10 Best Waterfalls In Virginia To Explore

Dismal Falls. Photo:
Courtesy Virginia Tourism Cooperation; photo: Michael Speed

Whether you live in the Old Dominion or are planning to visit Virginia soon, it’s no secret that the state offers a variety of experiences for those looking to explore the great outdoors. From crystal-clear lakes ripe for watersports to the Blue Ridge Mountains dotted with hikes that lead to beautiful vantage points, whittling down your list of activities can prove challenging.

Not to increase the confusion, but if you haven’t visited one of Virginia’s waterfalls, you should consider adding one to your list. From wheelchair-accessible trails to long-haul hikes, getting from your vehicle to the waterfall is only half the journey. Beyond the beauty of crashing water, natural phenomena like swimming holes, waterslides, and jaw-dropping views await. Here are 10 waterfalls you should add to your itinerary.

01 of 10

Apple Orchard Falls

If you’re familiar with Sedalia, it may be because of its popular food and music festivals, but there’s also a waterfall nearby that offers a peaceful respite for communing with nature. The Apple Orchard Falls Trail follows one of North Creek’s tributaries, where you’ll see wooden stairs, small cascades, and a boulder garden.

However, the overlook and nearby bridge surveying the James River Valley signals that the base of Apple Orchard Falls is near. As you look up, notice the many cataract boulders that cause the water to spill onto multiple platforms as it tumbles down to the earth. The trail is a 2.6-mile out-and-back path leading to the lovely falls.

02 of 10

Crabtree Falls

Located six miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Nelson County, Crabtree Falls has a big claim to fame: It’s the highest cascading, vertical-drop waterfall east of the Mississippi. The width is also impressive, as five large cascades—the highest 120 feet tall—and several smaller ones span over 2,500 feet across.

One perk about these falls is that the first overlook is close to the parking area and accessible via a paved trail, meaning that visitors of all abilities can enjoy the view. Avid hikers can also traverse the 3-mile trail to see the falling water at different vantage points. The park is open from dawn to dusk, and be prepared to pay a parking fee.

03 of 10

Dark Hollow Falls

A visual feast for the eyes, Dark Hollow Falls, is stunning with its collection of multiple delicate falls tumbling 440 feet down the greenstone. As a staple attraction off of Skyline Drive near the Big Meadows area of Shenandoah National Park, the Dark Hollow Falls Trail is a simple 1.5-mile out-and-back path that features falls, slides, and cascades that end in swirling pools as they tumble down toward the Rose River.

Because the trail is steep, rocky, and sometimes slippery, pets are prohibited, so it’s best to choose another waterfall to visit if your pup is begging to come along.

04 of 10

Dismal Falls

Although the name may be unfortunate, there’s nothing dismal or disappointing about Dismal Falls, located in Pearisburg. At just 12 feet tall and 40 feet wide, the terraced cascades fall into a whirlpool, which is easy for folks of all ages to navigate.

Because the falls are tucked into the woods, there are plenty of areas to find shade and play in the water. Due to the terraced nature of the stones, many of the ledges are like stairsteps, although it’s still necessary to be careful and watch small children near the steeper areas.

05 of 10

Doyles River Falls

A three-mile in-and-out trail near Elkon in Shenandoah National Park leads to a pair of cascades known as Doyles River Falls. A footpath follows the namesake Doyles River, where you will first encounter Upper Doyles Falls, a 30-foot tall waterfall with three tiered levels.

The moderate trail then leads further down the river, where smaller, unnamed cascades are within view. Then, you’ll encounter a sharp turn that exposes the bottom of Lower Doyles Falls. At a height of 63 feet, the lower falls are a bit more magnificent, and you can swim and play in the natural pool below the waterfall.

06 of 10

Falling Spring Falls

Falling Spring Falls in Covington almost seems misplaced from a distance as it springs out against an open backdrop of trees and mountains. The scene even captivated Thomas Jefferson, who called it a “remarkable cascade.” Recent renovations to the grounds and overlook area have made a visit simple.

The vantage point is just a quick walk from the dedicated roadside pull-off point. Falling Spring Falls appears to leap out from the mountain to fall freely for 70 feet and cascade down another 100 feet into the valley below. Although it’s a majestic site, going beyond the designated area into the more dangerous territory can result in a fine.

07 of 10

Great Falls

If you plan on visiting the nation’s capital anytime soon, be sure to visit Great Falls National Park. The park looks almost otherworldly, with its vast rocky plateau boasting several falls. The hike is a simple half-mile out-and-back trail, and you can see the mighty Potomac River rush over an impressive network of boulders until it wanders through the slender Mather Gorge.

To enter the park, purchase a digital pass beforehand (cell service is limited, so don’t wait until you’re on site). However, you can also visit the Patowmack Canal—commissioned by George Washington—and a ghost town, making the entry fee even more worthwhile.

08 of 10

Little Stony Falls

Although there are several ways to reach Little Stony Falls in Dungannon, the most scenic route is to start at Hanging Rock Recreation Area and follow the Little Stony Creek National Recreation Trail. The 2.4-mile hike is rigorous, as you traverse wooden footbridges and areas where you must climb over boulders to reach the other side of the water.

However, the trek has features such as natural waterslides, overhanging rocks, boulder fields, cascades, and pools for swimming. For a less intense experience, head to the falls via the upper trailhead, where you’ll still have a lovely view.

09 of 10

Overall Run Falls

As the highest fall in Shenandoah National Park, the 93-foot drop is stunning to see. Although the long hike through designated wilderness is a commitment, arrival at Overall Run Falls ensures you’ll see views of both the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain.

Because of Virginia’s somewhat drier summer season, visiting this waterfall in a rainier season, such as spring or autumn, or after a heavy summer rainfall is best. The 6.8-mile there-and-back trail can prove strenuous, and there would be no bigger disappointment than making the hike only to encounter a dry waterfall.

10 of 10

Roaring Run Falls

Named for its relaxing, melodic sound, Roaring Run Falls wanders through the Rich Patch Mountains before it plummets through a gorge, landing in Craig Creek. The result of the water’s journey is a spectacular display of falls, although there are also lesser falls along the two-mile there-and-back trail.

The pathway lies within the Jefferson Natural Forest and consists of wooden stairs, stone steps, and natural pathways. You can even stop and swim in a large swimming hole. Not only is the spot gorgeous but there is also a historical, still intact furnace for processing iron ore that you can visit.

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