state guide
A hand-picked guide to 2 of the most stunning waterfalls in Virginia. Each entry below has our personal notes, photos, driving directions and the practical detail you need to plan a visit — from parking and hike lengths to swimming rules and the best time of year to go.
#1 · 366 m drop
Tyro · Virginia · United States
There are no gas stations along the parkway, so if needed, you can detour to small towns near the route to refuel and take a break before continuing your journey.
Every part of the Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful. Of course, the iconic Mabry Mill and Crabtree Falls are also places you definitely shouldn't miss.
#2 · 23 m drop
Great Falls · Virginia · United States
Great Falls National Park in Virginia is about 30 minutes from Washington DC, and honestly it's become my go-to hike whenever I want to be near water without driving far. The trail runs right along the Potomac River, past the falls, and it's both beautiful and genuinely fun to walk — not just a "nice view, then done" kind of place.
On my most recent visit the falls were running really full (there'd been rain the week before), and there were volunteers and staff out on the trail helping people figure out routes — happy to point us toward other hikes and parks in the DC area too. Little things like that make the park feel well looked after.
It had rained a few days earlier, so I actually spotted a bunch of chicken of the woods mushrooms growing on the trees, and the mountain laurel was blooming too. If you time it right after rain, you get a completely different park than on a dry week.
Wet rocks, hidden currents and fast-changing weather catch out experienced hikers every year. Read our quick safety guide before you head out.