Are there fees or permits required for Greasy Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Greasy Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Greasy Falls.

Live Conditions · 422 ft³/s · About average

Greasy Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Greasy Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Greasy Falls.

Virginia • Shenandoah National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Shenandoah National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (1)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Greasy Falls

Greasy Falls is a tucked-away cascade inside Shenandoah National Park, managed by the National Park Service. Framed by lush, mature hardwood forest, the falls reward a short but satisfying hike with a peaceful plunge pool and plenty of quiet, nature-filled views. Hike the moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back route (about 300 feet of elevation gain) for a compact day outing that feels farther from the road than the mileage suggests. The setting is very much Shenandoah — shaded, wooded trails and seasonal stream flow — and Mathews Arm Campground is just over 3 km (about 3.06 km) away if you want to turn the trip into an overnight backcountry base. Because the trail can get rocky and slippery after rain, come prepared with sturdy footwear and expect a tranquil, less-crowded waterfall experience under NPS stewardship.

The Setting

Greasy Falls sits at 1,654 feet within Shenandoah National Park, fed by the S F Shenandoah River, in the hills of Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back; distance: 2.0 miles round trip; elevation gain: ~300 feet; difficulty: moderate. The path to Greasy Falls threads through dense, well-shaded hardwood forest with a mix of level walking and short, moderately steep pitches. Expect occasional rocky sections and muddy, slippery footing after wet weather, so hiking shoes with good traction are recommended. Located within Shenandoah National Park (managed by the NPS), the route is a straightforward, compact hike—suitable for most reasonably fit day hikers—and Mathews Arm Campground lies about 3.06 km away for nearby overnight camping.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The falls may vary in flow depending on recent rainfall, with the best views typically occurring in spring or after heavy rain. The area is relatively secluded, offering a quiet experience.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Greasy Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Greasy Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Greasy Falls, as the water flow is usually strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Shenandoah National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery after rain, and there are no guardrails near the falls. Visitors should stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the waterfall. Cell service may be unreliable, so inform someone of your plans before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

422 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

312 376 780 1.7k

Based on 96 years of record

1.22 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

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

S F SHENANDOAH RIVER AT FRONT ROYAL, VA

USGS 01631000

10.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1,634 sq mi

Altitude: 469 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge S F SHENANDOAH RIVER AT FRONT ROYAL, VA (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

422 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

422 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Strong

439 cfs

8/10

Sun

Strong

461 cfs

8/10

Mon

Strong

505 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

456 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

455 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

445 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early 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 Sperryville 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 138 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,649 feet.

The ground changes about 107 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 26 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Greasy Falls near Sperryville, Virginia, showing about 138 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,649 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 138 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Greasy Falls is located in a remote area of Virginia. Access may require driving on unpaved roads, and signage to the falls may be limited. Visitors are advised to use GPS coordinates or detailed maps to locate the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may consist of a small gravel lot or roadside parking near the trailhead.

Elevation

1,654 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.774006° N, -78.267502° W

Land Management

Shenandoah National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven or muddy. Carry water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.0 miles and 300 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.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

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

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

Nearby Campground

MATHEWS ARM CAMPGROUND

1.9 miles away · 166 sites

Reservable

Overview Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of the Shenandoah National Park, Mathews Arm Campground is the ideal spot for a camping getaway.Recreation Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forests and wilderness. Mathews Arm Campground is located near Overall Run Falls, which, at 93 feet, has the highest drop of all the falls in Shenandoah National

Book on Recreation.gov