St. Mary's Trailhead Parking Lot
Parking lot
4.4 (17)
478 St Mary's Rd, Raphine, VA 24472
FallsVA
St. Marys Falls
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Virginia's St. Marys Falls with wilderness approach guidance, five visitor FAQs and five historical photos. Reconfirm camping setbacks and group rules before travel.
Water type
Falls
Access
Informal
Fee
Current access fee not independently confirmed
Best season
Choose stable weather and manageable river conditions. Rain, high water and winter ice can change access
Nearby towns
Staunton, Steele's Tavern, Vesuvius
Water body
St. Mary's River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Staunton, Steele's Tavern, Vesuvius
Access location not verified
VESUVIUS, VA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of St. Marys Falls
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.
St. Marys Falls in Virginia's wilderness
This is the Saint Mary's River destination near Steeles Tavern and Vesuvius, not the similarly named Glacier National Park falls in Montana. Virginia Tourism describes a partly washed-out river approach. Confirm the starting trailhead and current route rather than relying on a generic distance or easy rating.
Group, camping and fire planning
Search-indexed text of Forest Service order 08-08-13-23-12 limits groups to 10, prohibits camping within 500 feet of the falls and generally within 200 feet of waters, and restricts campfires and stove fires within 150 feet of the falls and Saint Mary's parking lot. The indexed text includes exceptions and an August 30, 2028 end date or earlier termination. The direct PDF was unavailable at our October 9, 2026 review; its signature, map and current validity were not verified. Reconfirm the applicable order with the Forest Service before planning an overnight stay or group outing.
Wilderness preparation
Carry water, suitable footwear and an offline map. Trailhead facilities remain unconfirmed. Turn back when crossings or damaged trail sections exceed your group's ability. Do not jump or dive; a scenic pool is not a depth measurement or water-quality clearance.
Five-photo gallery and location limits
Historical photos show pool, river, wilderness and crossing signs, and rock-wall terrain. They cannot establish current restrictions, a safe crossing or swimming permission. Our unverified town-derived coordinate remains withheld. Nearby campground amenities are not facilities at the falls.
Getting There
Confirm the Saint Mary's Road (Forest Road 41) approach and current trailhead access with the Forest Service before travel. Use a current wilderness map for the river route to the falls. Published hike distances conflict, so this listing does not present an unverified mileage as a confirmed route.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use a current wilderness map and confirm the Forest Road 41 approach. Indexed agency guidance limits groups to 10; current order and exceptions require confirmation. Coordinates remain withheld.
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
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. 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
St. Mary's Wilderness - Swimming Hole
Hiking area
4.8 (67)
Unnamed Road, Raphine, VA 24472
Saint Mary's Wilderness
Park
4.8 (372)
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
5 (1)
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
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 St. Marys Falls
Is this St. Mary Falls in Glacier National Park?
No. This listing is Virginia's Saint Mary's Wilderness waterfall near Steeles Tavern and Vesuvius.
Can I camp right beside the falls?
Indexed Forest Service guidance gives a 500-foot camping setback. Confirm the current order, boundaries and exceptions; this review did not retrieve the signed PDF.
Is there a group-size limit?
Indexed order text prohibits groups larger than 10. Reconfirm its current validity and applicable exceptions with the Forest Service.
Can I use a camping stove beside the falls?
Indexed guidance restricts campfires and stove fires within 150 feet of the falls and Saint Mary's parking lot. Check the current order and any additional fire restrictions.
Do the map and photos identify a verified swimming entrance?
No. Coordinates remain withheld. The historical gallery does not certify present crossings, water conditions or an entry route.
Highlights
Waterfall on the St. Mary's River
Saint Mary's Wilderness setting
River-side hiking approach
Unique Features
Wilderness waterfall near Steeles Tavern and Vesuvius
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid high or rising water
- Turn back at unsafe crossings
- Do not jump or dive; keep away from waterfall currents and slippery ledges
- Bring an offline map, drinking water and suitable footwear
- Do not infer water quality from appearance
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Five historical photos show pool, river, wilderness sign, crossing sign and rock-wall terrain. Signs in photographs are not current notices; no image certifies a safe crossing or water-entry route.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles. Avoid disturbing wildlife, stay on trails, and pack out all trash. Help protect this natural treasure for future generations.
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Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose stable weather and manageable river conditions. Rain, high water and winter ice can change access; no season guarantees a safe crossing or swim.
Difficulty Level
River-side wilderness approach with reported trail damage. Confirm current route conditions and distance before choosing this hike.
Fee
Current access fee not independently confirmed
Facilities
Bring drinking water and supplies. Do not rely on facilities described for separate nearby campgrounds.
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
Indexed order 08-08-13-23-12 prohibits camping within 500 feet of Saint Mary Falls and generally within 200 feet of waters, subject to stated exceptions. Reconfirm current order, boundaries and permits with the Forest Service; this is not an approved campsite listing.
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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