The 25 best Virginia waterfalls every nature lover needs to see

We love waterfalls. They come in all shapes and sizes and are a little different each time you visit. After visiting dozens of Virginia waterfalls, we’ve compiled this list of the very best waterfalls in Virginia. These are the waterfalls that are truly worth visiting.

This list includes some waterfalls that you can drive right up to as well as some that require a few miles of hiking, but they are all beautiful and worth a bit of effort to reach. I’ve organized this list into three sections: easy to access waterfalls, moderate waterfall hikes, and longer waterfalls hikes. The waterfalls in each section are listed geographically from north to south.

Easy to Access Virginia Waterfalls

These are some of the easiest waterfalls in Virginia to get to. They don’t require long hikes and some can even be enjoyed from the road. Unless you are swimming you don’t need to bring anything special that you wouldn’t already plan to bring on a car trip.

Great Falls

Great Falls is an enormous waterfall in Northern Virginia in McClean, Virginia on the boarder of Maryland. The thundering waterfall is along a wide section of the Potomac River.

There isn’t another waterfall in Virginia that is even close to the scale of Great Falls. In fact, you need to look to Niagara Falls to find a waterfall that moves more water east of the Mississippi.

The Great Falls park area is managed by the National Park Service and there is a $20 fee to enter the park area but you can use your America the Beautiful Pass if you have one.

There are several overlooks where you can enjoy the waterfall just a short walk from the parking lot. If you want, you can make this into a longer hike and walk along the river. The hike isn’t necessary to see Great Falls, but it’s a great addition.

Wigwam Falls

This is the smallest waterfall on the list. Wigwam Falls is at milepost 34.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The slim waterfall is along a very short, very easy trail that crosses over a decommissioned logging railroad. 

Even though this isn’t the biggest waterfall on the list, it’s a great stop to incorporate into a longer drive on the Parkway. Kids will love the easy trail and ample amount of rocks to climb on.

Statons Creek Falls

Statons Creek Falls is a large waterfall near Buena Vista, Virginia. The roadside waterfall is 140 feet tall and drops in several powerful cascades. Before you jump in your car and rush off to this rarely visited waterfall you need to know you won’t be able to see the whole thing. 

There is a narrow trail that leads about 100 feet from the top that allows you to see the upper falls. Even though you can’t see the entire waterfall, this section alone is quite beautiful. Plus, you’re likely to have this entire waterfall to yourself unlike many of the other falls on this list.

Panther Falls

Just outside Buena Vista, Virginia is one of the best natural swimming holes in the state. Locally, its very popular but mostly unknown to people outside of the nearby communities. To reach this 10 foot waterfall, you’ll need to drive a couple miles on a dirt road and then walk down a short trail.

The more adventurous types will enjoy jumping off the nearby rocks into the swirling pool at the base of the falls. Even if you aren’t interested in the swimming hole, it’s still worth a visit to Panther Falls to enjoy the waterfall and explore around the waterfall area.

Falling Spring Falls

On the edge of the George Washington National Forest sits Falling Spring Falls. This tall free falling waterfall is the most rewarding roadside waterfall in Virginia. You can find this awesome waterfall just outside of Covington, Virginia near West Virginia.

This sweet spot is best paired with a visit to Douthat State Park only about half an hour away. It’s easy enough to find the Falling Spring Falls on route 220 and there is an observation point along the road. You won’t be able to go down to the falls but you don’t need to for a great view.

Falls of Dismal

Hidden deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Falls of Dismal spills over a terraced rock face forming a wide pool. Parking for the 0.1 mile trail is just a few roadside spots.

Falls of Dismal is a great spot to visit for swimming and there are also many places to explore the unusual rock formations near the falls.

Moderate Virginia Waterfall hikes

Accessing these waterfalls requires hiking at least a mile. None of the hikes are exceptionally difficult and should be suitable for bringing children that are used to hiking a couple miles. You may want to bring some snacks and you should always bring some water.

Rose River Falls

Rose River Falls is a beautiful waterfall that spills over a rocky cliff and forms a wide pool. The moderate hike to the falls follows a wide path along the Rose River.

While Rose River Falls is well known it isn’t visited near as much as some of the other waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park.

One sneaky little trick you can do is hike to Rose River Falls and also visit Dark Hollow Falls. The walk from Rose River Falls trail to Dark Hollow Falls is very steep but also only about 0.2 miles. This is the best way to get the most out of your hike.

Dark Hollow Falls

Dark Hollow Falls is nestled in Shenandoah National Park and can be accessed from Skyline Drive near Big Meadows Campground. It is the most popular waterfall in the national park and one that you should try to visit if at all possible.

The 70 foot tall waterfall is beautiful and the hike to it follows a pretty stream with swirling pools. The hike down to the falls is an easy sloping walk but steep on the way out.

When you visit, expect crowds – the waterfall is awesome and it’s not a secret. We have some tips for avoiding the crowds and parking spots for Dark Hollow Falls you may want to check out before visiting.

Lewis Falls Trail

The trail for Lewis Falls leaves from the Big Meadows Campground. You can find access to the trail near the amphitheater at the far end of the campground.

The trail is somewhat steep, but you are rewarded with a view of the tall waterfall pouring off the cliff’s edge into the thick forest.

You won’t be able to get up close and personal with this waterfall but it is still very beautiful. If you are staying at Big Meadows Campground, which we strongly recommend, this is one of the best close options.

South River Falls

South River Falls is a popular spot along Skyline Drive. There is a nice picnic area and vault restrooms available in addition to the trail to South River Falls.

The hike to the waterfall can be a little confusing because there is an overlook area where you can see the waterfall from a side angle. The trail doesn’t stop at the overlook but continues further to the base of the falls.

For those that continue further you get an amazing front view of the powerful falls. If you stop at the overlook your hike will still be 2.6 miles so it’s worth pushing on.

Doyles River Falls

The hike to Doyles River Falls is a short but strenuous affair. For your effort you get to see both the upper and lower falls.

Depending on water levels when you hike you may have to cross through a stream or two. This is trail you may want to bring hiking poles if you don’t normally.

If you decide to hike to Doyles River Falls not only will you get to enjoy the waterfall you will also have visited one of the more secluded parts of Shenandoah National Park.

Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls is the longest waterfall east of the Mississippi River at 1200 feet. It’s not a 1200 foot freefall, but a series of continuous cascades, drops, and slides that collectively extend to 1200 feet. While that is impressive on its own, the experience of hiking Crabtree Falls trail is what really makes it special.

The overall length of the trail is 3.6 miles and for hiking this distance you get to see the waterfall 11 different times. It’s all waterfall all day and one we couldn’t recommend more. We have some tips if you are going to visit Crabtree Falls that may help you decide how much of the trail you want to hike.

St. Mary’s Falls

Near Crabtree Falls you can find St. Mary’s Falls in the St. Mary’s Wilderness area. The waterfall is only about 30 feet tall but the waterfall height isn’t the real draw for the visit.

Hiking to St. Mary’s Falls requires hiking through the deep wilderness and crossing a wide river, at times being knee deep in water. It’s an amazing experience and one of the best ways to escape the summer heat in Virginia. 

Lace Falls

This waterfall at Natural Bridge State Park is the second best thing about visiting. The waterfall is quite pretty and the walk to it is an incredible way to have a full experience at Natural Bridge. 

The walk to Lace Falls is 2 miles round trip and follows Cedar Creek. Both Natural Bridge and Lace Falls are accessible from the same easy trail.

Apple Orchard Falls

You can find Apple Orchard Falls near the Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 200 foot waterfall begins at the Sunset Fields parking area at milepost 78.4. Reaching the waterfall requires a 2.5 round trip hike. Like Dark Hollow Falls, this trail is easy on the way down but a steady climb on the way out.

The final section of the hike is down a series of wooden stairs that provides views of the surrounding mountains. The viewing area at the base of the falls is the perfect place to spend time listening to the crashing water. If you haven’t been to Apple Orchard Falls, it should be added to your Virginia waterfall bucket list.

Fallingwater Cascades

Just a brief drive up the parkway from Apple Orchard Falls is Fallingwater Cascades. This two tier terraced waterfall is 100 feet tall and can be viewed from the top, middle, and bottom.

The overall hike length is 1.3 miles and feels a little further than that. The portion of the hike along the creek is really enjoyable and a visit to Fallingwater Cascades can be extended to an all day trip if you combine it with some other trails.

Roaring Run

Roaring Run is a sliding waterfall in Jefferson National Forest in Eagle Rock. The waterfall is part of a day use area that includes an old pig iron furnace.

​Round trip you will hike an easy 1.4 miles and get to cross the creek on beautiful foot bridges several times. Roaring Run is exceptionally popular in summer months because of the small swimming holes and natural water slides along the hike. This is one of the best waterfalls on the list for kids.

Fenwick Mines Waterfall

Fenwick Mines Day Use Area is in New Castle, Virginia. The area is deep in the mountains and one that doesn’t get many visitors. The 10 foot tall waterfall is also home an awesome swimming hole.

The hike to the waterfall is easy and the area around the cascading waterfall is fun to explore. Fenwick Mines is one of our favorite places to sneak away to on hot summer days.

Stiles Falls

​Stiles Falls is in Montgomery County and on private property that hosts summer camps. It’s important to check Alta Mons website to check for public closures before going.

When you visit, you get to enjoy a winding path that cuts through the dense forest to a picturesque waterfall. One of the best things about Stiles Falls is that you can get up close and personal to the falls and enjoy being splashed by the plummeting waters.

Falls of Cabin Creek

Falls of Cabin Creek is a twin or sometimes triplet waterfall in Grayson Highlands State Park. The pretty dual waterfall is near Massie Gap in the park. Grayson Highlands is an amazing place to visit. Falls of Cabin Creek should be on your short list of things to do when you visit.

The trail is only a couple miles long, round trip, but you will be breathing hard on your way back up. The merging waterfalls that form Falls of Cabin Creek are beautiful and worth every step to reach.

Little Stony Falls

Little Stony Falls is about an hour west of Abingdon in the Jefferson National Forest. The wide waterfall sits in a cove or amphitheater where the falling water echoes off the surrounding walls. There are a few different hiking length options.

Little Stony Falls is far from the beaten path and you are likely to have this beautiful place all to yourself. To reach the trailhead you’ll drive deep into the forest and get to enjoy the dense tree canopy. You can get more information about Little Stony Falls from Scott County’s website.

Longer Virginia waterfall hikes

​The waterfalls in this section require more work to reach, but the extra distance tends to weed out crowds. None of these hikes are easy and some are fairly demanding. You will want to bring snacks and plenty of water when you tackle these longer trails.

Overall Run Falls

Overall Run Falls is the tallest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park. It’s also one you need to plan to visit around Spring and Fall for the best experience. Unlike some of the other waterfalls in the park Overall Run Falls slows to a trickle in the summer.

When you hike to the observation point you will still be some distance from the waterfall. That long distance can make for a very dramatic scene though.

This is a really good option if you want to get away from some of the more popular hikes in Shenandoah and see some of the most unspoiled areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

White Oak Canyon Falls

​White Oak Canyon Falls is a long trail in Shenandoah National Park made popular because of the number of waterfalls you get to see during the hike. The overall length if you decide to hike this trail is close to 10 miles and you’ll see six different waterfalls!

If that sounds like too much for you, then you can instead just head to the lower White Oak Canyon Falls. Taking the shorter hike only nets around 2.7 miles, round trip, and will leave you with enough energy to check out nearby Dark Hollow Falls in the same day. The lower falls is 35 feet.

Bent Mountain Falls

Bent Mountain Falls is a 200 foot waterfall and part of the larger Bottom Creek Gorge preserve area on the Roanoke County and Floyd County line. Depending on how you decide to hike to the tall waterfall you can expect upwards of 6 miles to reach the waterfall. Some of the extra things to enjoy are walking along a fast flowing river or meandering along the ruins of an abandoned mountain community.

This isn’t a waterfall that you can get very close to. Instead, you can view the waterfall from a viewing platform on a neighboring mountain. The waterfall is a long drop and despite the viewing distance, it is still quite beautiful.

Cascades Falls

Cascades Falls is a 66 foot waterfall in Pembroke Virginia near Virginia Tech. The hike to the Cascades is just under 4 miles round trip and leads to my personal favorite waterfall in Virginia. The waterfall powerfully flows across the large rocks that form the cascading structure behind it and spills into a massive pool.

On hot summer days it’s very, very crowded at the viewing area. There are a few different options for how to hike Cascades Falls and even a second secret watefall if you don’t mind adding a little distance to your hike.

There are many incredible waterfalls in Virginia. Most don’t require too much effort to reach and even the ones that take some work are definitely worth visiting.

If reading about these Virginia waterfalls leaves you want more we have a list of great waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a great resource when planning a Blue Ridge Parkway visit.