Statons Creek Falls is a 140 foot cascading waterfall in George Washington National Forest. The waterfall is powerful and beautiful and if I’m being honest, dangerous. We want to show you what to expect and how safely enjoy the waterfall.
Statons Creek Falls is a large and powerful waterfall near Buena Vista, Virginia. Many waterfalls require a hike to reach, but Statons Creek Falls isn’t one of those. Visiting can be as simple as parking and crossing the road to stand near the top of the falls.
You will want to download a navigational map before you go, cell signal is spotty. Your drive along Fiddlers Green Way will include a tour through an old growth forest. Most of the Virginia forests have been logged but not here. You can look forward to seeing thick trunked trees well over a hundred feet tall.
How can you safely view the waterfall
First, you will only be able to view the upper section of Statons Creek Falls and it’s a beautiful. Because it is on the side of the road, many people that otherwise couldn’t access a waterfall can access this one.
You can see the waterfall from the side of the road by standing on the small area at the top of the falls.
If you visit this way, there is no danger. The waterfall is pretty from this spot but there is a trail along the side of the falls.
The view from the top is nice but can be enhanced by walking down the trail briefly. You only need to go about 100 or so feet and you can look back at the upper section of the falls. We don’t recommend going beyond this point.
Once you have a good view it’s time to enjoy and let go of going further. The reward for your risk isn’t worth it. There is a common saying about curiosity killing cats, don’t be a cat.
What makes Statons Creek Falls Dangerous
The trail that follows along part of the waterfall starts off like many trails. It’s wide enough for walking single file and it’s easy to walk on. That is, until it isn’t.
After about a minute of walking the trail begins to slope towards the falls. It’s tempting to see how much further you can go. A misstep on the trail once it’s no longer flat can easily prove fatal. The waterfall is the only thing below.
Because the waterfall is tall and you can only see some of it there is a natural desire to see more. That is what makes Statons Creek Falls dangerous.
Should you visit Statons Creek Falls with kids
Deciding on whether or not to visit with your kids is going to depend on how well they listen. You can visit at the top viewing area safely but walking down the trail can be a problem if they run ahead.
It’s very possible they won’t recognize the danger. If you decide to walk down the trail stay in front of your kids and stop as soon as you can see the waterfall clearly.
Manage your expectations
Statons Creek Falls is a 140 foot waterfall. That sounds awesome. But, you won’t have a 140 foot waterfall experience. It’s more like a 20 foot waterfall experience. That doesn’t take away from the beauty, it’s still impressive.
Some of the best things about Statons Creek Falls is that it’s quiet, easy to access, and despite being roadside it feels secluded. Driving up to a waterfall is unusual and satisfying. It is a casual, natural experience that will leave you feeling like you’ve stumbled upon a secret.
If this doesn’t make you want to visit, or if the danger turns you off from visiting consider going to Panther Falls.
It’s about 20 miles from the trailhead for Panther Falls and it’s a great spot for getting up close to a waterfall.
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