Devil’s Bathtub is a popular natural wonder located in the Jefferson National Forest in southwestern Virginia, United States. It is a unique rock formation and swimming hole that attracts outdoor enthusiasts and hikers seeking an adventurous experience. Devil’s Bathtub is a natural, deep, and narrow pool carved into the rocks by the flowing waters of Devil’s Fork Creek. Over time, the water’s force has created a smooth, circular basin with depths varying from a few feet to around 20 feet deep in some areas. The water in Devil’s Bathtub is known for its striking blue and green hues, caused by the minerals and algae present in the creek. The vibrant colors add to the allure of this hidden gem.
Here are my tips for this hike. We parked at the Stoney Park as the GPS location parking lot has room for only a dozen spots. The extra .9 miles is a warm up and cool down opportunity. Also the road at the end has ruts really not designed for cars. An SUV or 4 wheel vehicle for the last part of the road would be best. The roundtrip hike from our parking lot to devils bathtub is approximately 16k steps. There are about a dozen river crossings and the elevation increase is a slow and easy pace. The water level is low so crossing was a breeze no wet feet today. We spent about an hour at the spot. The loop is 7 miles however the bathtub is 1/3 of the way. The water is cold really “refreshing.” The trail is marked with yellow signs. It was not a challenge to keep on the trail.
Right before the tub there are 2 options the rock steps or the ropes. We did the ropes and 1 of the lines has a fairly wide give. I swung about 2 feet out. It’s much faster to use the ropes vs up and around. I was a little taken off guard about the slack in the rope.
Hiking Trail: Access to Devil’s Bathtub is via a roughly 7-mile round-trip hiking trail. The trail can be challenging and involves multiple creek crossings, so hikers should be prepared for some moderate to difficult terrain. Proper hiking gear, sturdy footwear, and a sense of adventure are essential for this excursion.
