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Jefferson Pools

Checked October 2026 · Sources

Jefferson Pools
Photo by The Ninjaneer, Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

Jefferson Pools is a $35 to $40 developed soak in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Virginia: 95 F water at the source (1980 survey), snow likely December to February.

  • Day pass $35 to $40
  • Developed
Is it open? As of Oct 14, 2026, no closure is posted for Jefferson Pools.
From the Forest Service, read Oct 14, 2026
Directions
Drive timecomputed

Drive times computed with GraphHopper; map data OpenStreetMap contributors.

The facts

Water
95 F at the source, not the pool
Quoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry WARM SPRINGS
Day pass
"Rates are $35 per person for a 50-minute soak, Monday through Thursday, and $40 per person on Friday through Sunday and major holidays."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026
Hours
"the historic Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Bathhouses welcome guests daily from 9 AM to 6 PM."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026
Permit or reservation
Reservation required.
"Reservations are required and are available on the hour, ensuring a peaceful and personalized experience."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026
Clothing
"Adult co-ed soaking time | 9 AM - 4 PM and 5 PM - 6 PM* (ages 16+; swimsuits required ...); Adult soaking | 4 PM - 5 PM* (by gender, ages 18+; swimsuits optional)"
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026
Dogs
At Forest Service developed recreation sites, an animal other than a service animal must be crated, caged, on a leash of 6 feet or less, or otherwise under physical restrictive control, and may not be brought into a swimming area. Forest Service general rule
What the Forest Service says
Snow
Likely December to February
Computed from NOAA snowfall, 2023 to 2026 seasons
Managed by
USDA Forest Service, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
Last checked
October 2026

Trail and trailhead

Climb
About 10 ft up and 10 ft down, one way
Computed from USGS 3DEP elevations at 14 points on our route, Oct 14, 2026 (rough)

Water temperature

95 F at the source, from NOAA's Thermal Springs List (1980 survey). That is where the water leaves the ground; the pool you sit in is cooler.

Quoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry WARM SPRINGS

Fees, hours and rules

Do you have to pay to go to Jefferson Pools?

Yes.

"Rates are $35 per person for a 50-minute soak, Monday through Thursday, and $40 per person on Friday through Sunday and major holidays."

Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026

How much is a day pass at Jefferson Pools?

50-minute soak, Monday through Thursday
$35 per person
50-minute soak, Friday through Sunday and major holidays
$40 per person

Bath County residents are invited to enjoy a 20% discount with the presentation of a valid state ID.

Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026

When is Jefferson Pools open?

"the historic Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Bathhouses welcome guests daily from 9 AM to 6 PM."

Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026

Do you need a permit or reservation for Jefferson Pools?

Reservation required.

"Reservations are required and are available on the hour, ensuring a peaceful and personalized experience."

Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026

Pets and clothing

Dogs

Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.

Clothing
"Adult co-ed soaking time | 9 AM - 4 PM and 5 PM - 6 PM* (ages 16+; swimsuits required ...); Adult soaking | 4 PM - 5 PM* (by gender, ages 18+; swimsuits optional)"

Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026

Seasons and winter access

Snow likely December to February at the spring.

Snow likelySnow not likely

Computed from NOAA snowfall, 2023 to 2026 seasons

Road and gate closures: check Forest Service alerts, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.

Before you go

  • Day pass: 50-minute soak, Monday through Thursday $35 per person; 50-minute soak, Friday through Sunday and major holidays $40 per person.
  • Reservation required.
  • Hours: the historic Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Bathhouses welcome guests daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.
  • Snow likely December to February.
  • Clothing: Adult co-ed soaking time | 9 AM - 4 PM and 5 PM - 6 PM* (ages 16+; swimsuits required ...); Adult soaking | 4 PM - 5 PM* (by gender, ages 18+; swimsuits optional)
  • Check Forest Service alerts, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest before you drive.

Getting there

Both open at Jefferson Pools.

Jefferson Pools

Virginia. Tap the map for directions. Outline: US Census, public domain.

Questions

Is Jefferson Pools free?

No.
"Rates are $35 per person for a 50-minute soak, Monday through Thursday, and $40 per person on Friday through Sunday and major holidays."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026

Is Jefferson Pools clothing optional?

"Adult co-ed soaking time | 9 AM - 4 PM and 5 PM - 6 PM* (ages 16+; swimsuits required ...); Adult soaking | 4 PM - 5 PM* (by gender, ages 18+; swimsuits optional)"
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 11, 2026

Can I bring my dog?

Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.

Is Jefferson Pools open, and what are the hours?

"the historic Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Bathhouses welcome guests daily from 9 AM to 6 PM."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026

Do you need a permit or reservation?

"Reservations are required and are available on the hour, ensuring a peaceful and personalized experience."
Quoted from the operator, checked Oct 14, 2026

Sources and last checked

Page last checked October 2026 (the oldest date below).

Report a correction

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