Blue Hole (Rawley Springs)

Blue hole refers to a frequented swimming hole just past Rawley Springs, Virginia situated in the Dry River.[note 1] The boundaries of the George Washington National Forest surround the swimming hole.

History

The Rawley Springs area has a history of European settlers and their descendants, mostly men, purchasing and building vacation stays and fine boarding houses in the area. A series of fires in the 1800s brought these buildings down. Today there is a cluster of homes making up the Rawley Springs area. Commercialization of the area, like building hotels and resorts, is no longer allowed.[1]

The springs, which feed into the Dry River are said to be a place of healing.[1]

Map of Virginia with mark showing location of Blue Hole
Map of Virginia with mark showing location of Blue Hole
Blue Hole
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Blue Hole

Use

The swimming hole has not been developed with a parking area and easy access, although for some this is also the allure. Most people park on the shoulder of Route 33 just past Rawley Springs heading west. A short but steep climb down to the river follows. The path's location is unmarked but worn enough to be noticeable.

Notes

  1. ^ This article is about Blue Hole adjacent to U.S. Route 33. There is a second Blue Hole swimming area near Bergton, VA.

References

  1. ^ a b Rafuse, Diane. "Mixing Pleasure and Profit at the Springs: The Harrisonburg-Rawley Connection" (PDF). The Harrisonburg-Rockinham Historical Society Newsletter. 31, 2 Spring 2009: 1, 4–5, 8. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-07-29.