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Check out this iconic swimming hole to cool off in the stifling heat of the summer with a worthy climb to get there.


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Map Key

3.0

Miles

4.8

KM

Out and Back

1,372' 418 m

High

1,063' 324 m

Low

309' 94 m

Up

309' 94 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

8%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Waterfall

Family Friendly Short hike with lots of stream-side exploration and the swimming hole at the end.

Overview

The Moorman River has a number of spots to explore and splash around, but only a few swimming holes are deep enough to swim in, let alone jump in off an overhanging rock above the water. Blue Hole has become a local's favorite, even without the rope swing that came down with the tree it was hung from.

This out-and-back hike provides direct access to Blue Hole, following the South Fork Moorman River on the South Fork Moormans River Road path, which is nice and wide for groups of visitors or two-way hiker traffic.

Need to Know

No swimming in Sugar Hollow/Charlottesville Reservoir. Bank fishing permitted.

Description

Follow directions for the Sugar Hollow/Charlottesville Reservoir to find the trailhead and parking area on the west side off Sugar Hollow Road/614. The road turns to gravel and eventually comes to a gate where you'll find parking. Find the cement post with the metal band with trail names and distances and follow the South Fork Moormans River Road toward Turk Branch Trail (1.8 miles away).

The trail climbs upward along the contours of the hillside through dense forest with a couple of stream crossings. These can be deep enough to get your feet wet during certain times of the year.

Blue Hole is around 1.5 miles from the parking area on the right side (north/northwest). Given its popularity in recent years, don't expect to have the place to yourself, especially on weekends in the summer.

Flora & Fauna

Visitors often spot snakes along the trail or near the water, which keep to themselves. Salamanders, songbirds, deer.

Contacts

Land Manager: Albemarle County

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 2 votes

#2

in Crozet

#4062

Overall
  3.5 from 2 votes
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Photos

A river crossing on South Fork Moormans River Road (particularly high water!)
Jun 24, 2017 near Crimora, VA

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May 23, 2021
Kaylee Lucas
Mar 2, 2020
weekend hiker
3mi
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