Pauls Creek Trail in Wintergreen - Nellysford, VA
Pauls Creek Trail in Wintergreen – Pet-Friendly Hiking in Nellysford, VA
Discover the beauty of Pauls Creek Trail, a dog-friendly gem nestled at the end of a quiet neighborhood in Nellysford, Virginia. This moderately easy trail offers a pleasant hiking experience for all ages, leading you and your pup through scenic forest landscapes, across gentle creeks, and ultimately to a gorgeous waterfall and swimming hole—perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. The well-maintained, out-and-back path is short enough for families and seniors, yet includes enough adventure with rocky sections, creek crossings, and shady spots to keep things interesting for dogs and their owners alike.
What makes Pauls Creek Trail unique for dog owners is its beautiful natural setting, pet-friendly atmosphere (leashed dogs welcome), and the inviting swimming hole where both humans and dogs can cool off. Though parking is limited and amenities are minimal, the tranquility and stunning payoff at the end of the hike are worth it. Pack some water, leash up your pup, and enjoy one of the best dog-friendly trails in Nellysford, VA!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must be leashed on the trails.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Pauls Creek Trail is a well-maintained out-and-back hike with beautiful scenery and a waterfall at the end.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, there is a natural swimming hole at the end of the trail that dogs and owners can enjoy together.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The trail is mostly shaded by mature trees, providing relief on sunny days.
- Where is the best place to park? Limited parking is available at the trailhead at the end of Pauls Creek Ct.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some trail sections can be muddy or slippery after rain, so plan accordingly.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so please plan ahead.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Reviews mention that the trail is well maintained.
Reviews
Fantastic, short little hike with a stunning waterfall and swimming hole at the end. We did this hike with 2 seniors and carrying a baby and it was moderately challenging but very doable. No rock scrambles or anything but lots of roots and rocks in some spots, and a creek crossing. It can also be muddy/slippery in some spots. We took 30 mins to get to the waterfall and 30 mins to get back. It’s an out and back trail. Bring watershoes if you want to swim at the end. It’s a little rocky in the water. We only saw 2-3 other groups and were mostly all alone at the waterfall for over an hour.
Great moderate trail, and a great option if you’re looking for something straightforward near Nellysford. Parking is very limited. At one point the trail crosses over the creek and you have to step on rocks. Follow the blue markings to follow the creek up to the waterfall. About .6mi to the falls, plenty of big rocks to sit on.
Beautiful trail at the end of the neighborhood. Well kept trail and moderately easy for my 74 year old mother. Only one short section that is pretty rocky and steep that required giving a hand up and back down again. We made it to swimming hole which was a great refresher after the mile hike in!
This is a little gem of a trail! It is short and was well maintained and has an amazing watering hole/waterslide at the end that was perfect for a hot summer day. My 9 year old was able to hike it easily, though smaller children might have a little trouble. It has a few steep inclines, but they are short and worth the work!
So much fun, this easy 1.2m hike in and out. Definitely kid friendly, the deepest part of the water hole is only a couple of feet. Perfect for the middle of the summer. Nice and warm with a fresh cold water plunge.
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