Blue Hole Out-and-Back

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Waterfall

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.

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

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.

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