About Falls of Dismal
Falls of Dismal is a named waterfall in Giles County, Virginia, located about 11 miles southwest of Narrows. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Mechanicsburg 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°11′18″ N, 80°54′01″ W (37.18845, -80.90036). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Pearis Thompson Branch (stream, under 0.1 mi), Standrock Branch (stream, 0.7 mi), and Double Mountain (summit, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Wylie Falls, 16 miles to the north.
More Photos
299 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Falls of Dismal
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Falls of Dismal
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Falls of Dismal. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Falls of Dismal holds a 4.6 average from 88 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Falls of Dismal. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Pearis Thompson Branch — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Standrock Branch — stream, 0.7 mi
- Double Mountain — summit, 0.8 mi
- Hiram Thompson Branch — stream, 0.9 mi
- Walnut Flats — lake, 0.9 mi
- Dismal Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Back Valley — valley, 1.6 mi
- Shingleblock Ridge — ridge, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.18845, -80.90036. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Falls of Dismal
- The Falls, VA32 mi south
- Styles Falls, VA36 mi east
- Brooks Falls, WV37 mi north
- Sandstone Falls, WV39 mi north
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Falls of Dismal located?
Falls of Dismal is in Giles County, Virginia, about 11 miles southwest of Narrows. Its coordinates are 37.18845, -80.90036 (37°11′18″ N, 80°54′01″ W).
What town is closest to Falls of Dismal?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Narrows, VA, about 11 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Falls of Dismal?
The closest is Wylie Falls (16 mi north). Others within reach include Big Falls (17 mi), Cascades (22 mi), and Harvey Falls (22 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Falls of Dismal?
Falls of Dismal appears on the USGS Mechanicsburg 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.