The best part about road trips are the detours that let you pause for a moment and admire nature’s beauty. But have you ever taken a trip where these natural attractions are the destination? This time, we’re going on a quest for waterfalls. And Virginia has been blessed with many. For now, we’ve decided to focus on the mountainous and central portion of the state, although there are beautiful water features throughout Virginia. This route will allow you to drive and trek to 8 of the best waterfalls in Virginia in a little over 7 hours — a reasonable amount of time for the perfect weekend-getaway.
What better way is there to get to know certain areas of Virginia than through incredible falls and cascades? And it just so happens that these waterfall sites are often part of a larger park system or area you’ll want to explore. So if you’ve got the time and aren’t afraid of a little splashing, your next adventure awaits you. This is your guide to the best waterfalls in Virginia!
Keep in mind, an interactive version of our map can be found here.
GoogleMaps
- Natural Bridge Lace Falls
FritzMB/flickr A trip to the exquisite Lace Falls is made even more special because of its proximity to Natural Bridge itself. This area of natural wonder will be the perfect launching point or perhaps even the finale for your trip. It offers one of the most scenic hikes in Virginia, as well.
- Roaring Run Falls
r6n69ad6/youtube Roaring Run is part of an easy going 2-mile trail which passes over 5 foot bridges and has steps for the steepest areas. This one is fun for the whole family. The trail will begin near Eagle Rock, off of State Route 621, and results in a stunning waterfall view.
- Blue Suck Falls
Virginia State Parks/flickr Blue Suck Falls can be found in Douthat State Park, which is considered one of the top ten parks in the country. You can spot these enchanting falls after a quick hike from the parking area (approximately 1.2 miles). There’s nothing like a famed waterfall hike in Virginia, and Blue Suck Falls is bound to turn a few heads.
- Falling Spring Falls
U.S. Geological Survey/flickr To capture the full experience of this 80 ft. waterfall, you’ll want to hike the rugged path from the bottom. You’ll see why Thomas Jefferson deemed this one of the most exquisite sites of natural beauty in all the land.
- Cascade Falls
Nicholas Schooley/flickr Cascade Falls is perhaps the loveliest area for waterfall viewing in the entire state. With pools of water and rugged cliffs, you’ll understand why nearly 150,000 visitors make the trip to this waterfall hike in Virginia each year.
- Bent Mountain Falls
colong7034/youtube Tumbling into the Bottom Creek Gorge, Bent Mountain Falls is the second tallest waterfall in the state. The trail that leads you to this site is moderately difficult, but filled with maple, oak, and tulip poplar trees in addition to this impressive fall.
- Fallingwater Cascades
Patrick Mueller/flickr Located on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Fallingwater Cascades is accessible by a 1.6-mile loop. The Appalachian stream plummets from the mountain will be ample reward for a brief and beautiful hike.
- Apple Orchard Falls
Amber Karnes/flickr Apple Orchard Falls is an impressive waterfall with multiple levels of beautiful cascades. This fall is also part of a trail system. The complete hike is roughly 5 miles, but the segment leading to the falls is a gentle path that meanders along with the stream.
The waterfalls in this region of the state are mesmerizing, tranquil, and picturesque. Take time to get to know each one and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear about your travels, and your experience with the best waterfalls in Virginia.
GoogleMaps
FritzMB/flickr
A trip to the exquisite Lace Falls is made even more special because of its proximity to Natural Bridge itself. This area of natural wonder will be the perfect launching point or perhaps even the finale for your trip. It offers one of the most scenic hikes in Virginia, as well.
r6n69ad6/youtube
Roaring Run is part of an easy going 2-mile trail which passes over 5 foot bridges and has steps for the steepest areas. This one is fun for the whole family. The trail will begin near Eagle Rock, off of State Route 621, and results in a stunning waterfall view.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Blue Suck Falls can be found in Douthat State Park, which is considered one of the top ten parks in the country. You can spot these enchanting falls after a quick hike from the parking area (approximately 1.2 miles). There’s nothing like a famed waterfall hike in Virginia, and Blue Suck Falls is bound to turn a few heads.
U.S. Geological Survey/flickr
To capture the full experience of this 80 ft. waterfall, you’ll want to hike the rugged path from the bottom. You’ll see why Thomas Jefferson deemed this one of the most exquisite sites of natural beauty in all the land.
Nicholas Schooley/flickr
Cascade Falls is perhaps the loveliest area for waterfall viewing in the entire state. With pools of water and rugged cliffs, you’ll understand why nearly 150,000 visitors make the trip to this waterfall hike in Virginia each year.
colong7034/youtube
Tumbling into the Bottom Creek Gorge, Bent Mountain Falls is the second tallest waterfall in the state. The trail that leads you to this site is moderately difficult, but filled with maple, oak, and tulip poplar trees in addition to this impressive fall.
Patrick Mueller/flickr
Located on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Fallingwater Cascades is accessible by a 1.6-mile loop. The Appalachian stream plummets from the mountain will be ample reward for a brief and beautiful hike.
Amber Karnes/flickr
Apple Orchard Falls is an impressive waterfall with multiple levels of beautiful cascades. This fall is also part of a trail system. The complete hike is roughly 5 miles, but the segment leading to the falls is a gentle path that meanders along with the stream.
Here’s a link to an earlier article about some additional must-see falls.
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Address: Lace Falls Loop, Bristow, VA 20136, USAAddress: Roaring Run, Virginia 24426, USAAddress: Blue Suck Falls, Virginia 24460, USAAddress: Falling Spring Falls, Virginia 24445, USAAddress: Cascade Falls Dr, Bristow, VA 20136, USAAddress: Bent Mountain, VA 24059, USAAddress: 2551 Mountain View Rd, Vinton, VA 24179, USAAddress: Apple Orchard Falls, Virginia 24066, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Waterfalls In Virginia December 21, 2019 Meghan Kraft What are the best waterfall hikes in Virginia? Virginia is rife with stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking experiences, and they can be found all throughout the state. There are a series of popular waterfall trails in Virginia, with perhaps one of the most exciting is the trek to Crabtree Falls, the highest waterfall in the state. Bottom Creek Gorge is also a fabulous place to hike to, with more than four-miles of trails in its home park and fields of wildflowers come the springtime. Cascade Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Virginia. With over 150,000 visitors every year, the scenic Cascade Falls is one of the most popular spots to visit along the Cascades National Scenic Trail. Keep in mind, it is a rough terrain, so less experienced hikers be warned. What is the largest waterfall in Virginia? The tallest waterfall in Virginia is Crabtree Falls, which is actually one of the tallest sets of waterfalls found in the entire United States. It can be found in the George Washington National Forest, which is located in Nelson County, Virginia. The falls themselves spill hundreds of feet down jagged rock, and it makes for a stunning view for folks of all ages. It can be reached by way of a 2.5 loop trail, the Crabtree Falls Loop Trail, and is considered a moderate to strenuous hike. Are there any other scenic hikes in Virginia? Some of the most beautiful views in Virginia can be found along a hiking trail, folks. The beautiful Mary’s Rock in Shenandoah National Park offers 180-degree views after a challenging multi-mile hike to its crest. Old Rag, also located in Shenandoah National Park, has 360-views after an 8-mile hike - that includes rock climbing! - to reach its difficult summit. Although it is a challenging hike, it’s also fairly crowded, so we’d recommend you begin your hike early. Blackrock Summit offers a large scenic reward with a little less effort, and the half-mile hike through the Southern District of the Shenandoah National Park will give solid north-to-south views of the entire valley.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Waterfalls In Virginia
December 21, 2019
Meghan Kraft
What are the best waterfall hikes in Virginia? Virginia is rife with stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking experiences, and they can be found all throughout the state. There are a series of popular waterfall trails in Virginia, with perhaps one of the most exciting is the trek to Crabtree Falls, the highest waterfall in the state. Bottom Creek Gorge is also a fabulous place to hike to, with more than four-miles of trails in its home park and fields of wildflowers come the springtime. Cascade Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Virginia. With over 150,000 visitors every year, the scenic Cascade Falls is one of the most popular spots to visit along the Cascades National Scenic Trail. Keep in mind, it is a rough terrain, so less experienced hikers be warned. What is the largest waterfall in Virginia? The tallest waterfall in Virginia is Crabtree Falls, which is actually one of the tallest sets of waterfalls found in the entire United States. It can be found in the George Washington National Forest, which is located in Nelson County, Virginia. The falls themselves spill hundreds of feet down jagged rock, and it makes for a stunning view for folks of all ages. It can be reached by way of a 2.5 loop trail, the Crabtree Falls Loop Trail, and is considered a moderate to strenuous hike. Are there any other scenic hikes in Virginia? Some of the most beautiful views in Virginia can be found along a hiking trail, folks. The beautiful Mary’s Rock in Shenandoah National Park offers 180-degree views after a challenging multi-mile hike to its crest. Old Rag, also located in Shenandoah National Park, has 360-views after an 8-mile hike - that includes rock climbing! - to reach its difficult summit. Although it is a challenging hike, it’s also fairly crowded, so we’d recommend you begin your hike early. Blackrock Summit offers a large scenic reward with a little less effort, and the half-mile hike through the Southern District of the Shenandoah National Park will give solid north-to-south views of the entire valley.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Virginia is rife with stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking experiences, and they can be found all throughout the state. There are a series of popular waterfall trails in Virginia, with perhaps one of the most exciting is the trek to Crabtree Falls, the highest waterfall in the state. Bottom Creek Gorge is also a fabulous place to hike to, with more than four-miles of trails in its home park and fields of wildflowers come the springtime. Cascade Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Virginia. With over 150,000 visitors every year, the scenic Cascade Falls is one of the most popular spots to visit along the Cascades National Scenic Trail. Keep in mind, it is a rough terrain, so less experienced hikers be warned.
What is the largest waterfall in Virginia?
The tallest waterfall in Virginia is Crabtree Falls, which is actually one of the tallest sets of waterfalls found in the entire United States. It can be found in the George Washington National Forest, which is located in Nelson County, Virginia. The falls themselves spill hundreds of feet down jagged rock, and it makes for a stunning view for folks of all ages. It can be reached by way of a 2.5 loop trail, the Crabtree Falls Loop Trail, and is considered a moderate to strenuous hike.
Are there any other scenic hikes in Virginia?
Some of the most beautiful views in Virginia can be found along a hiking trail, folks. The beautiful Mary’s Rock in Shenandoah National Park offers 180-degree views after a challenging multi-mile hike to its crest. Old Rag, also located in Shenandoah National Park, has 360-views after an 8-mile hike - that includes rock climbing! - to reach its difficult summit. Although it is a challenging hike, it’s also fairly crowded, so we’d recommend you begin your hike early. Blackrock Summit offers a large scenic reward with a little less effort, and the half-mile hike through the Southern District of the Shenandoah National Park will give solid north-to-south views of the entire valley.
