The Ultimate Virginia Waterfall Road Trip Will Take You To 8 Scenic Spots In The State
Beth
Author
The best part about road trips are the detours that let you pause for a moment and admire nature’s beauty. But have you ever taken a trip where these natural attractions are the destination? This time, we’re going on a quest for waterfalls. And Virginia has been blessed with many. For now, we’ve decided to focus on the mountainous and central portion of the state, although there are beautiful water features throughout Virginia. This route will allow you to drive and trek to 8 of the best waterfalls in Virginia in a little over 7 hours — a reasonable amount of time for the perfect weekend-getaway.
What better way is there to get to know certain areas of Virginia than through incredible falls and cascades? And it just so happens that these waterfall sites are often part of a larger park system or area you’ll want to explore. So if you’ve got the time and aren’t afraid of a little splashing, your next adventure awaits you. This is your guide to the best waterfalls in Virginia!
Keep in mind, an interactive version of our map can be found here.
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The waterfalls in this region of the state are mesmerizing, tranquil, and picturesque. Take time to get to know each one and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear about your travels, and your experience with the best waterfalls in Virginia.
Here’s a link to an earlier article about some additional must-see falls.
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More to Explore
Best Waterfalls In Virginia
What are the best waterfall hikes in Virginia?
Virginia is rife with stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking experiences, and they can be found all throughout the state. There are a series of popular waterfall trails in Virginia, with perhaps one of the most exciting is the trek to Crabtree Falls, the highest waterfall in the state. Bottom Creek Gorge is also a fabulous place to hike to, with more than four-miles of trails in its home park and fields of wildflowers come the springtime. Cascade Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Virginia. With over 150,000 visitors every year, the scenic Cascade Falls is one of the most popular spots to visit along the Cascades National Scenic Trail. Keep in mind, it is a rough terrain, so less experienced hikers be warned.
What is the largest waterfall in Virginia?
The tallest waterfall in Virginia is Crabtree Falls, which is actually one of the tallest sets of waterfalls found in the entire United States. It can be found in the George Washington National Forest, which is located in Nelson County, Virginia. The falls themselves spill hundreds of feet down jagged rock, and it makes for a stunning view for folks of all ages. It can be reached by way of a 2.5 loop trail, the Crabtree Falls Loop Trail, and is considered a moderate to strenuous hike.
Are there any other scenic hikes in Virginia?
Some of the most beautiful views in Virginia can be found along a hiking trail, folks. The beautiful Mary's Rock in Shenandoah National Park offers 180-degree views after a challenging multi-mile hike to its crest. Old Rag, also located in Shenandoah National Park, has 360-views after an 8-mile hike - that includes rock climbing! - to reach its difficult summit. Although it is a challenging hike, it's also fairly crowded, so we'd recommend you begin your hike early. Blackrock Summit offers a large scenic reward with a little less effort, and the half-mile hike through the Southern District of the Shenandoah National Park will give solid north-to-south views of the entire valley.