5 Must-See Waterfalls in Virginia (2026)
If you only have time for five Virginia waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Central Blue Ridge and the James River Highlands, Alleghany Highlands and New River Valley, and Shenandoah and the Northern Blue Ridge.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Virginia waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Crabtree Falls
Nellysford, VA · Nelson County · Central Blue Ridge and the James River Highlands
Why it is a must-see
With 454 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Virginia, and it holds 4.9 stars. In short: "5 major cascades & a number of smaller ones that fall a total distance of 1,200 ft." Expect Crabtree Falls, uphill hike, and elevation gain, the topics reviewers bring up most. 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Glenn Falls and The Falls. It is one of 7 named falls in the Central Blue Ridge and the James River Highlands region. The nearest town is Nellysford, about 12 miles to the east.
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2. Falling Spring Falls
Covington, VA · Alleghany County · Alleghany Highlands and New River Valley
Why it is a must-see
With 381 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Virginia, and it holds 4.7 stars. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Blue Suck Falls. It is one of 9 named falls in the Alleghany Highlands and New River Valley region. The nearest town is Covington, about 5.7 miles to the southwest.
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3. Cascades
Pembroke, VA · Giles County · Alleghany Highlands and New River Valley
Why it is a must-see
With 195 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Virginia, and it holds 4.9 stars. Older records also call it Cascades Waterfall. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Upper Falls and Big Falls. It is one of 9 named falls in the Alleghany Highlands and New River Valley region. The nearest town is Pembroke, about 4.8 miles to the southwest.
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4. Dark Hollow Falls
Stanley, VA · Madison County · Shenandoah and the Northern Blue Ridge
Why it is a must-see
With 159 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in Virginia, and it holds 4.7 stars. In short: "Picturesque series of cascading waterfalls over greenstone, accessible by a moderate 1.4-mi. hike." 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Rose River Falls and Lewis Spring Falls. It is one of 19 named falls in the Shenandoah and the Northern Blue Ridge region. The nearest town is Stanley, about 5.8 miles to the northwest.
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5. Falls of Dismal
Narrows, VA · Giles County · Alleghany Highlands and New River Valley
Why it is a must-see
With 88 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in Virginia, and it holds 4.6 stars. It is one of 9 named falls in the Alleghany Highlands and New River Valley region. The nearest town is Narrows, about 11 miles to the northeast.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 177 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Dark Hollow Falls (start, near Stanley)
- Crabtree Falls, about 59 mi southwest
- Falling Spring Falls, about 48 mi west
- Cascades, about 49 mi southwest
- Falls of Dismal, about 22 mi southwest
When to Visit Virginia's Waterfalls
Spring, from roughly March through May, is the classic season for Virginia waterfalls, when rain and snowmelt keep streams high and wildflowers bloom in the hollows of Shenandoah. Early summer still offers good flow, especially after storms, along with dense green foliage and rhododendron and mountain laurel blooms in the higher mountains. By late summer, many falls in Shenandoah and the Blue Ridge thin out considerably. Fall color usually peaks in the mountains in mid to late October, bringing heavy traffic on Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially on weekends. Winter can be beautiful, with icicles and frozen falls after hard cold snaps, but ice on trails and occasional closures of mountain roads during snow and ice events can complicate access.
Before You Go
Most of Virginia's waterfalls are on public land. Shenandoah National Park requires an entrance fee, and Skyline Drive is the primary access for its falls. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests manage most of the falls along the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor and in the Valley and Ridge, with some trailheads requiring parking fees, such as at Crabtree Falls and The Cascades. Weekends during spring and fall can bring full parking lots at popular falls, so arriving early helps. Hazards include slick rock near falls, which has led to fatal accidents at Crabtree Falls, steep return climbs, and fast water after heavy rain. Many falls have swimming holes, but water can be cold and currents strong in spring.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More Virginia Waterfalls
See all 48 waterfalls in the Virginia waterfall guide, or browse by town: Nellysford, Covington, Pembroke, Stanley, Narrows.
More Virginia Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Virginia?
Crabtree Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.9-star rating from 454 Google reviews. It is near Nellysford in Nelson County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Virginia waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 177 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in Virginia?
Our directory lists 48 named waterfalls in Virginia. See them all, sorted by town, in the Virginia waterfall guide.
What is the tallest waterfall in Virginia?
Crabtree Falls in Nelson County is commonly described as the tallest cascading waterfall in Virginia, with five major cascades and many smaller ones dropping a total of about 1,200 feet.