Add These 8 Waterfalls in Virginia to Your Hiking Bucket List!
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If you love a getaway where you can head outdoors, get your blood pumping, and take in stunning views, these waterfalls in Virginia belong on your hiking bucket list. Some of these treks even have a refreshing swimming hole waiting at the end!
Great Falls Park | McLean, VA
The impressive waterfalls at Great Falls Park are just a 15-minute drive from Washington, D.C., so if you find yourself in the nation's capital, it could be worth a quick trip outside the city. You'll hike just under four miles to the falls and back, and you should be prepared for some rocks and climbs — this isn't an intense hike, but it's also not a walk in the woods. The highest of the waterfalls reaches 76 feet tall.
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Crabtree Falls Trail | Nelson County, VA
If you want your hike to end in a truly breathtaking experience, head out to Nelson County, where you can hike the less than three-mile trail that leads to Crabtree Falls. This is the highest set of waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, reaching 400 feet into the air. Other falls throughout the trail add to the magic of this hike. The best part is that it's a beginner-friendly hike, so even first-timers can enjoy the captivating sights.
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Dark Hollow Falls | Shenandoah National Park
When you're only up for a short hike, head to Shenandoah National Park and hit the trail for Dark Hollow Falls. This 1.4-mile hike is not necessarily the easiest — it includes a steep, rocky descent and is often slippery — but it's quick, and the path is broad. Once you reach the falls, you'll be greeted with water cascading from 70 feet up in the air.
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Panther Falls | Amherst, VA
Perhaps the easiest waterfall hike on this list is Panther Falls, which is just 0.3 miles long with an elevation gain of 29 feet. The waterfall is only 10 feet high, which is why hikers feel comfortable taking the plunge from the top into the swimming hole waiting below.
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Apple Orchard Falls | Buchanan, VA
Apple Orchard Falls in Jefferson National Forest towers 200 feet, and the hike to reach them is one of the most charming in Virginia. You'll walk next to babbling streams for most of the 2.5-mile hike, and it's pleasant enough for both beginner and advanced hikers (this is one where you can likely bring the kids!).
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Whiteoak Falls | Luray, VA
There are six falls ranging from 35 to 86 feet throughout the Whiteoak Falls trails in Shenandoah National Park, and each has a swimming hole for those looking to cool off after a strenuous hike. But, luckily, your hike doesn't have to be difficult. There are easier hikes along the base of the falls, or you can take the upper trail for a more challenging route.
National Recreation Trail | Pembroke, VA
The nearly four-mile hike to Cascades Falls via the Cascades National Recreation Trail in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests is not only one of the most popular hikes, but it's also one of the best for bringing the whole family. Along the trail, you'll find shaded areas to stop for a picnic, gorgeous views, and a natural swimming hole right at the bottom of the falls—perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot summer day!
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Devil's Bathtub | Fort Blackmore, VA
One of Virginia's most interesting waterfall hikes is a nearly four-mile trek to Devil's Bathtub, a smooth swimming hole at the bottom of a short waterfall. The hike isn't for beginners; it includes scrambles over boulders and creek crossings that call for a bit of navigational skill. But it all becomes worth it once you get to this amazing natural pool.
Note: This hike has become incredibly popular, and Virginia Tourism encourages visitors to be careful to leave nothing behind and respect the natural environment.
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Ready to lace up those hiking shoes?
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About the Author Heather Bien
Heather Bien is a Southern writer, Richmond native, and aspiring gardener. She loves small-town travel and homemade lattes.
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