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Day Trip to a Waterfall or Two

By Shellie AnnePosted March 20, 2012

Part of the fun while staying at a state park is exploring the immediate area outside the park. I can't get enough of this, I rely on the cabin books at times to reveal unique things to see and do outside of the park (hint - check the cabin books!)

When I saw these photos I just knew you I could not wait to write them in the cabin book at Claytor Lake State Park this summer!

Dismal Falls in Giles County Virginia (March 10, 2012)

Dismal Falls in Giles County (Photo by Alisa Moody Wild Country Studios)

Dismal Falls in Giles County (March 10, 2012)

Dismal Falls in Giles County (Photo by Alisa Moody Wild Country Studios)

This amazing waterfall is just a 30 minute drive from Claytor Lake State Park.

How to Find It

From the parking area, follow the short trail to the falls. Be careful on the rocks where the trail comes out as they can be slippery. Total round trip: .1 miles over easy terrain.

Safety Considerations: slippery rocks at viewpoint

Driving Directions:

Take exit 98 from I-81 going north on VA-100. Go 11.6 miles and turn left on VA-42. After 10.1 miles turn right on SR-606. After 1 mile, turn right on SR-671 which becomes unpaved after .4 miles. .5 miles after the pavement ends, there is a sign for the falls and a small pull-off on the right of the road.

Fees for Access: none

Claytor Lake State Park is Exit 101 off I-81.

Drive Time to this state park: Northern Virginia, 5 hours; Richmond, 4 hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 5 hours; Roanoke, 1 hour

Claytor Lake State Park is 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive, Dublin, VA 24084; phone, (540) 643-2500; email, claytorlake. Learn more about park offerings by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

For more about Dismal Falls visit the Giles County VA website here, or visit their Facebook page here.

Cascade Falls is about a 1 hour drive (Exit 118 on I-81) from Claytor Lake State Park and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia and possibly on the entire East Coast. This waterfall is incredible and includes a beautiful hike! There is a per vehicle fee ($3). This is also in Giles County VA, click here for more info.

To find more waterfalls near Virginia State Parks visit the Virginia.org blog here. or go to this interactive map of waterfalls in VA, WV and MD.

PARKS

Claytor Lake State Park | New River Trail State Park

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