Virginia is home to many beautiful waterfalls throughout the state. From easy to access waterfalls located right off the road to hidden falls that require intense hiking, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our list of top waterfalls in Virginia.
Waterfalls in Virginia
1. Great Falls Park
2. Dark Hollow Falls
3. Overall Run Falls
4. Falling Springs Falls
5. White Oak Canyon
6. Apple Orchard Falls
7. Crabtree Falls
8. Devil’s Bathtub
9. Scotts Run Waterfall
10. Lace Falls
Visiting Waterfalls in Virginia
Here are ten great waterfalls in Virginia to add to your next RV trip.
1. Great Falls Park
Located just 15 miles from Washington D.C., Great Falls Park gives visitors three different spots to view these impressive falls. Great Falls is on the Potomac River where the water flows through the Mather Gorge over steep jagged rocks. The park is run by the National Park Service and offers three overlooks of the falls as well as a visitor’s center. The three overlooks can be reached by an easy walk down the trail from the visitor’s center. Overlooks two and three are stroller and handicap accessible, and all three offer fantastic views of the falls.
Things to do near Great Falls Park: The rest of Great Falls Park offers fantastic hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. The remains of the historic Patowmack Canal are also located in the park. And you’re only 15 miles from Washington DC if you’re looking to visit the nation’s capital.
2. Dark Hollow Falls
One of the beautiful waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park is Dark Hollow Falls. Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll need to follow a short but moderate hike along a stream to reach the falls. The hike is 1.5 miles round trip through beautiful scenery and ends at the 70 foot waterfall. There’s a parking area off Skyline Drive where the trailhead begins.
Things to do near Dark Hollow Falls: There’s plenty to do around this waterfall! Explore the beauty of Shenandoah National Park or take the Blue Ridge Parkway south to explore the hikes, towns, views, and attractions of this popular road trip. Need an RV? We’ve got you covered with some great local rentals.
3. Overall Run Falls
Our next waterfall takes a bit of hiking to see. Overall Run Falls are the highest falls in Shenandoah National Park at 93 feet, and require a moderately difficult hike that’s 6.5 miles round trip. If you make the hike you’ll also have impressive views of Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain. This waterfall does dry up in summer, so it’s recommended to visit in the spring or fall, or after a heavy rain to get the full effect of the falls.
Things to do near Overall Run Falls: Like our previous waterfall, this one is also in Shenandoah National Park which is definitely worth exploring. You’re also near Bentonville, Virginia. We’ve got a guide to the National Park to help you figure out what to see while you’re there.
4. Falling Springs Falls
Another breathtaking Virginia waterfall is Falling Springs Falls. This 80 foot waterfall is located in the Alleghany Highlands and was once visited by Thomas Jefferson! Not only is the cascade waterfall beautiful, it’s also easy to access. The pull off area for the overlook is on Route 220, five miles north of Covington. There’s a picnic area and overlook at the site, so bring a lunch and enjoy the view!
Things to do near Falling Springs Falls: There are many towns nearby to explore like Covington and Roanoke. You’re also a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway and not far from Shenandoah National Park.
5. Whiteoak Canyon
What’s better than a hike with one waterfall? Multiple waterfalls! Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park has six waterfalls and various swimming holes that you can enjoy on the hike. Starting at the Whiteoak Canyon Trail will take you to the Lower Falls for a hike about 3 miles out and back. Or you can continue on past the lower falls and make your way up the very steep trail to the Upper Falls which makes the hike around 10 miles total. The Lower Falls is the easiest part of the hike and tend to be more crowded since people hike to the falls and swim.
Things to do near White Oak Canyon: There are many great things to do in Shenandoah National Park, including several other waterfalls on our list like Dark Hollow Falls. Check out our guide to the park for more tips on what to see and do. We’ve also got some great RVs available for rent.
6. Apple Orchard Falls
Located in George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Apple Orchard Falls is another gorgeous waterfall off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are several trails that will lead you to the falls, and it’s a great option for the whole family. There’s a viewing area at the falls for you to take in the sight of the rushing water.
Things to do near Apple Orchard Falls: The starting point of the trail is on Blue Ridge Parkway, and just up the road is Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook for gorgeous views of the landscape. You can head north on the parkway to head to Shenandoah National Park, or head south to explore more great hiking trails and vistas.
7. Crabtree Falls
The Blue Ridge Parkway is full of incredible waterfalls, and Crabtree Falls is no exception. Situated off milepost 27, Crabtree Falls is the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall that is located east of the Mississippi River. The falls are actually a series of cascading waterfalls with five major cascades. There are several places to view the falls, with the first being an overlook right by the parking area. If you want to get a closer view, the 3.5 mile Crabtree Falls Trail will take visitors to the other overlooks.
Things to do near Crabtree Falls: Explore the local towns in Nelson County along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There’s great hiking nearby (including the Appalachian Trail), as well as fishing in the North Fork Tye River.
8. Devil’s Bathtub
This next waterfall requires some intense hiking to see, but it’s worth it! People visit Devil’s Bathtub more for the natural swimming hole than the waterfall, but this beautiful oasis has both. The trail to Devil’s Bathtub isn’t for the faint of heart. There are at least 13 water crossings with slippery footholds and dangerous water levels after it rains. So make sure you’re wearing proper footwear that can get wet and only hike when the water levels are low. Even with the difficult trail, this waterfall and swimming hole is very popular and can get crowded on the weekends.
Things to do near Devil’s Bathtub: There’s plenty for the outdoor lover to do around this area. Natural Tunnel State Park is a short drive away and there are several lakes nearby to enjoy fishing, beaches, and boating.
9. Scotts Run Waterfall
Staying close to Washington DC? You’ll want to visit Scott’s Run Waterfall at the Scott’s Run Nature Preserve along the Potomac River. The waterfall is a 1.5 mile hike round trip hike from the parking lot through a hardwood forest if you take the direct route, but there are other trails that link up throughout the preserve where you can take a more meandering and less crowded route to the falls.
Things to do near Scott’s Run Waterfall: This waterfall and park are located right outside Arlington and Washington DC if you’re looking for a bit of nature on your trip to the city. We have a local’s guide to DC to help you decide what to visit.
10. Lace Falls
The last waterfall on our list is Lace Falls, near the landmark natural bridge. Located in Natural Bridge State Park, this waterfall can be seen by taking the Cedar Creek Trail, a 2 mile out and back easy trail through the park. The trail runs along the creek and the first part is paved and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. There’s also a visitor’s center and the natural bridge itself. As for the falls, the 30-foot cascading waterfall is waiting for you at the end of the hike.
Things to do near Lace Falls: There are several other trails worth exploring in the state park, as well as nearby caverns. There’s also camping available nearby. Shenandoah National Park is 70 miles to the north, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is easy to access. We’ve got you covered with RV rentals in the area.
Planning an RV Trip to Virginia
An RV trip is an excellent way to see the amazing waterfalls in Virginia and take in all their natural beauty. When hiking to any of these falls, please remember to leave no trace and pack out everything that you bring in so we can keep the natural areas pristine.
We’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation. Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Virginia, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals.
