From the curves and switchbacks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the paved nature trails of Chincoteague Island, it’s no secret that Virginia has great hiking. With all the scenic locations to choose from, it can be difficult to decide on a trail. However, there is one feature that separates certain hikes from the rest: cascading waterfalls.
Though waterfalls are bound to make your hike a little muddier, there’s nothing quite like gazing up at a majestic waterfall. And what better way to reward yourself after a long hike?
To help you as you plan your next Virginia hike, we’ve put together a list of our favorite waterfall hikes in Virginia.
1. Crabtree Falls
Located in Nelson County, VA just six miles off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Crabtree Falls is the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. The Crabtree Falls hike features a series of five major cascades, as well as a number of smaller ones. The 3-mile trail has four main overlooks that offer spectacular views of the Crabtree Creek Falls and Tye River Valley. Crabtree Falls is a must see for anyone who lives in the mid-Atlantic region.
Need a place to stay after your hike? Try the Crabtree Falls Campground.
2. Bottom Creek Gorge
Forming the headwaters of the Roanoke River, Bottom Creak Gorge boasts spectacular scenery, a 200-foot high waterfall, and hundreds of wildflowers. There are more than four miles of trails that weave through meadows and provide spectacular river views.
3. Cascade Falls
Without question, Cascade Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia. Located in Giles County, VA, Cascade Falls attracts around 150,000 visitors every year. The 69-ft Cascade Falls crash into a large pool surrounded by 200-ft cliff walls.
While visiting the Cascades, be sure to check out both the upper and lower paths of the Cascades National Scenic Trail. The total hike is 4 miles round trip over sometimes rough and often muddy terrain.
4. Apple Orchard Falls
With one of Virginia’s tallest and most spectacular waterfalls, it’s no wonder that Apple Orchard Falls is among the most popular hikes in the Jefferson National Forest.
5. Falls Ridge Preserve
Falls Ridge Preserve is part of a steep, rugged ridge that rises from the valley of the North Fork of the Roanoke River. Not only is Falls Ridge Preserve home to intriguing caves and rare wildflowers, it also boasts an 80-ft spring-fed travertine waterfall.
6. Blue Suck Falls
Voted as one of the nation’s 10 best parks, Douthat State Park has over 43 miles of trails for hiking, walking, biking, and even horseback riding. Blue Suck Falls is just one of the many hidden gems you’ll find inside Douthat State Park.
7. Falling Spring Falls
Once ranked by Thomas Jefferson as one of the most impressive and sublime works of nature in Virginia, Falling Spring Falls is a stunning 80-ft waterfall located on in Alleghany County, just five miles north of Covington, VA. Though there is a scenic overlook from Route 220, hike the rugged terrain from the bottom for the full experience.
Waterfall Hikes in VA
Have you hiked to any of these waterfalls in Virginia? Did we miss one? Let us know on Facebook and we’ll add it!
