area
4.7 (44)
3221 E Lee Hwy, New Market, VA 22844
Knob Mountain-Jeremys Run Trailhead
Hiking area
3 (1)
Virginia 22650
Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cavern Tours
Campground
4.7 (982)
1800 Endless Caverns Rd, New Market, VA 22844
A 6-mile natural tunnel system accessible through seasonal guided tours, with an on-site campground.
Shenandoah Valley Campground LLC
Campground
4.5 (390)
168 Industrial Park Rd, Mt Jackson, VA 22842
Free Wi-Fi
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Run
Is this the Mountain Run Lake destination?
No. This listing is Mountain Run at Fridley Gap on Massanutten Mountain near Harrisonburg.
Is the short waterfall walk the full loop?
No. Tourism describes about one mile out and back versus a challenging six-mile loop. Choose the intended route before departure.
Can I rely on phone service or supplied water?
No. Tourism lists limited or absent reception and no supplied water. Bring water and save directions beforehand.
Is camping permission verified at the swimming hole?
No. An informal campsite mention does not establish current overnight permission. Confirm rules with the land manager.
Do the gallery and map certify an entrance or swimming conditions?
No. Photos are historical context and the precise coordinate remains withheld. Ridge imagery is not the short waterfall approach.
Highlights
Natural waterfall setting
Choose the short route or longer loop deliberately
Unique Features
Creek and waterfall destination
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid jumping and diving
- Rocky footing and changing water conditions require caution; no child-suitability guarantee is made
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Five historical views include creek, cascades, trail, fallen logs and a distant ridge sunset. The ridge photo does not depict the short waterfall approach; none establish current access or water conditions.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Stay on established routes and remove your litter.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose your visit around current weather, access notices and trail conditions.
Difficulty Level
The tourism guide describes a roughly one-mile out-and-back with rocky footing. Its six-mile loop alternative is substantially more demanding. A short distance does not establish suitability for children or swimming.
Fee
Current fee not confirmed by the reviewed source.
Facilities
Bring your own drinking water and supplies. Do not assume a managed beach, changing room or lifeguard service.
Activities
Swimming
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
Confirm current camping rules with the land manager before planning an overnight stay.
Loading weather data…
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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