Is swimming allowed at Blue Suck Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Blue Suck Falls.

Live Conditions · 216 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Blue Suck Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Blue Suck Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Blue Suck Falls.

Virginia

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Douthat State Park SP · SDC

Photo Credits (4)

Virginia State Parks staff CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

vastateparksstaff CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

chesbayprogram CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

vastateparksstaff CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

6.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Blue Suck Falls

Blue Suck Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Douthat State Park, Virginia. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering a serene setting surrounded by lush forest. The waterfall is part of a larger trail system within the park.

The Setting

Blue Suck Falls sits at 2,014 feet within Douthat State Park, fed by the Jackson River Bl Gathright Dam, in the hills of Virginia.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Falling Spring Falls (80 ft) lies 7.4 miles to the west.

Falling Spring Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Blue Suck Falls is a challenging hike with significant elevation gain. It winds through dense forest, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is well-marked but can be steep and rocky in sections, requiring sturdy footwear and good physical fitness.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Blue Suck Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $7.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Blue Suck Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild, and the foliage adds to the scenic beauty. Summer can also be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer temperatures.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

The trail can be steep and rocky, so proper footwear is essential. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

216 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

207 220 256 324

Based on 46 years of record

8.93 ft

Water depth at gauge

59°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 59 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

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

JACKSON RIVER BL GATHRIGHT DAM NR HOT SPGS, VA

USGS 02011800

7.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 345 sq mi

Altitude: 1,400 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge JACKSON RIVER BL GATHRIGHT DAM NR HOT SPGS, VA (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

216 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

216 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

215 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

208 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

195 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

198 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

203 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

201 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to mid May, 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 Clifton Forge 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 204 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,037 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 180 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 103 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Blue Suck Falls near Clifton Forge, Virginia, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Blue Suck Falls near Clifton Forge, Virginia, showing about 204 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 2,037 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 204 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

Blue Suck Falls is located within Douthat State Park, which is accessible via Interstate 64. The park entrance is well-marked, and visitors can follow signs to the trailhead leading to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at Douthat State Park near the trailhead. A state park parking fee may apply.

Elevation

2,014 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.904736° N, -79.821287° W

Land Management

Douthat State Park SP

Managed by UNK

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to allow plenty of time for the hike and to avoid crowds. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and wear sturdy hiking boots. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail can become slippery after rain.

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

COLES POINT

8.3 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

Overview Coles Point Picnic Shelters are tucked in a small opening surrounded by a hardwood forest. Opportunities abound for hiking, photography, nature study, birding and viewing wildlife. Best of all, Coles Point is perched along Moomaw Lake, providing convenient access to boating, fishing, swimming and relaxing on the beach.Recreation An inviting swimming beach within the recreation area lures crowds, and the picnic area has an open field for games like Frisbee and soccer. The park offers boat

Book on Recreation.gov