Visit These 15 Awesome Waterfalls in Virginia

There’s no sight more enchanting than a waterfall when you’re craving to enjoy nature at its fullest. If you’re traveling to Virginia, then there’s no better excuse to head to the many refreshing waterfalls the state has to offer. Soothing in the gentle streams and hiking the cool forest trails will make for a perfect escapade. The Waterfalls in Virginia are picturesque and people travel all across the state to explore their gorgeous beauty. Here is our pick for 15 incredible waterfalls in Virginia that will promise you a thrilling experience.  

1. White Oaks Falls

Located in Shenandoah, White Oaks Falls is popular for around 500 miles of hiking trails! There are six different waterfalls of varying height and several other cascades throughout the White Oak Canyon Trail.

If you have a thing for adventures then you could explore the White Oak Cedar Run Circuit. It is strenuous owing to its 2,800-foot elevation gain and is accessible all year-round.     

2. Devil’s Bathtub

This magical place is unparalleled in terms of its majestic beauty and the picturesque views it offers all long. The water is relatively low here and several people enjoy swimming here during the summer months.

The Devil’s bathtub is a pool of blue-green water with a small waterfall which is a beautiful natural feature and swimming hole. There are over 15 stream crossings in this 3.2-mile hike.  

3. Falling Spring Falls

This magnificent 80-foot waterfall is located five miles north of Covington and right in the middle of Alleghany Highlands. It has a remarkable cascade that falls over 200 feet in the valley below.

This spot is a popular destination for chilling in the summer. You can pack lunch and enjoy it in the renovated picnic area created for visitors. 

4. Statons Creek Falls

This is one of the less-crowded waterfalls in Virginia which is popular for scenic drives, hikes, and more. There are plenty of small pools nearby and cascades with a drop of about 100 feet. You need to be careful here as the terrain is steep.

This destination offers a quick hike to a pair of massive boulders where you can leap into a pool of water. The scenic beauty around this waterfall is quite captivating.

5. Stiles Falls

This 60-foot beautiful waterfall in the Floyd County can be reached through a gravel road from the Alta Mons camp parking lot. You will find signs throughout the trail that leads to the stunning waterfall.

You will cross over the Purgatory Creek before reaching the falls. This place is open all year-round and is pet-friendly.

6. Crabtree Falls 

This is one of the best-known waterfalls in Virginia that you shouldn’t miss. It is located in the Pedlar Ranger District and can be accessed with a short hike from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This hike is worth exploring and if you are visiting in the right season, you will get to witness the majestic 1,200-foot sequence of falls.

7. Apple Orchard Falls

The place is popular for plenty of swimming holes you can find here. The falls trail begins at an elevation of 3,500 feet at the Sunset Field Overlook. It crosses into the Jefferson National Forest and passes a huge overhanging rock which provides shelter from the rain.

It takes a steep descent at around 1.2 miles around the waterfalls. You get a beautiful view of the 200-foot falls at about 1.4 miles. This trail also leads you into the headwaters of North Creek. 

8. Cedar Run Falls

The Cedar Run Falls can be found in the Shenandoah National Park. You can reach this waterfall from the bottom of the mountain off of Weakley Hollow Road. You will come across a small waterfall at the trail crossing and after crossing another mile, you will reach the main falls.

There is another gorgeous waterfall nearby but the canyon walls are quite steep and it is quite difficult to get down to them. You can take a nice dip at the swimming hole. You will also come across a natural water slide nearby.     

9. Little Stony Creek Falls

If you want to kayak off a waterfall, then this is the place where you need to be. One of the falls here is 8 feet high and the other one is 24 feet high. A trail runs past them that follows a stream through a 400 feet deep gorge. 

10. Great Falls

Another one of the unique and pleasant waterfalls in Virginia, the Great Falls is quite popular. It offers exquisite views that vary with the seasons as the landscapes change drastically in the region.

The area scattered with rocks offers beautiful views of the large waterfall. However, you need to climb some of the bigger rocks to experience it. There is a large lookout point nearby that offers majestic views of not just the falls but of Potomac River.

11. Blue Suck Falls

Found in the Douthat State Park, the Blue Suck Falls region promises a satisfying hike that circles the falls. Though the hike is challenging, it is quite rewarding.

If you want to enjoy the waterfall at its best, then you could visit during springtime. You can find about 20 lookout views all across the hike.

12. Rose River Falls

The four-mile loop in the region has an abundance of pools, streams, and waterfalls. It is perfect for a day hike during any season. This waterfall has been overshadowed by Dark Hollow Falls nearby which is usually quite crowded.

The Rose River Falls promises more solitude and is quite dog-friendly. There are tons of pools and streams for playing and splashing.  

13. Lewis Falls

The Lewis spring forms the Lewis Spring Falls that eventually join the Shenandoah River. The falls starts with two streams before fanning out. It usually disappears during the dry months but offers a spectacular sight when it is at its peak.

It is located 1 mile from Skyline Drive and can also be accessed by a trail from Big Meadows Amphitheater. 

14. Dismal Falls

Though this is not a large waterfall, it does have a unique landscape. The water drops over 12 feet into a whirlpool.

These are numerous trees along the trail which makes it an ideal destination for a day out during summers. You can enjoy fishing Rainbow Trout in the Dismal Creek nearby. 

15. Straight Branch Falls

This waterfall is hidden and is not visible from the road. It is truly a gem and offers different viewpoints if you’re into photography. You can take the Appalachian Trail and Creeper trail nearby if you want to explore the picturesque surroundings. The trails offer stunning views of the flowing mountain streams.