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Hike the Devil's Bathtub

Duffield, Virginia

5.0/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

3.96 miles

Elevation Gain

250 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Elyse Clark

This 3.2 mile roundtrip hike leads to a beautiful natural feature, Devil's Bathtub, which makes for a great swimming hole on the warmer days.

The Devil’s Bathtub is a deep pool of blue-green water known for being a great swimming hole and a beautiful natural feature. This hike is a 3.2 mile out and back hike with 250 feet elevation gain. There are at least 15 stream crossings, so extreme caution should be taken during periods of medium-to-high flow as the stream crossings may be slippery and submerged.

This hike has gotten very crowded recently so be prepared for large crowds on this hike. Please be respectful of the no trespassing signs on the road to the trailhead -- people who park by these signs may be towed. The road to the trailhead is also very muddy and rutted, so it may be difficult for some cars with low clearance to get to the trailhead.

The trail begins on an old rail bed and quickly descends down to the first stream crossing. After this stream crossing, be sure to stay to the left to remain on the trail to Devil’s Bathtub and not the Devil’s Fork Loop Trail which breaks off to the right. The trail will skirt the stream and cross it another 14-15 times until you reach a large blue-green pool with a small waterfall that is a good swimming hole. Many people think this is the Devil’s Bathtub, but to reach the true Bathtub, continue on the trail another 200 feet or so. It is a 10 ft long by 3 feet wide deep blue-green pool with a small waterfall feeding it.

Once done exploring the bathtub, simply retrace your steps the 1.6 miles back to your car.

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Features

Photography
Swimming
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Hike the Devil's Bathtub Reviews

Beautiful hike. You hike the trail and cross the creek rocks approximately 10x to get there. Tree coverage keeps you cool. There is a swing rope area that is very fun. But to see Devils Bathtub you have to go up a little more. Absolutely stunning. I suggest jumping in the first pool (cold nice after hike) before jumping in Devils bathtub (take your breath away cold).

Check it out. Wear chacos/sandals cause you’ll get wet. Plan to stay for a bit since the effort to get there is a bit more than expected.

I’ve done this hike when there was very little water in the creek and when the water was raging! I don’t suggest the raging water, but any other time you should be fine. I wore hiking shoes, but I wish I had be wore Chacos it water shoes. The worst part, for beginner hikers, would be crossing the creek around 12 times. I grew up playing in the creeks of Scott County so it’s easy peasy for me. Take lunch and stay a while. It is crowded on the weekends so try to get there through the week! You’ll not be disappointed!

Very Very treacherous hike! if you are a frequent hiker this will be awesome for you, if not - your in for a hard hike! yes it is short distance, but there is rock climbing, creek crossing and wall propelling! Be prepared to get your feet wet!!!!! IT IS VERY SLICK, wear good shoes and not anything open, like sandals. very pretty hike and looks as pictured - water is very cold. The hike is very shady/cool too, not much sun seeks through so it’s not very hot. definitely recommend taking a good camera also for neat shots!

My husband, kids and I went last summer and it was a beautiful experience. We hiked all the way to the beautiful waterfall. We swam in the bathtub and other areas, the water was breathtaking.

This is great place, and local legend for those of us who live nearby. Yes, it has gotten crowded recently, so be prepared for that. Also, this isn't mentioned in the post, but if you keep on going beyond the bathtub itself for a few hundred feet, you will find a nice, small waterfall. It usually very secluded as out-of-towners rarely know it's there. Good Luck!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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