15 Best Waterfall Hikes in Virginia

Virginia’s best waterfall hikes lead to towering cascades, swimming holes, rocky gorges and forest streams across the Blue Ridge and Southwest Virginia.

My top waterfall hikes are Cascades Falls, Crabtree Falls, Whiteoak Canyon and Apple Orchard Falls.

For a shorter hike, try Dark Hollow Falls; for an easier family outing, Roaring Run Falls is a great choice.

I’ve completed more than 300 hikes across Virginia and written three Virginia hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides. I’ve also hiked every trail on this list.

These 15 made the cut for the waterfall, the hike itself and the overall trail experience—not just because there happens to be falling water along the way.

Ready for a waterfall road trip? Check out my Ultimate Virginia Waterfall Map.

Best Waterfall Hikes at a Glance

If you’re chasing waterfalls, these Virginia hikes belong on your list, from Shenandoah National Park favorites to waterfall hikes across the state.

Hike	Location	Mileage	Difficulty	Best For
Cascades Falls	Pembroke	4.0 miles	Moderate	Best overall
Crabtree Falls	Tyro	3.3 miles	Moderate	Dramatic cascades
Whiteoak Canyon	Shenandoah National Park	2.9–8.8 miles	Moderate to Strenuous	Multi-waterfall hike
Devil's Bathtub	Fort Blackmore	4.0 miles	Moderate	Waterfall + swimming hole
St. Mary's Falls	Vesuvius	4.7 miles	Moderate	Swimming hole hike
Apple Orchard Falls	Blue Ridge Parkway	2.9 miles	Moderate	Blue Ridge Parkway waterfall
Dark Hollow Falls	Shenandoah National Park	1.4 miles	Moderate	Short waterfall hike
Rose River Falls	Shenandoah National Park	3.9 miles	Moderate	Shenandoah waterfall loop
Jones Run + Doyles River Falls	Shenandoah National Park	7.0 miles	Moderate	Three-waterfall hike
Great Falls	Great Falls Park	3.0 miles	Moderate	Powerful river falls
Scott's Run	McLean	3.3 miles	Moderate	Northern Virginia
Little Stony Falls	Dungannon	4.8 miles	Moderate	Southwest Virginia
Roaring Run Falls	Eagle Rock	1.7 miles	Easy	Families
South River Falls	Shenandoah National Park	5.1 miles	Moderate	Tall Shenandoah waterfall
White Rock Falls	Blue Ridge Parkway	4.4 miles	Moderate	Quiet Blue Ridge waterfall

Best Time to Hike Virginia Waterfalls

Spring is prime time for Virginia waterfall hikes, when steady rain and snowmelt can send water rushing over the falls.

After dry stretches in summer, smaller waterfalls may slow considerably. Fall brings colorful foliage to the trails, though water flow can vary widely.

Use extra caution around waterfalls year-round. Wet rocks can be dangerously slippery. Never climb on or around the top of a waterfall.

#1: Cascades Falls (Pembroke)

4.0 miles | Moderate | 2–3 hrs | Best overall hike

The Cascades National Recreation Trail in Jefferson National Forest leads to 66-foot Cascades Falls, one of Southwest Virginia’s must-do waterfall hikes.

Follow the Lower Trail to the falls, then return on the Upper Trail. A wooden platform overlooks the basin, while a second viewing area gets you even closer.

The hike is 4.0 miles round trip. For more steps, continue to Barney’s Wall for a 7.4-mile hike. Mountain Lake Lodge, made famous by Dirty Dancing, is nearby.

#2: Crabtree Falls (Tyro)

3.3 miles | Moderate | 2.5–3 hrs | Best dramatic cascade

Crabtree Falls is one of Virginia’s most dramatic waterfall hikes, with five major cascades dropping a total of 1,214 feet along Crabtree Creek.

The 1.7-mile climb to the top stays close to the falls, with multiple viewpoints along the way. Take in the views across the Blue Ridge Mountains and Tye River Valley.

The first cascade is just a short walk from the parking area. Stay on the trail and behind barriers, since wet rocks around the falls are extremely slippery.

#3: Whiteoak Canyon / Whiteoak Falls (Shenandoah NP)

2.9–8.8 miles | Moderate to Strenuous | 2–7 hrs | Best multi-waterfall hike

Whiteoak Canyon is home to six waterfalls. The 86-foot Upper Whiteoak Falls is Shenandoah National Park’s second-tallest waterfall.

It’s a 2.9-mile round-trip hike from the park boundary to Lower Whiteoak Falls. From Skyline Drive, it’s 4.6 miles round trip to Upper Whiteoak Falls.

For the full experience, tackle the strenuous 8.8-mile Cedar Run–Whiteoak circuit, which passes multiple waterfalls and swimming holes.

#4: Devil’s Bathtub (Fort Blackmore)

4.0 miles | Moderate | 2–3 hrs | Best waterfall + swimming hole adventure

The 4.0-mile out-and-back hike to Devil’s Bathtub leads to a waterfall and a crystal-clear, bathtub-shaped basin tucked into a rugged stretch of Southwest Virginia.

Expect more than 10 creek crossings. Skip this hike after a heavy rain, when the trail gets slippery and water levels can rise quickly.

Curious about the name? According to Explore Scott County, the pool got its name because its icy water could “squelch the fires of hell.”

#5: St. Mary’s Falls (Vesuvius)

4.7 miles | Moderate | 3–4 hrs | Best swimming hole hike

The 4.7-mile out-and-back hike to St. Mary’s Falls follows the St. Mary’s River through the federally designated St. Mary’s Wilderness near Vesuvius.

Come prepared for five river crossings and wear sturdy water shoes. Keep in mind that water levels can make crossings more difficult after rain.

At the falls, tiers of rushing water spill into a clear swimming hole framed by forest. Here, the river is part of the hike, not just the destination.

#6: Apple Orchard Falls (Buchanan)

2.9 miles | Moderate | 2–3 hrs | Best Blue Ridge Parkway waterfall hike

The 2.9-mile out-and-back hike to 200-foot Apple Orchard Falls begins at Sunset Field Overlook at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 78.4.

Follow the Apple Orchard Falls Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail. The route dips beneath a forest canopy and crosses streams and wooden bridges.

At 1.1 miles, you’ll pass a smaller waterfall. Stop for a look, but keep going—Apple Orchard Falls is still ahead.

#7: Dark Hollow Falls (Shenandoah NP)

1.4 miles | Moderate | 60–90 mins | Best short waterfall hike

The 1.4-mile round-trip hike to 70-foot Dark Hollow Falls is one of Shenandoah National Park’s most popular waterfall hikes.

It’s a short hike, but the rocky return climb gains more than 400 feet. The reward is a close-up view of the tumbling falls.

For more steps, choose the 4.7-mile loop or the 6.9-mile circuit that includes both Dark Hollow Falls and Rose River Falls. Pets are not allowed on this trail.

#8: Rose River Falls (Shenandoah NP)

3.9 miles | Moderate | 2.5–3 hrs | Best Shenandoah waterfall loop

The 3.9-mile loop to 67-foot Rose River Falls stands out for its refreshing swimming hole, a welcome bonus on a warm day.

The hike begins on Skyline Drive and passes historic Cave Cemetery. Much of the route winds through federally designated Shenandoah Wilderness.

Follow Hogcamp Branch toward Rose River Falls, passing another cascade and a spur trail that leads to Dark Hollow Falls.

#9: Jones Run + Doyles River Falls (Shenandoah NP)

7.0 miles | Moderate | 3.5–4.5 hrs | Best three-waterfall hike

The 7.0-mile loop to Jones Run and Doyles River Falls packs three waterfalls into one rewarding hike through Shenandoah National Park’s South District terrain.

Along the way, see 42-foot Jones Run Falls, 28-foot Upper Doyles River Falls and 63-foot Lower Doyles River Falls, each with its own distinct character.

You’ll also pass Doyles River Cabin, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, plus cascades, creek crossings and shady forest throughout the hike.

#10: River Trail at Great Falls Park (Great Falls)

3.0 miles | Moderate | 1.5–2 hrs | Best powerful river falls

The 3.0-mile round-trip River Trail at Great Falls Park hugs the cliffs above Mather Gorge, serving up big Potomac views, rocky scrambles and plenty of drama.

Great Falls earns its name here. The Potomac drops 76 feet in less than a mile, squeezing through a narrow gorge in a rush of whitewater and waterfalls.

For another great option, hike nearly 2.0 miles one-way from Riverbend Park to the three Great Falls overlooks, following the river most of the way.

#11: Scott’s Run (McLean)

3.3 miles | Moderate | 2–2.5 hrs | Best Northern Virginia waterfall hike

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is known for its waterfall, just 0.7 miles from the parking lot. I prefer the 3.3-mile loop to explore more of the preserve.

The route winds through the biologically rich Potomac Gorge, passing wildflowers, stream crossings and mature forest.

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail also runs through the preserve. At the falls, swimming, wading and boating are prohibited.

#12: Little Stony Falls (Dungannon)

4.8 miles | Moderate | 3–4 hrs | Best Southwest Virginia waterfall hike

Little Stony Falls makes a refreshing destination, with cascades, swimming holes and Little Stony Creek keeping you company along the way.

The trail follows an old railroad bed through a gorge about 400 feet deep and 1,700 feet wide. The Little Stony corridor is a designated National Recreation Trail.

Landslide damage has closed part of the trail, but Upper, Middle and Lower Falls remain accessible from the Little Stony Falls trailhead on Forest Road 701.

#13: Roaring Run Falls (Eagle Rock)

1.7 miles | Easy | 60–90 mins | Best easy/family waterfall hike

The 1.7-mile loop at Roaring Run Furnace Day Use Area follows cascading Roaring Run through Jefferson National Forest to a picturesque waterfall.

Take the Streamside Trail on the way out, then return on the Woodland Trail. Along the way, cross bridges, climb stone steps and stroll wooden boardwalks.

The hike also passes a preserved 19th-century iron furnace that operated before the Civil War, adding a little history to the adventure.

#14: South River Falls (Shenandoah NP)

5.1 miles | Moderate | 2.5–3.5 hrs | Best tall Shenandoah waterfall 

At 83 feet tall, South River Falls is Shenandoah National Park’s third-tallest waterfall—and a worthy payoff for the climb.

From South River Picnic Grounds, hike 2.6 miles round trip to a stone observation point for your first good look at the falls.

Continue on the rocky trail for a closer view from the base. For more steps, make it a 5.1-mile loop using the South River Falls Trail and South River Fire Road.

#15: White Rock Falls (Montebello)

4.4 miles | Moderate | 2.5–3.5 hrs | Best quiet Blue Ridge waterfall hike

The 4.4-mile White Rock Falls loop packs in creek crossings, rock scrambles, overlooks and a 30-foot cascading waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The trail begins near milepost 20 and leads to the falls, where you can cool off in the shallow basin before continuing uphill.

Less than half a mile later, a rocky overlook opens to broad mountain views. Farther along, Slacks Overlook adds another scenic stop—and even a picnic table.

How I Chose These 15 Waterfall Hikes

I’ve completed every hike on this list as part of more than 300 Virginia hikes.

I chose these 15 based on the quality of the waterfall, the overall hike, the scenery and whether the trail offers something distinctive enough to justify the trip.

I also considered difficulty, geographic variety and seasonal water flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best waterfall hike in Virginia?

Cascades Falls is my top overall choice for its impressive 66-foot waterfall, scenic creekside trail and rewarding hike that feels worthwhile from start to finish.

What is the tallest waterfall in Virginia?

Crabtree Falls is generally considered the tallest waterfall in Virginia, dropping about 1,200 feet across a series of five major cascades.

What is the best waterfall hike in Shenandoah National Park?

Whiteoak Canyon is the best waterfall hike in Shenandoah National Park for multiple falls, while Dark Hollow Falls is a great choice for a shorter hike.

What is the best easy waterfall hike in Virginia?

Roaring Run Falls is one of the best easy waterfall hikes in Virginia. This is also an exceptionally good hike for families with small children. 

When is the best time to hike to waterfalls in Virginia?

Spring is the best time to hike to waterfalls in Virginia, especially after recent rain when water flow is strongest.