The Best Waterfall Hikes in Virginia to Explore This Summer
Virginia is renowned for its rich historical landmarks and sights, but it also has lush forests, stunning mountains, and numerous waterfalls. Summer is the ideal season to explore Virginia and discover its abundant waterfalls. Here’s a list of some of the state's most beautiful waterfalls, complete with scenic hikes to satisfy your adventurous spirit this summer!
Great Falls National Park
Near: Great Falls
Three different overlook hikes all ranging in length & difficulty.
Park charges a fee to enter.
Dogs welcome, but must be leashed.
Scott’s Run Falls
Near: McLean
3.1-mile loop
Considered moderately challenging.
1h 15 min. to complete.
Trail open all year.
Dogs welcome, but must be leashed.
Overall Run Falls
Near: Bentonville
6.3-mile loop
3h 30 min to complete
The overall runs fall via Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail is considered ‘hard’.
Park charges a fee to enter.
Dogs welcome, but must be leashed.
Shenandoah National Park’s highest fall.
Falling Spring Falls
Near: Covington
The hike is a few yards from the parking lot and takes you to an observation platform (very short and easy).
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
Perfect spot for a picnic.
Cascade Falls
Near: Pembroke
3.7-mile loop
1h 49 min to complete
Considered a moderately challenging loop.
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
Park charges a fee to enter,
Hazel Falls
Near: Luray
5.1-mile loop
2h 31 min to complete
Considered a moderately challenging loop.
Park charges a fee to enter.
Dogs welcome, but must be leashed.
Very popular area for bird-watching.
White Oak Canyon
Near: Madison
9.4-mile loop
5h 14 min to complete - six waterfalls.
Considered a challenging loop (the best time to visit Mar - Nov).
Park charges a fee to enter.
Dogs welcome, but must be leashed.
Popular for backpacking & camping.
Dark Hollow Falls
Near: Luray
1.6-mile loop
1h 5min to complete
Considered a moderately challenging loop (the best time to visit Apr - Oct).
Park charges a fee to enter.
Dogs are not allowed.
Legend says that Thomas Jefferson was quite fond of these falls.
South River Falls
Near: Elkton
4.6-mile loop
2h 40min to complete
Considered a moderately challenging loop (the best time to visit Mar-Oct).
Park charges a fee to enter.
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
Doyles River Falls
Near: Elkton
3.4-mile loop
2h 14 min to complete
Considered a challenging loop (best time to visit Apr - Oct).
Park charges a fee to enter.
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
White Rock Falls
Near: Massie’s Mill & Montebello
4.6-mile loop
2h 21 min to complete
Considered a moderately challenging loop (best time to visit Mar - Nov).
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
Saint Mary's Waterfall
Near: Vesuvius
5.4-mile loop
Considered a moderately challenging loop.
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
1h 58min to complete.
Several waterfalls on this hike.
Crabtree Falls
Near: Montebello
3.6-mile loop
Considered a moderately challenging loop.
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
2h 14 min to complete.
Park charges a fee to enter.
Statons Falls
Near: Montebello
No hike required.
Parking lot is 100 yards from the falls.
Dine at The Red Hen in Lexington after visiting the falls for farm-to-table dining.
Lace Falls
Near: Natural Bridge
2-mile loop
Considered an easy loop. The best time to visit is Apr-Oct).
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
1h to complete.
The park charges a fee to enter.
Stop to visit Natural Bridge while you’re there.
Roaring Run Falls
Near: Eagle Rock
1.7-mile loop
Considered an easy loop.
Popular trail for fishing and birding.
48 min. to complete.
The park charges a fee to enter.
Dismal Falls
Near: Bland
0.1 mile loop
Considered an easy loop (best time to visit is Apr-Aug).
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
4 min to complete.
You can swim at your own risk.
Jones Hollow Falls
Near: Grottoes
4.7-mile loop
2h 42min to complete
Considered a moderately challenging loop (the best time to visit is Mar-Nov).
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
Little Stony Falls
Near: Dungannon
5.2-mile loop
2h 12min to complete.
Considered a moderately challenging loop (the best time to visit is Mar-Oct).
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
We hope you’re ready to embark on one or more of these fantastic hikes! If you have any tips to share, please provide below in the comments.
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