Southwest Virginia knows how to put on a seriously good waterfall show.
Across this road trip, you’ll chase roaring drops, wide rock cascades, and rushing mountain creeks hidden among some of Virginia’s most dramatic forests and gorges.
Some waterfalls sit just minutes from the road, while others make you earn the view with creek crossings, steep climbs, and several miles on the trail.
That mix is exactly what makes this trip so much fun, so grab your hiking shoes, keep your camera handy, and get ready for some spectacular surprises across Southwest Virginia.
1. Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls drops 69 feet near Pembroke, where Little Stony Creek tumbles over several rocky levels into a wide pool surrounded by Jefferson National Forest.
You can reach it on the 4-mile round-trip Cascades National Recreation Trail, which follows the creek past wooden bridges, mossy boulders, and shady forest.
The trail climbs about 663 feet, with the narrower Lower Trail offering a more scenic hike and the wider Upper Trail providing a steeper challenge.
Once you arrive, find a spot for a picnic, snap photos from the rocks, and take in the falls, which are especially impressive after a good rain.
2. Dismal Falls
Just a 50-minute drive from Cascade Falls brings you to the 12-foot Dismal Falls, where a short, easy walk makes this stop much more relaxed.
Instead of one tall plunge, water tumbles over a series of broad rock ledges, creating several small cascades before spilling into a pool below.
To reach it, follow the trail about 0.1 mile downhill from the roadside pull-off, making the entire out-and-back walk roughly 0.2 miles.
Bring water shoes for the slippery rocks, cool your feet beside the creek, and slow down for a while before getting back on the road.
3. Rowland Creek Falls
Moving on from Dismal Falls, Rowland Creek Falls turns up the adventure with a more rugged hike through the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
You can tackle the 9.2-mile Rowland Creek Trail, which gains about 2,077 feet through narrow sections, loose rocks, and multiple creek crossings.
Come prepared to get your feet wet, especially when higher water levels mean wading along the way, and don’t push ahead if the water is moving too fast.
After all that effort, you’ll be rewarded with a 100-foot cascade that tumbles down a long rocky slope, with a swimming hole beyond the falls where you can cool off.
4. Tumbling Creek Falls
Up next is Tumbling Creek Falls, where three waterfalls along Tumbling Creek make for a fun change of pace after the tougher Rowland Creek Trail.
This time, give your hiking boots a break and drive along gravel Tumbling Creek Road toward Laurel Bed Lake to find the cascades along the way.
You’ll encounter narrow stretches, steep sections, and several switchbacks during the roughly 20 to 25 minutes from the start of the gravel portion.
An SUV or truck is recommended for the trip, and once you arrive, you can explore the falls, fish along the creek, or simply enjoy an easy break by the water.
5. Big Falls at Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve
Then there’s Big Falls at Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, where you’ll hike through one of Russell County’s most interesting natural landscapes.
Take the 3.8-mile round-trip Pinnacle Trail along Big Cedar Creek, passing through thick forest and rare plants that make the whole trek scenic.
Along the way, you’ll cross a swinging bridge and can take optional side trails to other gorgeous spots, including Spring Falls and the Pinnacle View Trail.
Your main reward, though, is Big Falls, which rushes over a broad sandstone ledge into a rocky base that’s popular for swimming and relaxing in warmer months.
6. Little Stony Falls
Keep the water-chasing going at Little Stony Falls near Dungannon in Scott County, tucked within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
Here, the 5.3-mile round-trip Little Stony Falls Trail takes you along Little Stony Creek through rocky stretches, across three bridges, and past cool rock formations.
Once you see the beautiful 24-foot waterfall, admire it from above or head down the stairs for a closer look as the water pours over a layered rock ledge.
If you can, plan your visit for spring, when stronger flows and blooming wildflowers make the shady creekside trail even more photogenic.
7. Devil’s Bathtub & Waterfall
Last but not least is Devil’s Bathtub & Waterfall near Fort Blackmore, a famous blue-green swimming hole surrounded by the rugged beauty of the mountains.
This one gives you two options: a shorter route with 13 creek crossings or a longer, roughly 7-mile round-trip route that keeps your path out of the water.
No matter which way you go, expect to scramble over boulders, so plan around lower water levels and visit on a weekday when it’s less crowded.
At the main attraction, water flows through a smooth rock chute into the pool below, with flat stone ledges along the sides where you can sit and give your legs a break.
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