Meadow Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
Meadow Creek Falls appears to be on private land, and no public trail or access point is documented. Do not enter without the landowner's permission.
Photo Credits (2)
About Meadow Creek Falls
Meadow Creek Falls is a USGS-named waterfall on Meadow Creek in Craig County, Virginia, about 1.3 miles southwest of New Castle and roughly 500 feet from State Route 42 (Cumberland Gap Road). Federal protected-area records place it on private land just outside the Jefferson National Forest boundary. We found no public trail, parking area or published height.
Trail & Hike Details
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Meadow Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Meadow Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Meadow Creek Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a quieter experience, though trail conditions could be icy.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Hikers should exercise caution on the trail, especially after rain, as rocks and paths can become slippery. Carry a first aid kit and let someone know your plans before heading out. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Johns Creek, 1.8 miles away, not on Meadow Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
18 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 99 years of record
2.78 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge JOHNS CREEK AT NEW CASTLE, VA (3 km away).
Today
Low
19 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
18 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
17 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
18 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
18 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
18 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
19 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early 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 New Castle hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Meadow Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Meadow Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 68°F to 41°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 17 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 291 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,739 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 107 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 119 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,739 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 291 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
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
The falls are on Meadow Creek about 500 feet off State Route 42 southwest of New Castle. We found no public trailhead or parking for the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsHours
Elevation
1,736 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.485079° N, -80.125190° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Where to Stay
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Roanoke, VA
Comfort Inn & Suites Troutville-Roanoke North
Hampton Inn Daleville
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Roanoke Salem
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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.
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STEEL BRIDGE CAMPGROUND
9.6 miles away · 3 sites
Overview Steel Bridge Group Campground provides old-fashioned, rustic group camping for those that require few amenities. There are three well shaded camping sites for available for small group camping. Recreation Steel Bridge Group Camping provides old-fashioned, rustic group and family camping. Visitors enjoy splashing in the cool water of Potts Creek that edges the campground. Potts Creek is a stocked trout stream and has a small swimming hole as well as many rock ledges and small falls to pla
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Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious and avoid feeding or approaching animals.
Cities near Meadow Creek Falls
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