Are there fees or permits required for Panther Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Panther Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Panther Falls.

Live Conditions · 3 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Panther Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Panther Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Panther Falls.

Virginia

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Panther Falls, see below

George Washington National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (2)

Dirtman's Images CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Jim Liestman CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.3 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Panther Falls

Panther Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the George Washington National Forest in Virginia. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors due to its serene setting and natural swimming hole.

The Setting

Panther Falls sits at 1,194 feet within George Washington National Forest, fed by the Pedlar River, in the foothills of Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Panther Falls (#508), a 0.3-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

PANTHER FALLS #508

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

+12-20%

USFS Segment

0.19 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Panther Falls is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It leads through a wooded area to the waterfall, which features a natural pool at its base.

What to Expect

Swimming is permitted. 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 Panther Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Panther Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are the best times to visit for warmer weather and swimming opportunities. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a quieter experience.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with George Washington National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The rocks around the waterfall can be slippery, so use caution when walking near the water. Avoid swimming during high water levels or after heavy rain. Always supervise children near the water.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

3 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2 4 14 115

Based on 23 years of record

2.39 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

PEDLAR RIVER AT FOREST ROAD NEAR BUENA VISTA, VA

USGS 02024915

0.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 27 sq mi

Altitude: 1,057 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge PEDLAR RIVER AT FOREST ROAD NEAR BUENA VISTA, VA (1 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

3 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

3 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

3 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

3 cfs

9/10

Mon

Moderate

3 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

3 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

3 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

3 cfs

6/10

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

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 Buena Vista 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.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 83 feet of drop through Panther Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,202 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 115 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 52 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Panther Falls near Buena Vista, Virginia, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Panther Falls near Buena Vista, Virginia, showing about 83 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,202 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 83 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Panther Falls is located off Panther Falls Road, near the town of Buena Vista, Virginia. The trailhead is accessible via a short drive from Route 60.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak times.

Elevation

1,194 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.707079° N, -79.288922° W

Land Management

George Washington National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery after rain. Bring water and snacks, and pack out all trash to keep the area clean.

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

Otter Creek Campground

9.5 miles away · 69 sites

Reservable

Overview Otter Creek Campground is located at the Blue Ridge Parkway's lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. Picturesque Otter Creek winds through this quiet, rustic campground. Night skies are spectacular here, and there are several nearby trails to hike including the Otter Creek Trail, which is accessible from the campground. Just imagine enjoying the crackle of an evening campfire with the murmur of the creek in the background! Relax.... Recreation The James River/Otter Creek recrea

Book on Recreation.gov