Hiking Devil’s Bathtub in Virginia: What to Expect

Devil’s Bathtub had been on our short list for a long time. After seeing photos shared in our 

Devil’s Bathtub had been on our short list for years, long before we ever set foot on the trail. After seeing it pop up again and again in photos shared by members of our Blue Ridge Mountain Life Facebook group , it became one of those hikes we knew we eventually had to experience for ourselves.

In August 2024, we finally made the 2.5-hour drive to hike Devil’s Bathtub and see firsthand what all the buzz was about. We chose a warm summer day on purpose, knowing this is the kind of trail where creek crossings, shaded forest, and cold mountain water are part of the appeal. We spent the day hiking the trail, taking photos, and capturing video along the way to document the experience from start to finish.

This guide is based entirely on our own hike to Devil’s Bathtub along the roughly 4-mile out-and-back trail. Everything below reflects what we personally encountered on the trail, from the terrain and water crossings to what it’s really like reaching the bathtub at the end.

Our Video

Here is our YouTube video from our visit and hike out to Devil's Bathtub:

Arriving at Devil's Bathtub

Getting to the Devil’s Bathtub trailhead feels remote, especially toward the end. As you arrive, you'll note a very large parking area and a gorgeous greenish-blue swimming hole next to it. This is not the main parking area, but the overflow parking area. We highly recommend stopping here, as it makes for some beautiful photos. During the summer, this is a popular swimming hole as well, and there are rope swings.

To get to the main parking area, turn left onto the dirt road directly across from the parking area and head up towards the trailhead. This stretch of road is gravel and can be rough. While 4-wheel drive and high clearance aren’t required, it can be helpful depending on conditions. It was in pretty good condition during our visit.

The Trailhead and Parking

Parking is the main lot is limited on busy days, and this hike has grown in popularity. During the summer and on weekends, arriving early in the day helps avoid crowded parking and heavier foot traffic on the trail.

If this lot is full, you'll need to park in the overflow parking area near the swimming hole. This adds 1-mile to the hike.

From the parking area, signage points you toward the Devil’s Fork Trail, which leads to Devil’s Bathtub. You'll head up a set of stairs, you can't miss it.

On the Trail: What to Expect

The hike starts with a climb up some stairs, and then a gradual descent from the parking area and quickly introduces you to the first of several creek crossings. Depending on recent rainfall, you may be able to rock-hop across some of them, but it’s common to get wet feet at least once. During our visit, we were able to rock hop all of the creeks, and never got wet. Your mileage may vary.

Much of the trail follows Devil’s Fork Creek, winding through a shaded hardwood forest. Expect exposed roots, rocky sections, and narrow footpaths that require steady footing. After rain, some sections can be slick, especially where water flows directly across the trail.

You will reach a split in the trail, where going left will take you on the shortest path to Devil's Bathtub, while going right will take you on the longer loop hike. We went left for the 4-mile round-trip out and back hike.

As you work your way deeper into the hike, the sound of rushing water stays with you almost the entire time. Even before reaching the bathtub, there are small cascades and pools along the creek that make this a scenic and enjoyable hike.

Near the end, the trail will go out onto the unique rock formations in this area, and you'll have to climb some rock to get up to the bathtub itself. The rock around the bathtub is smooth and can be slippery, so take your time and watch your footing.

The bathtub is a deep, circular basin carved into solid rock by centuries of moving water. On a hot summer day, the water is cold and incredibly refreshing, making it an ideal place to take a break before heading back out the way you came. The water has a unique greenish/blue hue that makes for some amazing photos with the right lighting.

We arrived at Devil's Bathtub around 4:30 in the afternoon on a summer evening. The lighting was not good. We suspect the best lighting for photos of the bathtub itself would be in the morning.

Tips for a Great Hike

After our amazing hike out to see the Devil's Bathtub, we learned a few tips that we think you'll find helpful:

• Wear shoes with good grip and expect wet conditions. Creek crossings are unavoidable.
• Bring plenty of water, especially in warmer months. The terrain makes this hike feel longer than the mileage suggests.
• Start early if hiking in summer or on weekends to avoid crowds and limited parking.  We hiked on a weekday and had the trail pretty much to ourselves.
• Take your time near the bathtub. Wet rock and smooth stone can be slick.
• Pack out everything you bring in to help keep this area clean and enjoyable for others.
• If you plan to swim, bringing a small towel and a change of clothes makes the hike back more comfortable.
• Check the weather and come prepared. There were storms in the area the day or our hike, but a low chance of rain. Of course, it rained right where we were hiking and we got soaked (see our video).  We recommend having a spare set of clothing in your vehicle, just in case.

Our Take

This hike ended up being one of those adventures that reminded us why certain places stay on our list for so long. Hiking Devil’s Bathtub in August turned it into a true summer adventure. The heat made the shaded forest and creek crossings especially welcome, and the cold water at the end felt like a well-earned reward.

We loved that this hike felt a little rugged without being overwhelming. The constant sound of water, the repeated crossings, and the final approach to the bathtub made it feel more immersive than many hikes of similar length. It’s not a trail you rush through, and that’s part of what makes it special.

Devil’s Bathtub isn’t a beginner hike, and it’s not one we’d recommend taking lightly. But if you’re comfortable with uneven terrain, wet conditions, and a bit of effort, it delivers a memorable payoff. For us, it absolutely lived up to the photos we’d seen for years, and it’s a hike we’re glad we finally made the time to experience.

You will not be disappointed!