Best waterfalls in Virginia
Virginia’s falls cluster along the Blue Ridge — Shenandoah’s canyon cascades, the towering tiers of Crabtree Falls (the tallest east of the Mississippi), and quiet gorge walks off the Parkway. Spring snowmelt and fall color are the windows; the popular ones reward an early start.
the tallest cascade east of the Mississippi, in a series of drops.
a tall cascade off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Peaks of Otter.
a long sliding cascade near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
a canyon of six falls and swimming holes in Shenandoah.
a tumbling cascade on a loop near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
the closest fall to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah.
a gorgeous gorge walk to a swimmable plunge pool.
the fall at the end of the trail beyond the famous Natural Bridge.
a cascade beside a historic iron furnace in the Jefferson forest.
a gorge of falls on a National Recreation Trail in far southwest VA.
Flows change with the season and recent rain — many falls roar at spring snowmelt and slow by late summer. Check conditions and any permit or reservation rules before you go.