What’s the best way to combat rising temperatures? Falling water. That’s the inspiration behind today’s list, which will showcase seven of the most summer-friendly waterfalls in Virginia. Most of these waterfalls are relatively easy to get to, so you won’t have to do too much hiking (with a couple of exceptions). You’ll agree that there’s something about being near these waterfalls that will soothe your soul and provide the perfect reset on a balmy summer day.
- Great Falls
drnadig / E+ / Getty Images Our list of summer-friendly waterfalls in Virginia starts with none other than Great Falls. Of course, it’s not just one waterfall, but a series of cascading falls and rapids of the Potomac River. If you’re someone who loves white-water rafting, you won’t find a better destination in Virginia for thrill-seeking paddling. Equally enchanting is the network of hikes that showcase the river. Learn more about the beauty of Great Falls Park in Virginia.
- Dark Hollow Falls
Lingbeek / Getty Images Dark Hollow Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park, and it’s not difficult to see why. To avoid the crowds, you’ll want to get to the parking lot (Mile Marker 50.7) as early as possible. A steep 0.8-mile trek will lead you to the beautiful spectacle of a rushing waterfall nestled in the woods. Find out more about hiking Dark Hollow Falls in Virginia.
- The Cascades
Tim Pennington / iStock / Getty Images Plus It’s difficult to imagine a more picturesque waterfall than the Cascades in Giles County. If you’re planning on hiking to this waterfall, be sure to set aside enough time. The trail is 4 miles round trip and requires some stream crossings along the way. Rest assured, though, your efforts will be well rewarded with the sight of this nearly 70-foot waterfall!
- South River Falls
Douglas Rissing / iStock / Getty Images Plus As the third-tallest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park, South River Falls is another that belongs on your radar. It’s less popular than Dark Hollow Falls, so makes for a great option if you’re looking for more solitude on the trail. The trail clocks in at just under 5 miles, depending on the route you choose. Learn more about hiking South River Falls in Shenandoah National Park.
- Falling Spring Falls
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr If you’re short on time, Falling Spring Falls is a great option. You can practically drive right up to the viewing area of this astounding waterfall off Route 220 in Alleghany County. This 80-foot cascade is one of the most photographed in the state. Here’s more on planning your trip to Falling Spring Falls in Virginia.
- Crabtree Falls
Andre McCabe / AllTrails Crabtree Falls is unlike any other waterfall hike in Virginia. To start, it’s the largest series of cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. To appreciate the sheer magnitude of this waterfall, you can hike alongside it via a staircase hike. Be sure to stick to the trail, though, as failing to do so can prove to be incredibly dangerous. Have you ever taken this famous waterfall staircase hike?
- Rose River Falls
L B / AllTrails Last but certainly not least, the Rose River Falls loop is an extraordinary Shenandoah National Park adventure that boasts beautiful water scenery at every turn. While the main event is Rose River Falls itself, you’ll find that a majority of the trail features smaller cascades and streams along the way. There’s nothing quite as peaceful as the sound of a forested stream in the mountains. Here’s more on hiking Rose River Falls in Virginia.
What are your favorite waterfalls to explore in Virginia? Did any miss the list? Be sure to share them with us in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!
drnadig / E+ / Getty Images
Our list of summer-friendly waterfalls in Virginia starts with none other than Great Falls. Of course, it’s not just one waterfall, but a series of cascading falls and rapids of the Potomac River. If you’re someone who loves white-water rafting, you won’t find a better destination in Virginia for thrill-seeking paddling. Equally enchanting is the network of hikes that showcase the river. Learn more about the beauty of Great Falls Park in Virginia.
Lingbeek / Getty Images
Dark Hollow Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park, and it’s not difficult to see why. To avoid the crowds, you’ll want to get to the parking lot (Mile Marker 50.7) as early as possible. A steep 0.8-mile trek will lead you to the beautiful spectacle of a rushing waterfall nestled in the woods. Find out more about hiking Dark Hollow Falls in Virginia.
Tim Pennington / iStock / Getty Images Plus
It’s difficult to imagine a more picturesque waterfall than the Cascades in Giles County. If you’re planning on hiking to this waterfall, be sure to set aside enough time. The trail is 4 miles round trip and requires some stream crossings along the way. Rest assured, though, your efforts will be well rewarded with the sight of this nearly 70-foot waterfall!
Douglas Rissing / iStock / Getty Images Plus
As the third-tallest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park, South River Falls is another that belongs on your radar. It’s less popular than Dark Hollow Falls, so makes for a great option if you’re looking for more solitude on the trail. The trail clocks in at just under 5 miles, depending on the route you choose. Learn more about hiking South River Falls in Shenandoah National Park.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
If you’re short on time, Falling Spring Falls is a great option. You can practically drive right up to the viewing area of this astounding waterfall off Route 220 in Alleghany County. This 80-foot cascade is one of the most photographed in the state. Here’s more on planning your trip to Falling Spring Falls in Virginia.
Andre McCabe / AllTrails
Crabtree Falls is unlike any other waterfall hike in Virginia. To start, it’s the largest series of cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. To appreciate the sheer magnitude of this waterfall, you can hike alongside it via a staircase hike. Be sure to stick to the trail, though, as failing to do so can prove to be incredibly dangerous. Have you ever taken this famous waterfall staircase hike?
L B / AllTrails
Last but certainly not least, the Rose River Falls loop is an extraordinary Shenandoah National Park adventure that boasts beautiful water scenery at every turn. While the main event is Rose River Falls itself, you’ll find that a majority of the trail features smaller cascades and streams along the way. There’s nothing quite as peaceful as the sound of a forested stream in the mountains. Here’s more on hiking Rose River Falls in Virginia.
Looking for another must-see summer destination? Check out this gorgeous waterfall swimming hole in Virginia.
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Address: Great Falls, VA, USAAddress: Dark Hollow Falls, Virginia 22743, USAAddress: The Cascades, VA 22940, USAAddress: South River Falls, Virginia 22973, USAAddress: Falling Spring Falls, Virginia 24445, USAAddress: Crabtree Falls, Virginia 22976, USAAddress: Rose River Falls, Virginia 22743, USA
