Hike and Swim at Saint Mary’s Wilderness

OVERVIEW

Saint Mary’s Wilderness offers some of the most beautiful scenery and swimming holes I’ve ever seen in Virginia with sculpted rock, deep pools and clear water. The trail follows the creek up into the Blue Ridge, passing abundant wild grapes and blackberry bushes that will probably be ripe by mid-June, and passes numerous swimming holes and small watefalls. It is sometimes rocky and a creek crossing is usually involved so bring sturdy walking shoes. A walking stick and water shoes/sandals may be useful as well. It’s about 4 to 5 miles of hiking depending on how much everyone feels like swimming and if we stop to identify some wild edible plants, animal tracks, etc.
Please bring: 2 liters of water, a lunch, snacks, swimsuit and, if you can, bug repellent.
The club provides: Gas money for carpooling, a seat in a car.
I will expand the adventure as drivers sign up.