Monkey Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
Monkey 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 (4)
About Monkey Falls
Monkey Falls is a USGS-named falls on the North Fork Holston River in Scott County, Virginia, near Weber City and Gate City. It is a drop on the river itself, and federal protected-area records show no public land at the site. We found no public trail, river access point or height for it.
Trail & Hike Details
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Monkey Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Monkey Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on North F Holston River, 1.8 miles away, not on Monkey Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
177 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 65 years of record
1.77 ft
Water depth at gauge
51°F
WarmVery comfortable
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge N F HOLSTON RIVER NEAR GATE CITY, VA (3 km away).
Today
Low
177 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
172 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
198 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
202 cfs
5/10Sat
Low
182 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
175 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
188 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to mid April, peaking in February.
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 Weber City hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Monkey Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Monkey Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 65°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 180 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 187 feet of drop through Monkey Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,256 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 60 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 65 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,256 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 187 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are on the North Fork Holston River near Newland Hollow Road (Route 707) and Carters Valley Road (Route 704). We found no public parking or river access documented at the site.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
1,237 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.605934° N, -82.535430° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn Kingsport Southeast
Sleep Inn & Suites Kingsport TriCities Airport
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Kingsport-Meadowview I-26 by IHG
Comfort Suites Kingsport South
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.
Nearby Campground
FLATWOODS GROUP PICNIC AREA
21.6 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Flatwoods Group Picnic area is a secluded site surrounded by forest. It is a great facility for family reunions, organization activities and other group events. Recreation Open lawn areas are adjacent to the picnic area which can be used for activities such as horseshoes, sports and games (bring your own game and sports equipment). Hiking trails are available within easy driving distance (Guest River Gorge, Chief Benges Scout, and Little Stony Falls Trails). Facilities A paved parking lo
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Kingsport, Virginia
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Kingsport, Virginia on SoakingSprings.
Explore Virginia springsAdditional Information
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid feeding animals.
Cities near Monkey Falls
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