Are there fees or permits required for Falling Spring Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Falling Spring Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Falling Spring Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Falling Spring Falls.

Live Conditions · 230 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Falling Spring Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Falling Spring Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Falling Spring Falls.

Virginia • 80 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Falling Spring Falls SOTH · SDC

Photo Credits (5)

VaMedia CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

howderfamily.com CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Falling Spring Falls

Falling Spring Falls is a stunning 80-foot waterfall located in Alleghany County, Virginia. It is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the state and is easily accessible, making it a popular destination for visitors traveling through the area.

The Setting

Falling Spring Falls sits at 2,054 feet within Falling Spring Falls, fed by the Jackson River Bl Gathright Dam, in the hills of Virginia. The falls drop 80 feet.

Height: 80 feet

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Falling Spring Falls is extremely short and leads directly from the parking area to the designated overlook. The path is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 80 feet. Dogs are welcome.

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 Falling Spring Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Falling Spring Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The waterfall is beautiful year-round, but spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow due to seasonal rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Stay on designated paths and avoid venturing too close to the edge of the overlook. The terrain around the falls is steep and can be dangerous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

230 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

224 238 792 1.9k

Based on 46 years of record

8.97 ft

Water depth at gauge

56°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 56 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

5.6 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 345 sq mi

Altitude: 1,400 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Falling Spring Falls is located along Route 220, approximately 5 miles north of Covington, Virginia. The waterfall is visible from a designated overlook area near the road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the overlook, which can accommodate several vehicles. Parking is free but may fill up during peak times.

Elevation

2054 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.867741° N, -79.947817° W

Land Management

Falling Spring Falls SOTH

Managed by UNK

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking, as the area can become crowded. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views, and be cautious near the overlook edge.

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For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

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

MORRIS HILL CAMPGROUND

4.6 miles away · 57 sites

Reservable

Overview Morris Hill is a peaceful, rustic campground for groups of family and friends. The family campground is a family-friendly destination perched on a ridge above Lake Moomaw. Kids can have fun at the playground while older generations sit back and relax in the shade. The group sites accommodate up the 25 guests with space for up to eight tents. Campers can enjoy the wonders of camping with simple pleasures like s'mores on the campfire, berry picking in the woods, and watching for waterfowl

Book on Recreation.gov