Waterfall Hikes in Virginia (VA)

Virginia's waterfalls arise mainly in the Blue Ridge and Ridge-and-Valley province, with steep headwater streams cutting narrow gorges across ancient metamorphic and sandstone bedrock; additional cascades occur in the higher plateaus and rugged hollows of southwest Virginia while the coastal plain is largely free of falls. Hikes are predominantly moderate, following forested ridge-to-valley trails and occasional canyon scrambles, with only a few short, family-friendly roadside paths; seasonal flows and close mountain/valley contrasts make Virginia's falls distinctive. See waterfalls near major Virginia cities .