ST. MARYS FALLS

About St. Marys Falls

Tucked into the folds of the George Washington National Forest in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia, St. Marys Falls is the kind of place that rewards the effort it takes to reach it. The falls tumble down the St. Mary's River through a cathedral of hardwood and hemlock, pooling into cool, clear water that beckons on a warm summer afternoon. This is an unofficial swimming destination — no ropes, no lifeguards, no crowds of a managed beach — just you, the sound of rushing water, and miles of Appalachian forest stretching in every direction.

The Setting and Landscape

The journey to St. Marys Falls is half the experience. A roughly 2-mile trail winds through dense forest, crossing the river multiple times as the path follows the water upstream. The terrain is moderate — uneven in places, with some elevation gain — but well within reach of most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. As you move deeper into the hollow, the forest thickens and the air cools noticeably. Rhododendron crowds the riverbanks, and in late spring its blooms add a flash of pink against all that green. In autumn, the same corridor ignites with red, orange, and gold, making the hike to the falls as compelling as the destination itself. In winter, ice formations cling to the rockface around the falls, transforming the site into something spare and quietly dramatic.

Swimming at St. Marys Falls

When you finally reach the falls, the payoff is real. The St. Mary's River runs cold and clear, fed by mountain springs and shaded by the forest canopy above. Beneath the main cascade, a natural pool forms — deeper than the shallower stretches you'll wade through on the trail — and the water is remarkably clean and inviting. You'll feel the temperature drop the moment you step in; this is mountain water in every sense, bracing on first contact and deeply refreshing once you've committed. The mix of shallow wading areas closer to the banks and deeper swimming beneath the falls gives visitors of different comfort levels a place to enjoy the water. Come prepared: there are no facilities of any kind on site, so pack everything you need, including water, snacks, and something to dry off with.

Plan Your Visit

St. Marys Falls is free to visit and most accessible from late spring through early autumn, when water levels are manageable and the weather makes a swim genuinely appealing. The nearest towns are Staunton to the north, Vesuvius to the east, and Steele's Tavern nearby — Staunton in particular is a vibrant small city worth exploring before or after your hike, with restaurants, historic architecture, and a lively downtown. If you're looking to extend your trip, Sherando Lake in the George Washington National Forest offers established camping and a beautiful swimming lake, as does Cave Mountain Lake in the Jefferson National Forest near Natural Bridge. Both campgrounds fill quickly on weekends and operate without reservations, so plan to arrive early or aim for a weekday visit.