Beautiful place to hike and swim. Its about 2.2 miles each way. Be prepared to get your shoes wet with 5 river crossings. Some parts of the trail aren't marked to well and some parts are quike rocky but its an easy hike either way. Arrive early to get a good parking spot and avoid the crowds.

Beautiful but rocky 4.2 mile round trip hike along the St.Mary's river. You will have to cross the river at 3 points and rocks can be slippery. Several small swimming holes leading up to the falls. Wearing good supportive shoes is a must! Great family hike. Prepare to be on the trail for an hour each way.

Wonderful trail to hike that follows the river. You do cross a few times. On the 2 mile hike to the waterfall there are a couple of great swim holes worthy of being on the gram. We wore tennis shoes and rock hopped across the river about 4 times.

A great hike. It's over an hour to hit the swimming areas, which gives you time to get nice and hot. We drink the water here, never had any issues. There are some great spots to swim. My favorite is pictured, just before the waterfall. There's also a beautiful spot about 10 minutes from the parking area where my wife and I like to picnic for dinner in the heat of the summer, and I go for a swim. She's not a fan of ice cold water, so she'll dip her feet. Always worth the drive from Stuart's Draft, about 25 minutes. Would recommend.

I have hiked to the falls from both entrances and they are each unique and fun trails. The lower trailhead is great for families and day hikers. The trailhead from the BRP is better for overnight visitors. The falls are great and there are plenty of opportunities to swim. This is a popular trail so not recommended if you want any semblance of solitude.

It’s totally worth the 2hrs drive from Richmond VA. Definitely a day trip for anyone. I see families with kiddos n dogs. There are about 5 section’s that you will need to cross the water. Step on the small rocks as they are much less slippery than the big rocks. Use the AllTrails app to make sure you are not making the same mistake I did: at the 1st shallow water crossing, I continued to walk n the trail got less and less worn. Its about 0.5 miles until I realize that i was lost. We pack our snacks n food to for lunch. I use the water to keep my oranges and cherries n water cool. The trail is very good with shading but the waterfall is not. Still use protection products

You will need to walk at least an hour before you reach the waterfall but it is well worth it. Clean and clear water amazing waterfall and hikes. Don’t bring too much stuff because you will get tried fast. Some part are a little rough. Get slip resistance shoes will definitely be worth it.

Really fun trail with multiple river crossings leading to some cool swimming spots will be coming back

Great place to hike and fish. We didn't quite make it to the swimming hole and had to turn back. FYI there's multiple creek crossings so make sure you have water proof boots.