Top Ten Places to Swim in James River Watershed

On a long hot August afternoon, there’s nothing better than the perfect swimming hole. Thanks to tough laws and hard work fighting river pollution, much of the James and its tributaries are safe for swimming.

(Always remember that moving water can kill you. Always swim and wade with caution, and never try to stand up if swept away in a rapid. Float on your back with your feet up in front of you to push off from rocks, and swim hard to rescue yourself as soon as you are in relatively calm, deep water.)

1. Pony Pasture, James River Park System, Richmond
2. Saint Mary’s Falls, George Washington National Forest near Steele’s Tavern, VA
3. Goshen Pass, Maury River near Goshen, VA
4. N. and S. Forks of the Moormons River, White Hall, VA
5. North Creek, Buchanan, VA
6. Belle Isle, James River Park System, Richmond  
7. Panther Falls, Amherst County
8. Tye River, Nelson County 
9. Bull Pasture Gorge, McDowell VA
10. Big Mary Creek, Vesuvius, VA