Styles Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Styles Falls
Styles Falls tumbles quietly through the Mountain Lake Wilderness in Giles County, Virginia, offering a peaceful cascade framed by mature hardwoods and mossy rock. It’s an inviting destination for hikers who want a scenic waterfall without a long, strenuous trek — perfect for a morning outing or a relaxed afternoon exploring the woods. The approach is a 2.4-mile out-and-back that gains roughly 300 feet and is commonly rated moderate, making it well suited to hikers with a basic level of fitness. The trail is well-marked and winds through shaded forest and rocky stretches before opening to the falls and a small scenic pool. For overnight options, the nearest campground is at the Eastern Divide Ranger District, about 21.4 km (13.3 miles) from the trailhead.
The Setting
Styles Falls sits at 1,808 feet along the S F Roanoke River, in the hills of Virginia.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~300 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The route is a well-marked woodland path that alternates between packed dirt footpaths and rocky sections with exposed roots. The overall grade is mostly gentle with a few short, steeper pitches that create the 300-foot climb; there are no technical moves required, making the hike non-technical but moderately strenuous in places. Suitable for hikers comfortable on uneven, natural-surface trails.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Styles Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Styles Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Styles Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons. 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.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery after rain, so caution is advised. Watch for loose rocks and tree roots. Always stay on the marked trail to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
40 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 65 years of record
0.53 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge S F ROANOKE RIVER NEAR SHAWSVILLE, VA (7 km away).
Today
Moderate
40 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
42 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
47 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
50 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
48 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
46 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
49 cfs
6/10Best 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 Shawsville 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 291 feet of descent through Styles Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,858 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 113 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 89 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
- 1,858 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 291 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
Styles Falls is accessed via the trail system at the Mountain Lake Lodge property. Visitors typically start at the lodge and follow the marked trail to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Mountain Lake Lodge, where the trailhead begins. Visitors should check with the lodge for any parking restrictions or fees.
Elevation
1,808 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.081536° N, -80.265919° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky in places. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting after rainfall for the best waterfall views. Check with the Mountain Lake Lodge for trail conditions before heading out.
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With 2.4 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.
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
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Christiansburg by IHG
Tru By Hilton Christiansburg
Hyatt Place Blacksburg/University
Homewood Suites by Hilton Christiansburg
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
Eastern Divide Ranger District
13.3 miles away · 0 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Mountain Lake Lodge, which served as the filming location for the movie 'Dirty Dancing,' offers additional hiking trails and activities. The nearby Appalachian Trail also provides opportunities for more extensive hiking.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes, especially in warmer months.
Cities near Styles Falls
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