10 Breathtaking Waterfalls Along the Blue Ridge Parkway (From a Local Who’s Explored Them All)

Linville Falls in North Carolina

If you’ve ever cruised the Blue Ridge Parkway with the windows down and the smell of mountain laurel in the air, you know this place is something special. I’ve lived just off the Parkway for years now, and I never get tired of its scenic pull-offs, hidden trails, and—my personal favorite—its waterfalls.

The Parkway winds along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and while it’s most famous for jaw-dropping views and fiery fall colors, it’s also home to some of the most beautiful and accessible waterfalls on the East Coast. Some are right off the road, others require a solid hike, but all of them are worth the journey.

Grab your hiking shoes, a full water bottle, and maybe a PB&J, and come along for a personal guide to the best waterfalls you’ll find along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I’ve walked these trails, dipped my toes in these creeks, and even gotten caught in a surprise rainstorm or two—all in the name of exploring every cascade the Parkway has to offer.

1. White Rock Falls – The Parkway’s Jewel

Trailhead: White Rock Gap, Milepost 18.5
Hike: 4.4-mile loop or 2-mile out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Map: White Rock Falls Trailhead

White Rock Falls is one of my all-time favorite Parkway hikes. It's not too long, not too steep, and leads you through shady groves, over bubbling brooks, and straight to a beautiful 30-foot waterfall. There’s even a little swimming hole at the bottom that’s perfect on a summer afternoon. The falls themselves cascade down smooth stone into a tranquil pool, creating a peaceful little oasis in the woods.

I once hiked this trail in early October when the leaves were just starting to turn. I had the overlook all to myself and could see for miles. There’s something extra magical about sipping coffee next to a waterfall with that kind of view. The trail also loops through a mix of hardwood and pine forest, and you can often hear the falls before you see them. Keep your camera ready.

5 Fun Facts:

The trail was built by the Youth Conservation Corps in the '70s.
The water often runs strongest in spring and after a heavy summer rain.
The Slacks Overlook near the trailhead is a perfect sunrise spot.
You’ll see lots of quartz and white rock formations on the trail.
It’s dog-friendly and rarely crowded.

Check out our full White Rock Falls guide here for trail maps, gear tips, and nearby overlooks worth stopping for.

2. Apple Orchard Falls – A Roaring Classic

Trailhead: Sunset Fields Overlook, Milepost 78.4
Hike: 2.6 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Map: Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead

Apple Orchard Falls is a stunner. It drops 200 feet over a wide rock face in a gorgeous cove surrounded by ferns and mossy boulders. It’s a classic Virginia hike that starts high and goes low, which means you’ll be climbing on the way back up—bring snacks and take your time. The sound of the falls builds gradually as you descend, and when you round the final bend, the full view of the cascade is breathtaking.

I took my nephew here last spring and we counted over 30 species of wildflowers along the trail. The bridge crossing near the base of the falls is a great photo spot. In the summer, the mist coming off the rocks cools the air by a few degrees—nature’s own AC system.

5 Fun Facts:

The falls are named after nearby Apple Orchard Mountain, the tallest in this section of the Parkway.
You’ll hike through old-growth forest filled with hemlock and hardwood.
There's a scenic footbridge and wooden platform at the base of the falls.
In winter, the frozen spray turns the area into a wonderland.
It's one of the most photographed waterfalls in Virginia.

3. Fallingwater Cascades – Short, Sweet, and Scenic

Trailhead: Fallingwater Cascades Parking, Milepost 83.1
Hike: 1.6-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Map: Fallingwater Cascades Parking Area

Fallingwater Cascades is a great family-friendly hike. It’s short, manageable, and still gives you that satisfying waterfall payoff. The water tumbles over large, layered rock ledges and is especially lovely in spring. This loop connects with Flat Top Trail and offers a surprising amount of variety in a short distance.

I once led a group of friends here after brunch at Peaks of Otter, and we ended up lounging by the water for hours. It's that kind of place—you come for the hike and stay for the vibe. Watch for butterflies and songbirds flitting around the flowering shrubs in warmer months.

5 Fun Facts:

The loop is shared with the Flat Top Trail area.
Great for birdwatching—warblers are common here.
The rocks here show amazing patterns from ancient lava flows.
Parking is right off the Parkway.
Excellent spot for a picnic or break during a Parkway road trip.

4. Otter Creek Falls – Waterfall and Brews?

Trailhead: Otter Creek Campground, Milepost 60.8
Hike: 3.5 miles round trip via Otter Creek Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Map: Otter Creek Falls

Otter Creek Trail meanders along a peaceful stretch of water and leads to a series of small waterfalls and rapids. It’s not dramatic like Crabtree or Apple Orchard, but it’s perfect for a lazy afternoon hike. The trail is gentle and shady, great for kids or anyone wanting a calmer stroll. Listen for kingfishers and look for fish darting through the clear water.

I always stop at the nearby visitor center first, and sometimes I’ll end the day with a cold drink at the nearby taproom in Bedford before heading back home. The trail is also great for wildflower spotting and offers occasional benches for resting.

5 Fun Facts:

The trail follows the old Otter Lake Spillway.
Fishing is allowed in some parts of the creek.
The nearby James River Face Wilderness is just a few miles away.
This is a great trail for spotting salamanders after the rain.
You can camp right by the trailhead at Otter Creek Campground.

5. Linville Falls – The Most Famous Falls on the Parkway

Trailhead: Linville Falls Visitor Center, Milepost 316.3
Hike: Multiple trails from 1 to 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Map: Linville Falls

Linville Falls is dramatic, thunderous, and beautifully maintained with several different trail options leading to overlooks. It drops 90 feet into a deep gorge and is surrounded by towering cliffs and old-growth forest. The different trails give you multiple perspectives—from above, beside, and even from the plunge basin below.

Every time I go, I try a different route. The Plunge Basin Trail gives you a unique view from below, while the Erwin’s View Trail offers three different lookout points. It’s the kind of place you could spend all day exploring.

5 Fun Facts:

Linville Falls drops 90 feet into Linville Gorge.
It was once part of private land donated by John D. Rockefeller.
There’s a seasonal ranger station at the visitor center.
It’s one of the most visited stops on the Parkway.
Great spot for fall foliage viewing.

6. Crabtree Falls – Virginia’s Tallest Cascade

Trailhead: Crabtree Falls Day Use Area, near Route 56 (15 minutes from Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 27)
Hike: 3-mile round trip to the top, or a 1.7-mile paved trail to the lower falls
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (depending on route)
Map: Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls is a true showstopper. At nearly 1,200 feet tall, it’s the highest vertical-drop waterfall east of the Mississippi. The hike takes you past a series of stunning cascades, with railings and overlooks that let you get up close without getting soaked—unless you want to! You’ll hear the roar of the falls long before you reach the first overlook.

One misty spring morning, I got to the lower falls just as the sun broke through the fog. Everything glowed gold and green, and the only sound was water rushing down the rock face. It was a moment I won’t forget. The full trail to the top is strenuous, but worth every step. Pack a lunch and take your time.

5 Fun Facts:

Despite the name, this Crabtree Falls is in Virginia—there’s a different one in North Carolina.
The lower trail is wheelchair accessible.
The falls are fed by the Tye River.
In winter, the ice formations are spectacular.
It’s one of the most visited natural attractions in Virginia.

Want more info, tips, and photos? Check out our full Crabtree Falls profile where we share detailed directions, safety notes, and the best spots for fall foliage views.

7. Cedar Creek Falls – A Quick Stop with Big Scenery

Trailhead: Natural Bridge State Park, Cedar Creek Trail
Hike: 1.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Map: Cedar Creek Falls

This one’s perfect if you’re already visiting Natural Bridge. The Cedar Creek Trail follows the stream that carved the famous stone arch, and at the far end you’ll find a quiet little waterfall cascading over a mossy ledge. It’s not huge, but it’s surprisingly peaceful and feels tucked away from the crowds.

I stopped here on a hot summer afternoon and found a cool breeze waiting by the falls—pure bliss after walking through the sunlit meadow near the bridge.

5 Fun Facts:

The trail passes under Natural Bridge itself—one of Virginia’s most iconic landmarks.
There’s a Monacan Indian village reconstruction along the way.
The falls are about 30 feet tall and framed by lush greenery.
Great spot for kids and families—flat, shaded, and scenic.
You can grab ice cream at the visitor center afterward!

8. Statons Creek Falls – Roadside Wonder

Trailhead: Off Route 56 near Montebello, about 2 miles east of the Parkway
Hike: Minimal (viewable from roadside)
Difficulty: Very Easy
Map: Statons Creek Falls

Statons Creek Falls is one of those blink-and-you-miss-it gems. Tucked into the forest just off Route 56, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles down a rock face right next to the road. There’s a small pull-off where you can park and walk just a few steps to the base of the falls. It’s especially pretty after rain, when the water really gushes.

I love stopping here on my way to or from Crabtree Falls. It’s a quick detour with a big payoff.

5 Fun Facts:

The falls drop roughly 80 feet over multiple tiers.
It’s best viewed in spring or after a good rainfall.
Bring a camera—the lighting here is often magical in the early morning.
Watch for wildflowers and butterflies near the roadside.
It’s one of the easiest-to-access waterfalls in the Blue Ridge foothills.

9. Silver Run Falls – Hidden in the Woods

Trailhead: Milepost 91.7, near Peaks of Otter
Hike: 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Map: Silver Run Falls

Silver Run Falls offers a peaceful waterfall experience a bit off the beaten path. The trail winds through rhododendron thickets and hardwood forest before dropping into a shady gorge where the water cascades over jagged rocks.

I first found this spot while looking for quieter alternatives to the busier Parkway falls, and it quickly became a go-to for solo hikes and afternoon escapes.

5 Fun Facts:

The falls are named for the silver sheen the water has in sunlight.
The trail passes several small pools perfect for a quick dip.
Bird species like the pileated woodpecker are often spotted here.
The area is especially beautiful in late spring with wild azaleas.
The trailhead is close to the historic Peaks of Otter Lodge.

10. Dark Hollow Falls – A Classic Favorite

Trailhead: Milepost 50.7
Hike: 1.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Map: Dark Hollow Falls

Dark Hollow Falls is one of the most popular hikes on the Parkway for good reason. The trail is steep but short, and the falls themselves drop 70 feet into a mossy pool. It’s a refreshing reward after a sweaty climb.

I’ve been here countless times, and it’s always a joy to watch families, couples, and solo hikers enjoy this classic waterfall. If you come early, you can often have the falls mostly to yourself.

5 Fun Facts:

The trail was improved by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
The falls are visible from an overlook on the trail.
It’s a great spot for macro photography, especially moss and ferns.
The area supports diverse amphibian life.
The trail connects to other longer hikes in Shenandoah National Park.

Where to Stay After the Hike

After a full day of adventuring, you’ll want a cozy place to unwind. If you’re exploring the northern Virginia stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, my go-to recommendation is Afton Mountain Inn. It’s a boutique inn tucked just off Route 151 and offers easy access to White Rock Falls, Humpback Rocks, and Crabtree Falls.

With a resort-style pool, two hot tubs, fire pits, and comfy rooms surrounded by peaceful forest, it’s a great way to rest your legs and enjoy a bit of luxury between hikes. Plus, it’s close to craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants, which makes it perfect for refueling.

If you’re traveling with a group or want more space, check out some fantastic vacation rentals nearby:

Afton Farmhouse is a spacious farmhouse that sleeps up to 10. It’s perfect for families or groups wanting a home base with a large kitchen, outdoor fire pit, a playground for kids, and plenty of room to spread out and relax.

Afton Clubhouse offers a stylish, modern retreat with three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and tons of fun indoor and outdoor amenities like a hot tub, fire pit, shuffleboard, and basketball. It’s ideal for friends’ getaways or couples looking for a chic and comfortable stay on the Route 151 wine and craft beer trail.

No matter where you stay, the peaceful mountain surroundings and easy access to Parkway hikes make this part of Virginia a perfect place to recharge.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a waterfall hike to clear your head and fill your heart. And the Blue Ridge Parkway is packed with opportunities to do just that. From easy walks to challenging climbs, hidden creeks to roaring giants, every trail has a story—and a reward.

I hope this guide inspires you to explore a new trail or revisit an old favorite. Just remember to bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and always practice Leave No Trace. See you on the trail!

Attractions | Wineries | Breweries | Restaurants | Lodging