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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Natural Swimming Pool In Virginia Is A Summer Dream Come True

Published Jul 31, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

You've heard of spring-fed swimming holes, but what about spring-fed swimming pools? The Blue Ridge Swim Club offers a pristine, natural pool that is the ideal place to cool off on a humid summer day. This members-only spot is open only on summer weekends. Continue reading to learn more about this hidden gem!

Welcome to what can only be described as a little slice of paradise on a humid Virginia day: the Blue Ridge Swim Club.

A serene view of a wooded area with a clear, calm waterway visible through the trees on a sunny day.
The Blue Ridge Swim Club / Facebook

It really is the best of both worlds: the sanctuary of a hidden swimming hole paired with all the amenities of a private pool.

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A serene outdoor pool surrounded by trees, with blue chairs and a shaded area in the background.
The Blue Ridge Swim Club / Facebook

This picture-perfect swimming hole, which first opened in 1913, has welcomed generations of swimmers. The pool is situated on a 14-acre property property near Ivy, which is just west of Charlottesville.

A serene outdoor scene featuring a long, narrow pool surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
The Blue Ridge Swim Club / Facebook

The pool started as the centerpiece of what used to be the Blue Ridge Camp, which opened nearby in 1909.

A serene swimming pool surrounded by trees, with people swimming and relaxing on the poolside.
The Blue Ridge Swim Club / Facebook

Today, the pool is open to members only, but the fees are quite reasonable for summertime pool membership. Those who are interested in joining can visit the official Blue Ridge Swim Club website.

A serene outdoor swimming area surrounded by trees, featuring a clear pool and black inner tubes stacked nearby.
The Blue Ridge Swim Club / Facebook

At 104 yards long, the pool is great for swimming laps. Or, if you're in the mood to relax, grab it tube and gaze up at the giant tulip poplars overhead

Children and adults float on inner tubes in a green-tinted pool surrounded by trees and a wooden deck.
The Blue Ridge Swim Club / Facebook

There are also comfortable lounge chairs and lawn games available for anyone who wants to spend some time on the land.

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A serene outdoor scene featuring blue chairs and striped umbrellas by a calm pool surrounded by lush greenery.
The Blue Ridge Swim Club / Facebook

Curious to learn more? Head on over to the official Blue Ridge Swim Club website, where you can learn about membership perks. Have you ever visited this swim club? What did you think of this wonderfully refreshing natural swimming pool near Charlottesville, Virginia? Tell us your stories -- we would love to hear from you!

Looking for more? Check out our guide to summer fun in Virginia!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/things-to-do-in-summer-va/

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

There’s A Gorge In Virginia That Looks Just Like The New River Gorge, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Breaks Interstate Park in Virginia, known as the Grand Canyon of the South, offers stunning geological formations and abundant wildlife.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

The New River Gorge is one of the most iconic wonders on the East Coast, located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Yet you don’t have to cross state lines to experience a natural wonder in Virginia that’s equally striking. In our opinion, Breaks Interstate Park in Dickenson County, looks a lot like the New River Gorge, and if you’ve never visited, it’s high time you planned a trip. So, come with us to see one of the most unique gorges in Virginia that will literally blow your mind.

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Millions of years ago, upon the formation of the Appalachian Mountains, a wave of earth and rock was created. Today, at the westernmost point of these ancient formations, you'll find Breaks Interstate Park.

Snow-covered mountains and a winding river are visible from a wooden overlook under a clear blue sky.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Nothing short of a natural wonder and a geological phenomenon, this region of Virginia is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The 1,000-foot gorge, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the South, is the result of the Russell Fork River.

A scenic view of lush green mountains under a colorful sunset sky, with a river winding through the valley below.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

The giant sandstone cliffs, known as the Towers, ascend above the canyon, creating a stunning visual effect. Even photos, as beautiful as they are, can't quite do justice to the view!

A scenic view of rolling hills covered in autumn foliage, with mist rising over a river valley.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

If it's your first time visiting the Breaks, be sure to check out Breaks Overlook, an iconic view of the landscape. It's especially stunning when the fog rolls in.

A scenic view of a fog-covered valley from a rocky overlook, with clear blue skies above.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Overlooks Trail is another gorgeous view of the park. Just look at those stunning colors!

A stunning sunset over lush green mountains and a winding river, with vibrant clouds in the sky.
Breaks Park

And while Breaks Interstate Park is famous for its canyon, the abundance of wildlife here is equally as mesmerizing.

A lone elk stands in a grassy field against a soft blue sky at dusk.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

During certain times of the year, visitors are invited to see Virginia's Elk Restoration Zone.

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Have you ever visited Breaks Interstate Park? What was your experience at this look-a-like gorge in Virginia? Feel free to share your adventures with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more unique destinations to visit, be sure to check out our list of natural wonders in Virginia.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/natural-wonder-va/

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Sand Dunes Hiding In Virginia

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Virginia offers a stunning and unexpected landscape with tall sand dunes and diverse wildlife.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

When you think of sand dunes, you likely picture New Mexico's White Sand Dunes National Park, or perhaps the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado. You may not have realized that Virginia also has a collection of sand dunes, and it's just as spectacular. To view this wild, rugged, and somewhat unexpected landscape, head to Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Cape Charles. Prepare to be amazed by the untouched beauty of some of the coolest natural wonders in Virginia!

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Virginia's most visited beaches are popular for a reason: they're easy to access, offer amenities such as restaurants and boardwalks, and often have the buzz of crowds.

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Len Richardson / Google

Yet there's something special about the quieter, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and today's feature destination certainly qualifies.

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Patrick Kerr / Google

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve is comprised of 298 acres along the Chesapeake Bay in Northampton County.

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Patrick Kerr / Google

The dunes are among the tallest natural points on Virginia's Eastern Shore!

It's a stunning gem of a beach on Virginia's Eastern Shore, made all the more spectacular by the presence of 50-foot sand dunes for which the area is named.

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Len Richardson / Google

The preserve, which is maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is open to the public, yet it's absolutely vital to respect both nature and wildlife here.

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Stephen Linenfelser / Google

As you can imagine, the beach, dunes, and maritime forest make up an important habitat for countless plants and wildlife, including tiger beetles and migratory songbirds.

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Visitors will find a small public parking lot as well as three hiking trails for safely exploring the area.

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Bill Dyas / Google

If you do plan to visit, be sure to leave only footprints in the sand!

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Bill Dyas / Google

Did you know about this unexpected wonder hiding in Virginia? Have you visited Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area in Cape Charles? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For related content, check out our natural wonders road trip through Virginia. And be sure to take a look at our road trip essentials!

Love all things Virginia? Check out this amazing footage of Shenandoah National Park:

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