Pauls Creek Trail in Wintergreen
Hiking area
4.7 (35)
Pauls Creek Ct, Nellysford, VA 22958
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
SlidesVA
Pauls Creek
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan the blue-blazed Pauls Creek Trail near Nellysford, distinguish public hiking from unverified sliding permission, and ask about parking and route length.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
Public trail access is documented, not a managed bathing facility or current slide permission.
Water type
Slides
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Confirm charges for the particular destination; no combined free swimming authorization
Best season
Check current access, weather and notices before choosing a travel date
Nearby towns
Nellysford
Water body
Paul's Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Nellysford
Place-name search
Pauls Creek Trail Wintergreen Nellysford
Map searches for the named location. Confirm the entrance and current access with the park before you go.
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.
Paul's Creek is a documented public hiking trail
The Nature Foundation trail page describes a moderate, blue-blazed valley hike to cascades near Crawford's Knob. Its listing gives 0.6 mile without specifying whether that figure is one-way or round trip. Use the manager's map for full outing planning instead of the old two-mile estimate.
Use manager directions and confirm parking
From Route 151 the manager directs visitors through Monocan Drive, Rodes Valley Drive and Crawfords Climb to Paul's Creek cul-de-sac. Confirm current parking with the foundation at 434-325-8169 and follow signs. Public trail access does not turn private driveways into parking areas.
Hiking permission is not sliding permission
Stay on the maintained trail
The foundation explicitly states its managed valley trails are open to the public. It asks hikers to carry a map, drinking water and suitable footwear and to stay on marked routes. This corrects the former unmanaged-site characterization without inventing owners-only hiking restrictions.
Do not promote the rock chutes as safe slides
The reviewed sources establish a waterfall trail, not a managed swimming area or current authorization to slide. Smooth rock, photographs and water clarity do not establish safe depth, currents or water quality. Earlier natural-slide recommendations remain withdrawn.
Services, hours and photos have separate scope
The foundation office's published hours are not trail opening hours. Resort services, toilets, camping and lifeguards are not verified creek amenities. Ask before departure about facilities and current trail notices. A saved trailhead place name exists, but the prior photo inventory did not contain collected matching source images, so no substitute waterfall gallery is published.
Getting There
Manager directions use Route 151 to Monocan Drive, left on Rodes Valley Drive, left on Crawfords Climb and right on Paul's Creek cul-de-sac. Check current signs and permitted parking with the foundation; adjacent private driveways are not trail parking.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Foundation confirms maintained valley trails open to the public. This does not grant parking on residential property or bathing/slide authorization.
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
Public trail access is documented, not a managed bathing facility or current slide permission. 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
Spruce Creek Park Glenthorne Entrance
Park
4.9 (37)
1368 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
Stoney Creek Park
Park
4.8 (5)
300-350 Stoney Creek W, Nellysford, VA 22958
Devils Backbone Camp
Campground
4.5 (304)
30 Three Ridges Ln, Roseland, VA 22967
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Crabtree Falls Campgrounds
Campground
4.6 (277)
11039 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Tyro, VA 22976
Devils Backbone Three Ridges Haven
Campground
4.7 (39)
203 Three Ridges Ln, Roseland, VA 22967
Public Restroom
Public bathroom
5 (2)
Dundo Group Campground, Crozet, VA 22932
Blue Ridge Parkway - Humpback Rocks Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.6 (477)
Milepost 5.8 Blue Ridge Parkway, Lyndhurst, VA 22952
Restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Pauls Creek
Is the trail open to the public?
The Nature Foundation says its maintained valley trails are open to the public; follow current signs and notices.
Is the hike 0.6 mile round trip?
The manager lists 0.6 mile without that designation. Consult its map rather than assigning a round-trip total.
Where do current manager directions lead?
Via Monocan Drive, Rodes Valley Drive and Crawfords Climb to Paul's Creek cul-de-sac. Confirm legal parking.
Does public hiking permission authorize sliding?
No such permission is established. The review confirms trail access, not safe or authorized use of rock chutes.
Are foundation office hours the trail hours?
No. Do not transfer office business hours to trail access.
Are resort services available at the creek?
A creek-specific facility inventory is not verified. Ask the manager rather than assuming toilets, lifeguards or camping.
Highlights
Maintained public valley trail
Blue blazes
Moderate hiking classification
Parking distinct from public trail rights
Unique Features
Cascades near Crawford's Knob
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Smooth waterfall rock is not a safe-slide certification
- Stay on marked trails and carry water/map/appropriate footwear; do not enter fast or rising water
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical names and route descriptions are preserved as evidence, not current admission or bathing permission.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Observe cascades from permitted trail locations; no saved, collected site-matched gallery available in the prior inventory.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect private boundaries and posted closures, stay on permitted trails and carry out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current access, weather and notices before choosing a travel date.
Difficulty Level
Foundation rates the hiking trail moderate and lists 0.6 mile without specifying round-trip scope; do not inflate it into an asserted route total.
Fee
Confirm charges for the particular destination; no combined free swimming authorization
Facilities
No combined inventory of toilets, water, changing facilities or lifeguards applies to an unresolved creek entrance.
Activities
Public hiking and permitted waterfall observation; bathing and rock sliding not independently authorized
Phone
434-325-8169 (The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen)
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
Overnight bookings or permits are separate from river access; confirm with the chosen manager.
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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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