Big Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
Big Falls appears to be on private land, and no public trail or access point is documented. Do not enter without the landowner's permission.
Photo Credits (4)
About Big Falls
Big Falls is a USGS-named falls on the New River at the Giles-Montgomery county line near Parrott, Virginia, beside Big Falls Road (Route 625) and Goodwins Ferry Road. It is a drop on the river itself rather than a waterfall on a side stream. Federal protected-area records show no public land at the site, and we found no public trail, river access or height information.
Trail & Hike Details
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall typically has the most water flow during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Walker Creek, 5.9 miles away, not on Big Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
47 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 88 years of record
3.00 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge WALKER CREEK AT BANE, VA (10 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
47 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
47 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
45 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
48 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
52 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
55 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
55 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Parrott hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Big Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Big Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 45°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 47 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.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are on the New River about 100 yards from Big Falls Road (Route 625) and Goodwins Ferry Road. We found no public parking or river access documented at the site.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
1,640 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.244292° N, -80.606172° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Where to Stay
The Highlander at Radford, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The Inn at Virginia Tech - On Campus
Hyatt Place Blacksburg/University
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Radford
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
Eastern Divide Ranger District
10.6 miles away · 0 sites
Recreational areas and opportunities within the Eastern Divide Ranger District.
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Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
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