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

Nearby gauge (New River) · 1,660 ft³/s · Lower 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 Oct 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. 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, in the foothills of Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

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 2 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on New River, 2.7 miles away, not on Wylie Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

1,660 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.4k 1.8k 4.3k 6.9k

Based on 88 years of record

3.13 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

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

Moderate right now

1660 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

1660 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

1707 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

1839 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

1637 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

1605 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

1408 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

1488 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

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.

Is Wylie Falls Frozen?

Updated about 9 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid

Wylie Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 69°F to 43°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 1490 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.

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.