Swimming holes near Washington, DC

A casually updated, personally verified list of natural swimming and wading spots near Washington, DC. Note: Near is a nearly impossible to pin down word when used to describe distances, but for the purposes of this list I am counting anything that might reasonably hit up on weekend away. Map points denote parking location. I find the map the easiest way to navigate but I'll also group by State, then by driving distance from Union Station in, DC. These are generally places where you'll be swimming at your own risk, without a lifeguard, so always known your own abilities and never get in if the current looks too strong. Many thanks to SwimmingHoles.org, HikingUpward, and the various strangers who have pointed me to fresh spots.

Henryton, MD

In town

But first, consider: Do you even need to leave the city? The District has an expansive series of seasonal outdoor pools plus indoor pools open year-round and available for free to residents. There are also fountains, such as the elusive Meridian Hill Park cascades, and splash parks. And the more adventurous can explore these almost wilderness options:

Rock Creek Park. There are many places to wade and swim along this urban-wilderness oasis' eponymous creek. However, it is officially off-limits per the National Park Service and bacteria levels have not tested as safe due to DC's screwed up sewage system, especially in days after rainfall. Map plot points parking area with short trail access to water.
Soapstone Valley Park. An offshoot of Rock Creek Park easily accessible from the Van Ness metro stop or via car with parking at the end of Audubon Terrace NW. From the map marker, follow the trail down into the valley for wading opportunities. Same bacterial safety caveats apply here as to Rock Creek Park.

Maryland

Within 60 minutes of DC

Henryton. A short walk to remains of an old bridge, with pebble beach and deep swimming hole just downstream. Previously accessible from the north side along the train tracks as well, but that entrance (near a historical marker for the now demolished Henryton Sanitorium) requires a short hike due to a gate as of June 2019. There's a cool train tunnel up a short ways to the east along the train tracks.
Sykesville. Multiple spots to stop along River Rd in Patapsco State Park. Popular on weekends.

Virginia

Within 120 minutes of DC

White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run. A great starting point for multiple hikes with a dazzling cascade of falls and swimming holes in Shenandoah National Park. Check HikingUpward for trail tips and make a day of it. Requires National Parks Pass. This spot does get packed on summer weekends, with some locals charging for overflow parking nearby.
Overall Run Trail. Accessed from the outskirts of Shenandoah National Park, this is a secluded alternative to the White Oak Canyon area. Great wading and swimming roughly a mile hike in, near the fork in the trails. Check HikingUpward for directions for the complete 8.5 mile circuit hike that includes views of "one of the largest continuous waterfalls in Virginia."
Broad Hollow Trail. Another lesser known alternative to White Oak Canyon in Shenandoah, but closer to the Sperryville part of the park. Limited parking. Trail almost immediately follows a picturesque wading stream, plus there's a larger 6.7 mile circuit hike that goes by a collapsing cabin.
Little Passage Creek. Multiple spots to stop along this Creek in George Washington National Forest. Map marker denotes the "Blue Hole," a superb spot with sunning rocks and deep swimming hole. You'll want to park alongside the road slightly upstream, being mindful of no-parking signs. Be careful if water is high. Water also easily accessible from the Elizabeth Furnace Recreational Area.

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