Are there fees or permits required for Glenn Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Glenn Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Glenn Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Glenn Falls.

Nearby gauge (Maury River) · 31 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Glenn Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Glenn Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Glenn Falls.

Virginia

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Glenn Falls

Glenn Falls is a scenic waterfall tucked into a forested ridge in Virginia that draws hikers looking for a peaceful, wooded escape. Framed by mature trees and the sounds of flowing water, the falls make a lovely destination for photographers and anyone wanting a short nature outing without venturing far from trail access. The most common approach is a 2.0-mile out-and-back route that climbs about 500 feet and is generally rated moderate. The path is well shaded and winds through typical woodland terrain with some rocky and uneven stretches, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The nearest developed camping is Sherando Lake Recreation Area family camping, roughly 16.2 km from the trailhead for anyone wanting an overnight base nearby.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Crabtree Falls, the tallest waterfall in Virginia at 1,200 feet, lies 8.4 miles to the southeast.

Crabtree Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Length: 2.0 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~500 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. The trail is a forest singletrack that stays mostly shaded and offers a steady, moderate grade for most of the route. Expect variable footing — dirt, exposed roots and some rocky/uneven sections — so good hiking shoes and attention to footing are advised. The route is straightforward and commonly used for day hikes to the falls; bring water and plan for a mellow, scenic out-and-back experience.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike through a wooded area leading to a picturesque waterfall. The area around the falls may be slippery, so caution is advised. The waterfall is most impressive after rainfall.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Glenn Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Glenn Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Glenn Falls, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery after rain, and the area around the waterfall can be hazardous. Visitors should stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Maury River, 12.4 miles away, not on Glenn Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

31 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

27 40 189 528

Based on 98 years of record

0.97 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.

MAURY RIVER AT ROCKBRIDGE BATHS, VA

USGS 02021500

12.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 329 sq mi

Altitude: 1,100 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MAURY RIVER AT ROCKBRIDGE BATHS, VA (20 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

31 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

31 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

30 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

32 cfs

3/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

32 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

30 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

29 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

29 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — 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 Fairfield hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Glenn Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Glenn Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 64°F to 45°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 31 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.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 72 feet through Glenn Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,460 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 156 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 97 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Glenn Falls near Fairfield, Virginia, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Glenn Falls near Fairfield, Virginia, showing about 72 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,460 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 72 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

Glenn Falls is located in Virginia, but specific directions to the trailhead or parking area are not well-documented. Visitors are encouraged to consult local maps or park resources for accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should expect to find a small parking area near the trailhead. Arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,457 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.918467° N, -79.194753° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become muddy or slippery after rain.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.0 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

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

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

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

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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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

SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING

10.1 miles away · 65 sites

Reservable

Overview Sherando Lake Recreation Area's Family Campground provides an ideal camping destination. It is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known locally as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking in the shade, fishing in the lakes, or swimming and relaxing on the sandy beach.Recreation The 25 acre Lower Lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area with a sand beach, accessible ramp to the water's edge, and a beach bathhouse with chang

Book on Recreation.gov