Take A Day Trip To The Best Wine And Waterfalls In Virginia
Here in Virginia, our love of waterfalls is rivaled only by our love of wine. So why choose? This wine and waterfalls day trip in Virginia combines the best of both worlds: picturesque waterfalls and impressive vineyards. Load up the car with your friends and be sure to designate a sober driver before enjoying all that this incredible journey has to offer. Our route starts with three of the best waterfalls in Virginia and concludes with three incredible vineyards. With safety in mind, we recommend enjoying the hikes prior to partaking in the wine. (Note: the wine drinking is optional — there’s so much scenery to enjoy along the way that anyone can appreciate this trip!)
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Our wine and waterfalls day trip in Virginia begins in Covington. Falling Springs Falls is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia. Measuring 80 feet in height, this massive waterfall can be enjoyed right from the road. Pull off at the designated parking area and prepare to be amazed at the rush of water, especially after a heavy rainfall. For more information about Falling Spring Falls, click here.
Panther Falls is a beautiful, lesser-known waterfall tucked away in the George Washington National Forest. The trail to access the waterfall is only .4 miles long and leads to an awesome viewing platform. Visitors have been known to take a dip in the swimming hole below as an effective way of cooling off. Just be sure to proceed with caution as rocks are notoriously slippery!
Crabtree Falls is famous for its title as the longest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. Seeing it in person is an experience that belongs on every Virginian's bucket list. Visitors can hike alongside the waterfall as they climb upward to a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. Be sure to stay on the trail, though, as conditions outside of the designated hiking area are slippery and notoriously dangerous. Learn more about hiking Crabtree Falls by clicking here.
Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, King Family Vineyards is a beloved family-run winery just 15 minutes from Charlottesville. This beautiful vineyard uses estate grapes to create an impressive selection of wine that you'll love sampling. Plus, there's often a food truck and live music to make your visit all the more festive. Learn more about King Family Vineyards by clicking here.
Our wine and waterfalls day trip in Virginia concludes with a visit to Barboursville. Explore the ruins of the famous Barboursville Estate from the 18th century after your tour of the winery. You'll try some impressive wines in the tasting room and learn all sorts of fascinating information about grape growing in this region of Virginia. If you visit on Saturday or Sunday, you can enjoy a guided tour of the winery and estate. You can learn more about Barboursville by clicking here.
What are your thoughts on this fun-filled road trip? Who would you take with you? Be sure to share your thoughts and comments with us below! If you’re looking for a little more inspiration to get out there and explore, check out this amazing video of Falling Spring Falls, the first stop on our road trip, courtesy of MNF Productions:
For another great adventure, check out this road trip that takes you to some incredible natural attractions around Virginia.
Address: Falling Spring Falls, Virginia 24445, USA
Address: Panther Falls, Virginia 24521, USA
Address: Crabtree Falls, Virginia 22976, USA
Address: 151 Veritas Ln, Afton, VA 22920, USA
Address: 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932, USA
Address: 17655 Winery Rd, Barboursville, VA 22923, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Wine And Waterfalls Day Trip In Virginia
May 04, 2020
Beth C.
Are there any other wineries in Virginia worth visiting?
The state of Virginia is blessed with ideal conditions for growing grapes. In fact, the Piedmont region of Virginia is renowned for its wine-growing capabilities. Virginia has no less than 250 registered wineries and vineyards in the state, each offering something unique. Some of the most impressive wineries in the state include Linden Vineyards, RdV Vineyards, Stone Tower Winery, Rappahannock Cellars, Three Fox Vineyards, and Upper Shirley Vineyards. Be sure to check in advance which wineries require a reservation.
Where else can I find the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia?
The three outlined in the above road trip — Falling Spring Falls, Panther Falls, and Crabtree Falls — are among the most famous waterfalls in Virginia. However, there are countless other cascades you’ll want to check out. For starters, you’ll want to consult our road trip to 8 of Virginia’s best waterfalls. Shenandoah National Park is another fantastic destination for exploring Virginia waterfalls. There are at least ten noteworthy falls in the park, many of which are outlined in this guide.
What are the most unique and best day trips in Virginia?
The Virginia landscape is a treasure trove of natural wonders. From pristine lakes to breathtaking lighthouses, deep canyon gorges, sandy caves, and just about everything in between, the Old Dominion never fails to impress. If you’re looking to enjoy the best of Virginia, a natural wonders road trip is an excellent place to start. For those who love swimming and soft sands, this coastal road trip to hidden beaches in Virginia is another great itinerary. Of course, Virginia’s wonders extend beyond the natural world, too. History buffs and ghost hunters alike will love exploring Virginia’s most haunted places.
Address: Falling Spring Falls, Virginia 24445, USA
Address: Panther Falls, Virginia 24521, USA
Address: Crabtree Falls, Virginia 22976, USA
Address: 151 Veritas Ln, Afton, VA 22920, USA
Address: 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932, USA
Address: 17655 Winery Rd, Barboursville, VA 22923, 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.