Are there fees or permits required for Wylie Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Wylie Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wylie Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wylie Falls near Glen Lyn, Virginia

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 3,650 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Wylie Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wylie Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Wylie Falls.

Virginia

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Wylie Falls, see below

Bluestone Recreation Area REC · UNK

About Wylie Falls

Wylie Falls is a quiet, lesser-known cascade tucked into Virginia’s Bluestone Recreation Area. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the site offers a peaceful destination for hikers who prefer trails away from busier state-park corridors. The falls are a rewarding goal for those seeking a short nature escape and the shaded, wooded setting typical of the Bluestone Recreation Area. Access is primarily on a 2.4-mile out-and-back route that climbs roughly 350 feet and is commonly rated moderate in difficulty, making it a good half-day hike for fit day-trippers. Because the falls sit within a USACE-managed recreation unit rather than a national forest, trail facilities and signage can vary; plan accordingly and enjoy the solitude and natural character of the area.

The Setting

Wylie Falls sits at 1,457 feet within Bluestone Recreation Area, fed by the New River, in the foothills of Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back); elevation gain: approximately 350 feet; difficulty: moderate. The official land unit is Bluestone Recreation Area, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). No USFS trail name/number, surface, grade, or technical class is documented in the available recreational data for this approach. Hikers should expect a natural, unpaved tread typical of recreation-area access routes and be prepared for uneven footing and basic wayfinding.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with the sound of cascading water. The area may be surrounded by lush vegetation, especially during spring and summer.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wylie Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wylie Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to seasonal rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and potential wildlife encounters. Always stay on marked trails if available and avoid visiting during inclement weather.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

3,650 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.2k 1.4k 2.7k 4.7k

Based on 87 years of record

4.37 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

NEW RIVER AT GLEN LYN, VA

USGS 03176500

2.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 3,770 sq mi

Altitude: 1,490 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NEW RIVER AT GLEN LYN, VA (4 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

3650 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

3650 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

3828 cfs

8/10

Mon

Roaring

3946 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

4143 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

4084 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

4498 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

4816 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late 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 Glen Lyn 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.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Wylie Falls near Glen Lyn, Virginia, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location of Wylie Falls is not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking guides or maps for directions. It may be located within a forested area, requiring some navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or no designated parking areas near the trailhead.

Elevation

1,457 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.411788° N, -80.862025° W

Land Management

Bluestone Recreation Area REC

Managed by USACE

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for potential stream crossings or muddy sections.