10 Of The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Virginia

Written by Volia Schubiger
Updated: June 10, 2023
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When you think of waterfalls, your mind may instantly go to places such as Niagara Falls or Angel Falls in Venezuela. While some states like Virginia may not be known for their waterfalls, you may be happily surprised to find out that there are still many beautiful ones throughout the state. At A-Z Animals, we’ve got the scoop on the best waterfalls to see while visiting Virginia. 

Let’s look at the 10 most incredible waterfalls in Virginia that you’ll definitely want to check out as soon as possible!

1. Devil’s Bathtub

devils bathtub

Devil’s Bathtub is a stream bed waterfall and pothole that creates an ideal swimming place.

©anthony heflin/Shutterstock.com

Devil’s Bathtub
Located In:Fort Blackmore, Virginia
Nearby Attractions:Natural Tunnel State Park
Animals to See:Black and turkey vultures

The Devil’s Bathtub is a lovely pool of water at the base of a little waterfall. The Devil’s Fork Loop trail is the path you take to get to the waterfall. It winds through a forest and crosses multiple creeks. The pool water can be pretty icy, but it’s well worth a dip if you dare to plunge in. Take the time out to come here on a weekday, as the weekends can get pretty packed. 

2. Great Falls

great falls

The falls may be seen from three different vantage points. The views were built in the early twentieth century.

©RX2 Photography/Shutterstock.com

Great Falls
Located In:West McLean, Virginia
Nearby Attractions:George Washington Memorial Parkway
Animals to See:Whitetail deer, Bats 

Getting in touch with nature is easy at Great Falls Park, only 15 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. Here, the Potomac River rushes through Mather Gorge, where jagged rocks line the path. Aside from seeing the waterfall, the park it is located in is around 800 acres in size and has other fantastic hiking routes.

3. Dark Hollow Falls

dark hollow falls

One of the most popular routes in Shenandoah National Park is the Dark Hollow Trail.

©Orhan Cam/Shutterstock.com

Dark Hollow Falls
Located In:Shenandoah National Park, VA 
Nearby Attractions:Skyline Drive Scenic Highway
Animals to See:Black bear, Bobcats 

This stunning waterfall in Virginia is located off Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Because of its beautiful environment, it is a favorite walk among residents. The trail follows the creek until it reaches a 70-foot-high tiered waterfall. It’s the ideal spot for lunch following your gorgeous hike to the waterfall.

4. Crabtree Falls

crabtree falls

Crabtree Falls is the tallest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi.

©Christian Fitzgerald/Shutterstock.com

Crabtree Falls
Located In:Montebello, VA
Nearby Attractions:George Washington National Forest
Animals to See:Water shrew, Rock Vole

This is Virginia’s tallest waterfall and one of the tallest east of the Mississippi. It lowers 1,200 feet in total over a half-mile. One portion includes a 500-foot-long waterfall that drops straight down. The Crabtree Falls trail, which follows Crabtree Creek, will lead you to the falls. 

5. Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls

Cascades Falls is a stunning waterfall walk in Southwest Virginia that should be on your list of picturesque hikes to do

©ForestWander / Creative Commons – License

Cascade Falls
Located In:Pembroke, Virginia
Nearby Attractions:Cascades National Recreation Trail
Animals to See:Squirrels, Racoons

The Cascade Falls Trailhead, which leads you to the waterfall, provides everything you need for a fantastic hike. Despite being quite short and not too difficult, it features magnificent scenery, well-maintained paths, a beautiful pooled waterfall, and a large picnic area. There are two linking trails, one upper and one lower. The lower trail is slightly longer but easier. 

6. Falls Ridge Preserve

Falls Ridge Preserve

There are two hiking routes at Falls Ridge Preserve, a spring-fed waterfall, cascading waters, travertine cliffs, caves, and a loop around Mill Knob. You’ll be enamored by this Virginia waterfall

©iStock.com/Holly Cromer

Falls Ridge Preserve
Located In:Elliston, VA 
Nearby Attractions:Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Animals to See:Songbirds, Wild turkeys 

Falls Ridge Preserve has an 80-foot waterfall, cascades, caverns, and travertine cliffs. The waterfall is one of the world’s largest exposed travertine deposits. Travertine is a type of tan-colored limestone created by mineral deposits. You’ll cross bridges and view undercut rock formations that appear like caverns on your way to the falls. 

7. Stiles Falls

Stiles Falls
Located In:Floyd County, Virginia
Nearby Attractions:Montgomery Museum
Animals to See:Striped bass, Snakes

Stiles Falls route is a lovely trail that leads to a stunning 40-foot waterfall hidden in verdant woodland. Enjoy your stroll through the woods, crossing Purgatory Creek before arriving at the falls. If you’re planning to visit, you will have to park at the front of the Camp Alta Mons property and walk along the gravel road to the white-blazed trailhead. While the area is privately owned, it is open to the public for hiking except when they’re having their summer camps.

8. Rose River Falls

rose river falls

Rose River Falls, a beautiful waterfall in Shenandoah National Park, offers a cool place to swim in a crystal-clear pool on hot days.

©christianthiel.net/Shutterstock.com

Rose River Falls
Located In:Shenandoah National Park
Nearby Attractions:Appalachian Trail
Animals to See:Bluebirds, Mountain lions 

This lovely Rose River Falls trail follows the Rose River almost the entire way to the falls, providing stunning views and soothing sounds to accompany your stroll. Interestingly enough, the Rose River does not transport much water, especially in the summer. The lower falls are unique in that all of the water is channeled into a narrow slot in the rock. 

9. Falls of Dismal

falls of dismal

Here’s a beautiful shot of the Dismal Falls in the fall in Virginia.

©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com

Falls of Dismal
Located In:Pearisburg, VA
Nearby Attractions:Sugar Run Mountain
Animals to See:Eastern wood-pewee, Woodpeckers

The name Dismal Falls (or Falls of Dismal) comes from its source, Dismal Creek. Dismal Creek’s Falls of Dismal is a 10-foot multi-tiered cascade. It’s easy to get to from the road or a side trail off the Appalachian Trail. The Falls area is part of a 400 million-year-old sandstone deposit. Dismal Creek is a trout-stocked stream. You’ll be dazzled by this amazing Virginia waterfall that will instantly captivate you. 

10. Statons Creek Falls

Statons Creek Falls
Located In:Vesuvius, Virginia
Nearby Destinations:The Slacks Overlook
Animals to See:American bullfrogs, Elk

This Virginia waterfall is easily accessible, yet it is one of the state’s lesser-known. With gorgeous drives, climbs, and more waterfalls nearby, this may be just the beginning of a full day of exploration in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiking is not required to see this waterfall because the summit is near a small parking area along CR-633. Be prepared to be dazzled by this waterfall while being able to enjoy seclusion, thanks to many not knowing about its existence. 

Summary of 10 of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Virginia

Here’s a summary of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia and their locations:

RankWaterfallLocation
1Devil’s BathtubFort Blackmore
2Great FallsWest McLean
3Dark Hollow FallsShenandoah National Park
4Crabtree FallsMontebello
5Cascade FallsPembroke
6Falls Ridge PreserveElliston
7Stiles FallsFloyd County
8Rose River FallsShenandoah National Park
9Falls of DismalPearisburg
10Statons Creek FallsVesuvius

The photo featured at the top of this post is © anthony heflin/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

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