Spend The Day Exploring Virginia’s Tallest Falls On This Wonderful Waterfall Road Trip
While we’ve never met a waterfall in Virginia we didn’t like, there’s something to be said for seeking out Mother Nature’s most awe-inspiring attractions. That’s the motivation behind our newest road trip, an itinerary for exploring the tallest waterfalls in Virginia. If you can commit to spending an entire day (or possibly weekend) seeking out Virginia’s most beautiful waterfalls, we can promise that you’ll be impressed by every stop along the way. From Crabtree Falls — the tallest cascading waterfall on the East Coast — to hidden-away waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park, this road trip to explore the tallest waterfalls in Virginia is one you’ll remember.
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Our road trip itinerary for the tallest waterfall in Virginia begins at Cascade Falls. Cascade Falls can be reached via a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail. This scenic wooded adventure follows a meandering creek and eventually, the main attraction: a 66-foot waterfall cascading into a beautiful swimming hole. This trail is fairly popular, so don't be surprised to come across fellow hikers or even some swimmers as you reach the base of the falls.
Bent Mountain Falls is the second-tallest waterfall in Virginia, measuring 200 feet in length. It's located in the Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve. The 3.7-mile loop trail offers beautiful views of the creek, lush meadows, and breathtaking hardwood forests. The overlook offers a stunning view of the waterfall, which tumbles into the Bottom Creek Gorge.
Apple Orchard Falls Trail is a 2.9-mile out-and-back trail that features its namesake attraction, a 200-foot cascading waterfall. The high-elevation trail enjoys spectacular views at almost every turn. While some portions of the trail are strenuous, the majority of it is easy to complete. Don't forget your camera here!
Falling Spring Falls is understandably one of the most photographed waterfalls in Virginia. Located in the Alleghany Highlands, this waterfall measures an impressive 80 feet in height. Depending on the level of recent rainfall, this fall can either be a steady stream or a rushing gorge. Before the waterfall was "relocated" by mining operations, it's estimated that it once fell 200 feet. Imagine what a spectacle that must have been! Falling Spring Falls can be admired from the designated parking area and there's no hiking required.
No list of the tallest waterfalls in Virginia is complete without Crabtree Falls. It's nearly impossible to capture the incredible immensity of Crabtree Falls in a photo. It holds the distinction as Virginia's tallest waterfall and the longest of its kind east of the Mississippi River. However, it's not a free-falling waterfall but rather a long series of cascades. There are 5 distinct drops along this 1,200-foot long cascade. The longest drop is 400 feet. Hikers can view the falls from the parking area, or follow the trail to climb to the top.
What are your thoughts on this road trip to the tallest waterfalls in Virginia? How many of these have you seen? We’d love to hear from you!
Address: Crabtree Falls, Virginia 22976, USA
Address: Falling Spring Falls, Virginia 24445, USA
Address: n37 91298 w80 83627, 7 10th Ave S, Shawsville, VA 24162, USA
Address: Blue Ridge Pkwy, Buchanan, VA 24066, USA
Address: 2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
tallest waterfalls in Virginia
December 01, 2020
Beth C.
What’s the most famous waterfall in Virginia?
As you likely gathered from our article outlining the tallest waterfalls in Virginia, the Old Dominion has plenty of magnificent cascades and gorges to admire. Of course, the most famous of them all is Crabtree Falls. While it isn’t your traditional free-fall waterfall, it’s famous for being the tallest series of cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Plus, you can enjoy the tallest stretch of the falls from the accessible parking lot. Visitors also enjoy hiking alongside the waterfall as they venture to a breathtaking view of the valley below, or continue on to access the famous Appalachian Trail.
Does Virginia have any natural wonders?
Yes! The state of Virginia has natural wonders at every turn, and you could easily devote an entire lifetime to exploring all of them. Some of the most famous natural wonders in Virginia include Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, Luray Caverns, Natural Tunnel in Duffield, Crabtree Falls in Montebello, Breaks Interstate Park (which is also famous for being the Grand Canyon of the South), Great Falls at Great Falls National Park in McLean, Burke’s Garden in Tazewell County, and the Channels near Abingdon. For more hidden gems, be sure to take our natural wonders road trip through Virginia.
Are there any secret waterfalls in Virginia?
There are plenty of secret places to explore in Virginia, each revealing a unique hidden gem that you likely had no idea existed. Devil’s Bathtub is no exception. Part waterfall, part swimming hole, this hidden-away landmark has become increasingly famous over the years. This is partially because the water you’ll find in the spring-fed pool is a breathtaking emerald color. Devil’s Bathtub is by no means easy to get to — it requires several stream crossing and many hours hiking in the woods — but it’s well worth the effort. Additionally, you’ll find tons of lesser-known waterfalls hiding throughout Shenandoah National Park.
Address: Crabtree Falls, Virginia 22976, USA
Address: Falling Spring Falls, Virginia 24445, USA
Address: n37 91298 w80 83627, 7 10th Ave S, Shawsville, VA 24162, USA
Address: Blue Ridge Pkwy, Buchanan, VA 24066, USA
Address: 2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136, USA
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A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
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