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 · 216 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 Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

0.4 mi distance 100 ft climbed

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 1 day 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

215 221 256 417

Based on 46 years of record

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.

JACKSON RIVER BL GATHRIGHT DAM NR HOT SPGS, VA

USGS 02011800

5.6 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 (9 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

216 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

216 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

215 cfs

4/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

215 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

207 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

206 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

200 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

202 cfs

3/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, 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 Mallow 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 169 feet of descent through Falling Spring Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 80 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 2,089 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 164 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 29 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Falling Spring Falls near Mallow, Virginia, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Falling Spring Falls near Mallow, Virginia, showing about 169 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 2,089 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 169 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

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

2,054 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

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

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