Virginia Hot Springs: Complete List of All 6 Natural Hot Springs & Resorts

Known for the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, dense verdant forests, and a history that dates back centuries to the first permanent English settlement in the Americas, Virginia is a popular tourist destination amongst nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

However, many visitors to the Mother of States don’t know that Virginia is also home to a small collection of hot springs. While hot springs are rare in the United States outside of the American West, Virginia boasts one of the most abundant collections of thermal pools on the eastern coast.

Whether visiting the Old Dominion to explore its rich and storied past or venturing into the state’s rugged terrains along one of its celebrated hiking trails, Virginia hot springs offer serene respites along a further exploration of the state and a calming oasis in which to soothe weary bones.

From primitive thermal pools tucked away in the state’s untouched corners to full-fledged historical resorts, this is everything you need to know about Virginia hot springs.

Virginia Hot Springs Map

Types of Virginia Hot Springs

Virginia’s sole natural hot spring is located toward the state’s western border in a community that is aptly named Hot Springs. However, other thermal pools have also been uncovered in Warm Springs, north of Hot Springs, and in Fredericksburg in the state’s central regions.

Hot Spring in Virginia – The Omni Homestead

Founded in 1766, The Omni Homestead Resort has been Virginia’s premier hot spring destination for over 250 years, attracting visitors all around the world. Long before the resort was established, these geothermal waters were cherished by indigenous tribes for their healing properties, with archaeological evidence suggesting they were first visited nearly 9,000 years ago.

The hot springs are fed from a source in the Allegheny Mountains and into two unique springs. Guests can unwind in the resort’s Serenity Garden or experience the geothermal octagon pool. For a truly historic soak, The Gentleman’s Pool House, built in 1761, remains a highlight. As the oldest spa structure in the U.S., this facility has hosted numerous U.S. presidents and historical figures, including George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan.

Beyond its legendary hot springs, The Omni Homestead Resort offers world-class amenities, including an extensive spa, fine dining restaurants, a water park, and luxury accommodations. Spa services, including mineral soaks, range from $75 to $200+, with lodging available at an additional cost. The spa is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, welcoming guests to experience one of America’s most historic and luxurious hot spring resorts.

Warm Springs in Virginia

Offering a more simplistic thermal pool experience, Warm Springs is located just north of the Hot Springs community and features thermal pools with water temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Surrounding the town are a collection of primitive and community pools engulfed by thick foliage and natural vistas.

Hot Spring	Type	Location	Opening Hours	Cost & Permits	Planning a Visit?
Bolar Springs	Primitive	Check Virginia Hot Springs Map	Open seasonally; Dates vary by year	Campsite fees vary; Day use fee: $5; Reservations required	Get all the essential information on Bolar Springs soon.
Blowing Springs	Primitive	Check Virginia Hot Springs Map	Mid-March to early December; Closed outside these months	Free to access; No permits required; Campsite and parking fees vary	Get all the essential information on Blowing Springs soon.
Healing Springs	Primitive	Check Virginia Hot Springs Map	Open 24/7	Free to access; No permits required	Get all the essential information on Healing Springs soon.
Jefferson Pools / Warm Springs Pools	Community	Check Virginia Hot Springs Map	Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM	50-minute soak: $30 per person (Tue-Fri) | $35 per person (Sat-Sun & holidays) | Bath County resident passes: $25 per person	Get all the essential information on Warm Springs Pools soon.
Alum Springs	Primitive	Check Virginia Hot Springs Map	Park: Dawn to dusk; Open year-round	Free to access; No permits required	Get all the essential information on Alum Spring Park soon.

Bolar Springs

Bolar Springs, nestled in the scenic landscapes of Highland County, Virginia, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a natural thermal spring in a serene setting. Located approximately 14.5 miles southwest of Monterey and 13.4 miles northeast of Warm Springs, this spring maintains a consistent temperature of around 73°F (23°C), making it a refreshing retreat during the warmer months.

The spring feeds into a man-made concrete pool constructed in the 1970s, designed to collect the natural spring water. Despite its age and the presence of algae, many visitors appreciate its rustic charm and the soothing qualities of its mineral-rich waters. However, caution is advised due to slippery surfaces, and visitors should take care when entering the pool.

Beyond the springs, the surrounding area boasts the Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. This region offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, boating, fishing, and hiking. The Bolar Loop Trail, a 2.6-mile moderately challenging loop, provides hikers with scenic views of the lush forested landscape.

Blowing Springs

Blowing Springs Recreation Area, located within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, offers visitors a peaceful retreat into nature. Found about 9 miles west of Warm Springs along Virginia Highway 39, the site is named after its unique geological feature—a natural underground duct that emits cool air at a constant 58°F (14°C), creating a refreshing breeze regardless of the season.

The Blowing Springs Campground provides first-come, first-served camping opportunities, featuring shaded and sunny campsites for tents and small RVs. While drinking water is not available on-site, campers have access to vault toilets and picnic tables. The camping fee is $12 per night per site, with an additional $5 charge for extra vehicles beyond the first two. For those planning a visit, it’s recommended to check availability and conditions in advance.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities in the area. Little Back Creek, which runs alongside the campground, is regularly stocked with trout, making it a great spot for fishing. Hikers can explore nearby trails leading to natural swimming holes and scenic overlooks, while birdwatchers might spot great blue herons, wood ducks, and belted kingfishers in the surrounding forest.

Blowing Springs Recreation Area is a great choice for campers, hikers, and anglers looking for a quiet getaway surrounded by Virginia’s beautiful landscapes. 

Warm Springs Pools (Jefferson Pools)

The Warm Springs Pools, also known as Jefferson Pools, are one of the most historic hot spring sites in the United States. Located about six miles north of The Omni Homestead Resort in Warm Springs, Virginia, these mineral-rich waters have been drawing visitors for centuries. While the pools have a long history of use by indigenous peoples, they gained widespread recognition when Thomas Jefferson visited in 1818, spending three weeks soaking in the springs for their supposed healing benefits. The site became a well-known retreat for relaxation, attracting prominent figures over the years.

The Gentlemen’s Pool House, built in 1761, is considered the oldest spa structure in the U.S., while the Ladies’ Pool House, constructed in 1836, reflects the growing popularity of hot springs during the 19th century. Today, visitors can still experience the waters in a carefully preserved setting, featuring simple wooden bathhouses and a naturally maintained pool filled with crystal-clear, mineral-rich water. Unlike modern hot spring resorts, the Warm Springs Pools retain their historic charm, offering a tranquil, back-to-basics soaking experience.

The pools are open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the exception of the last Monday of each month, when they close for maintenance. Visitors can reserve 50-minute soaks, with fees ranging from $30 per person on weekdays to $35 on weekends and major holidays. Residents of Bath County can enjoy a discounted rate of $25 per session. Although the Warm Springs Pools are affiliated with The Omni Homestead Resort, they are open to the public, and guests do not need to stay at the resort to visit.

With their historical significance, naturally warm waters, and peaceful surroundings, the Warm Springs Pools offer a unique and authentic hot spring experience. Whether you’re drawn by the history, the soothing thermal waters, or the chance to soak in the same pools that once hosted U.S. presidents, this site remains one of Virginia’s most treasured geothermal attractions.

Named after Thomas Jefferson who frequented the site in his old age, the Jefferson Pools are technically a part of The Omni Homestead Resort complex.

Still, they are actually located about 6 miles north of the main facility in the nearby community of Warm Springs.