Devil’s Bathtub VA

Devil’s Bathtub lives up to the hype—and then some. The hike is roughly 7 to 7.5 miles round trip, and while that may not sound intimidating on paper, the constant creek crossings, muddy sections, and rocky terrain make it feel much more challenging.

I went with my at-the-time boyfriend, Josh—who’s now my husband—and it’s one of those adventures we still talk about. Slippery steps, tired legs, a lot of laughing, and then the moment you finally reach the crystal-clear, turquoise pool carved into the rock. The effort fades instantly. It’s rugged, beautiful, and absolutely worth it if you’re looking for a true Appalachian adventure rather than an easy walk in the woods.