15 Amazing Waterfalls in Virginia

There are not too many places in the world that are as beautiful and picturesque as Virginia.

Many people travel around the state during their honeymoon because of all the gorgeous places to explore.

In other words, Virginia is for lovers – and what better way to connect with your sweetheart than surrounded in nature with stunning waterfalls in the background.

This list of the 15 amazing waterfalls in Virginia consists of many different types of waterfalls – including tall, small, natural swimming pools and streams that follow you throughout the whole trail.

There is something in this list for everyone to enjoy.

Let’s take a look at the 15 most amazing waterfalls in Virginia that you need to explore as soon as possible.

1. Falling Spring Falls

Falling Spring Falls is located in the Alleghany Highlands, which is only minutes away from Covington.

This waterfall is one of the most photographed and visited in Alleghany County.

The waterfall is an astounding 80-feet tall – one of the tallest in the state.

Falling Spring Falls is pet-friendly and good for all hiking levels.

It is also wheelchair accessible.

This picturesque waterfall shoots over a rock and falls 200 feet into a valley below.

You can see this waterfall from the road, but you will want to get out of your vehicle to witness the raw beauty.

2. Statons Creek Falls

Statons Creek Falls is a 140-foot waterfall with numerous cascades that can be seen from the road.

In order to reach the falls, you will need to park at the small parking lot located 100 yards away.

When visiting the picturesque Statons Creek Falls, make the most of your day out and head over to Panther Falls, which is less than 10 miles away.

This hike is less than a mile long.

Statons Creek Falls is a great place to enjoy a picnic or an afternoon of exploring the great outdoors.

3. Whiteoak Falls

Whiteoak Falls is located in Shenandoah, which has around 500 miles of hiking trails.

There are six different waterfalls ranging from 35-85 feet in height, and many other cascades throughout the Whiteoak Canyon Trail.

If you are feeling adventurous and want to tackle the full Whiteoak Cedar Run Circuit, this hike is quite strenuous, because of the 2800-foot elevation gain.

The total distance is 7.3 miles.

On the circuit hike, you will pass through eight different waterfalls as you wander through the forest.

If you’re looking for something less vigorous, you can hike to the upper falls from Skyline Drive or to the lower falls from the boundary.

Lower falls is the easiest and consists of two miles of hiking trails; upper falls is around 4.6 miles of hiking.

This waterfall is accessible year-round and is pet-friendly.

4. Great Falls

Great Falls is rated as one of the most pleasant and unique waterfalls in the world.

It is a very popular destination in the area, with exquisite views from numerous angles.

Depending on the season, the vistas change quite drastically.

From the Virginia side of Great Falls, you will see three different waterfall look-outs.

The first lookout is over a rock-strewn area, which offers dramatic views of the largest waterfall; the only downfall off this viewpoint is you will have to climb a few rocks in order to access the lookout.

The second lookout is a large platform that offers incredible views of the falls and Potomac River.

The third lookout is accessible from a dirt path, with comprehensive viewpoints of the falls from upriver.

5. Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls is one of the best-known waterfall hikes in Virginia.

It is located in George Washington Forest’s Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger District.

You can access this hike only a short distance from Blue Ridge Parkway; the trailhead is placed at the upper parking lot.

As you climb Crabtree Falls, you will come to an overlook of Tye River Valley – this is the end of the hike.

This hike is classic and one you should dedicate time to exploring.

Depending on what season you are visiting, the more rainfall, the more impressive the 1,200-foot sequence of falls are.

6. Blue Suck Falls

Blue Suck Falls is located in Douthat State Park and offers a rewarding hike that loops around the falls.

This hike is not an easy walk in the park but it is a rewarding one.

It covers 10 miles and close to 1700 feet in altitude gain.

You will want to dedicate most of the day to this hike, but it is well worth it.

In order to catch the waterfall with the highest amount of water flow, you should visit in the spring or summer months.

There are over 20 different lookout views along the hike, so make sure you pack your camera.

7. Stiles Falls

Stiles Falls is a 40-foot waterfall that is tucked away in Camp Alta Mons in Shawsville.

This hike is three miles in length, round trip, and you will cross over Purgatory Creek before you reach the falls.

This hike is pet-friendly, as long as your dog is kept on a leash.

Stiles Falls is open year-round but is not accessible when the summer camp is in place or during severe weather conditions in the winter.

Make sure you come with adequate footwear as the trail has rough patches.

8. Dark Hollow Falls

Dark Hollow Falls, Virginia — Dark Hollow Falls

Dark Hollow Falls is one of the most picturesque hikes in Virginia and a favorite amongst the locals.

This trail is the most popular hike in Shenandoah National Park because of the waterfall views and the short hike distance.

Some people enjoy visiting waterfalls but not spending the full day doing so.

If that’s your style, this is the waterfall you need to visit.

If you reach the top of the falls, make sure you stay on the trail; many people have gotten hurt because they went off the beaten path.

9. Apple Orchard Falls

Apple Orchard Falls, Virginia — Apple Orchard Falls

Apple Orchard Falls consists of 5.6 miles of trails with six different streams.

This trail is rated as moderate in terms of difficulty.

In order to reach the falls, you will need to park at the Blue Ridge Parkway located at Sunset Field.

This hike is by far one of the most beautiful hikes in Jefferson N.F. You will follow streams for over 90% of the time you are on the trail.

If you enjoy camping, there are a few different spots that offer beautiful views for spending the night.

10. Dismal Falls

Dismal Falls are not the largest of falls in the area, but definitely one of the more unique landscapes in Virginia.

The falls offer a 12-foot drop into a whirlpool and a chance to mission off the beaten path.

These falls are great to visit on a hot summer’s day because of the number of trees along the trail.

You will be in shade for most of the hike, even when you reach the waterfall.

If you enjoy fishing, Dismal Creek is nearby, which is supplied with rainbow trout.

11. Devil’s Bathtub

Devil’s Bathtub, Virginia — Devil’s Bathtub

Devil’s Bathtub is not comparable to any other place on earth.

This place is truly magical and offers many beautiful views along the way.

If you don’t mind getting your feet a little wet, Devil’s Fork Loop trail is the one you need to explore.

You will want to visit Devil’s Bathtub when the water is relatively low.

The name Devil’s Bathtub comes from the natural swimming hole; many people enjoy swimming here in the summer months.

You should plan to visit Devil’s Bathtub during the week if possible; on the weekends, it tends to fill up due to the popularity of the trail.

The trail is seven miles long and is rather difficult for anyone who is not accustomed to hiking.

12. Straight Branch Falls and Virginia Creeper Trail

Straight Branch Falls has surprised many visitors to the area.

Although the waterfall is not visible from the road, it is right next to the highway.

Straight Branch Falls offers many different viewpoints to photograph.

If you are in the area for a couple of days, make sure you visit Creeper Trail and Appalachian Trail.

When following both trails, you will be in disbelief with all the stunning views from the flowing mountain streams.

13. Little Stony Creek Falls

Little Stony Creek Falls is a three-mile trail that offers unbelievable views.

During the breeding season, songbirds will accompany you; during spring and fall, you should be aware of refugee thrushes.

This hike can be difficult in that hikers need to climb over and around big boulders and rocks in order to stick to the trailhead.

If you want to enjoy a picnic, the spot to do so would be at the picnic site on the lower trailhead in the Hanging Rock picnic area.

14. Cabin Creek Trail Falls

Cabin Creek Trail Falls is a moderate hike that consists of two miles of trails, which loop around the falls.

This trail is used for running, hiking and enjoying a leisurely walk.

The best time to visit Cabin Creek Trail Falls would be from April until November.

If you are looking for peacefulness and tranquility, this is the place to come.

Not as many people visit Cabin Creek Trail Falls, but everyone who does appreciates their time here.