Is swimming allowed at Beaverdam Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Beaverdam Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Beaverdam Falls near White Sulphur Springs, Virginia, showing about 104 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 26 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Beaverdam Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Beaverdam Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Beaverdam Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Beaverdam Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $10.00. A permit is also required. A reservation acts as a permit to access the property. Visitors must book in advance and follow all guidelines provided by the property owner.

Virginia

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Beaverdam Falls

Beaverdam Falls is a picturesque, privately owned cascade tucked into a quiet Virginia woodland. Its gentle tiers and shady plunge pools make it an attractive short escape for photographers and day-hikers; most visitors reach the viewpoint via a moderate out-and-back trek of roughly 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain. Camping is available nearby — Steel Bridge Campground sits about 8.13 km from the falls, making it easy to time early-morning light or late-afternoon colors with an overnight stay. Because the falls are on private property, please respect landowner boundaries, use any posted access routes, and follow Leave No Trace practices while enjoying the scenery.

The Setting

Beaverdam Falls sits at 1,798 feet along the Potts Creek, in the hills of Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Out-and-back, 2.4 miles round trip with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The route follows a wooded path to the falls and is a relatively short, well-traveled hike suitable for most moderately fit hikers. USFS trail name/number and surface/grade/class data are not provided in the available information.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil setting with a beautiful waterfall cascading into a clear pool. The area is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and photography.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Beaverdam Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $10.00
Permit required
A reservation acts as a permit to access the property. Visitors must book in advance and follow all guidelines provided by the property owner.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Beaverdam Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, as the weather is mild, and the surrounding foliage enhances the beauty of the area. Summer is also popular, but it may be busier.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Visitors should stay on the designated trail to avoid slipping on wet or uneven surfaces. Be cautious near the waterfall, as rocks may be slippery.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

26 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

21 26 40 106

Based on 88 years of record

2.03 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

POTTS CREEK NEAR COVINGTON, VA

USGS 02014000

11.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 153 sq mi

Altitude: 1,273 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge POTTS CREEK NEAR COVINGTON, VA (19 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

26 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

26 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

28 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

29 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

28 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

28 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

28 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

30 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to late 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 White Sulphur Springs hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

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 104 feet of descent through Beaverdam Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,795 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 116 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 39 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Beaverdam Falls near White Sulphur Springs, Virginia, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,795 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 104 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Beaverdam Falls is located near Covington, Virginia. Visitors must make a reservation in advance to access the property, as it is privately owned. Directions are typically provided upon booking.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available on-site for visitors with reservations. The parking area is limited, so carpooling is recommended.

Elevation

1,798 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.670680° N, -80.240896° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Make sure to book your reservation in advance, as access is restricted without one. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be uneven in some areas. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

STEEL BRIDGE CAMPGROUND

5.1 miles away · 3 sites

Reservable

Overview Steel Bridge Group Campground provides old-fashioned, rustic group camping for those that require few amenities. There are three well shaded camping sites for available for small group camping. Recreation Steel Bridge Group Camping provides old-fashioned, rustic group and family camping. Visitors enjoy splashing in the cool water of Potts Creek that edges the campground. Potts Creek is a stocked trout stream and has a small swimming hole as well as many rock ledges and small falls to pla

Book on Recreation.gov