Apple Orchard Falls
Virginia • 200 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,000 ft
About Apple Orchard Falls
Apple Orchard Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It is part of the Jefferson National Forest and is known for its picturesque cascades and lush surroundings. The waterfall is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Apple Orchard Falls sits at 2,464 feet within Jefferson National Forest, in the hills of Virginia. At 200 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Virginia.
Height: 200 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Apple Orchard Spur (#17A), a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail over imported loose material. Expect 1,000 feet of elevation gain with grades of +10-12%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
APPLE ORCHARD SPUR #17A
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
1.03 miTrail Description
The trail to Apple Orchard Falls is a moderately challenging hike that descends through a forested area with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The trail features wooden bridges, rocky sections, and a well-maintained path leading to the base of the waterfall.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 200 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Apple Orchard Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Apple Orchard Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Jefferson National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Watch your footing on rocky sections and near the waterfall. Be prepared for a steep ascent on the return hike.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on James River, 8.1 miles away, not on Apple Orchard Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
428 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 47 years of record
2.04 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge JAMES RIVER AT BUCHANAN, VA (13 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
428 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
528 cfs
3/10Fri
Barely Flowing
477 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
443 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
423 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
417 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
422 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Buchanan hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Apple Orchard Falls Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing
Apple Orchard Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 64°F to 43°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 428 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Virginia.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 295 feet of descent through Apple Orchard Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 200 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 2,512 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 178 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 170 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,512 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 295 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Apple Orchard Falls is located near Buchanan, Virginia, within the Jefferson National Forest. The trailhead can be accessed from the Sunset Field Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 78.4).
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Sunset Field Overlook, which serves as the primary trailhead for accessing Apple Orchard Falls.
Elevation
2,464 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.516310° N, -79.532763° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and slippery, especially after rain. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider hiking poles for the steep sections. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience.
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With 2.5 miles and 1,000 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Peaks of Otter Lodge
The Liberty Trust
Trout Stream Access! Rural Buchanan Cabin
Natural Bridge Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
HOPPER CREEK GROUP CAMP
3.3 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Hopper Creek Group Camp offers a rustic atmosphere under the trees for group camping. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area welcomes visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere. Recreation A mowed, grassy area is available for games and organized activities. Hiking trails surround the area, offering everything from short walks in and around Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area to a full day hike along the nearby ridges. Backpacking opportunities are also available
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Peaks of Otter, and the Appalachian Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Apple Orchard Falls
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