If you enjoy hiking at Virginia State Parks consider the grand reward of discovering a magnificent waterfall. The best time to see a waterfall is typically after a rain event, which fortunately for us is a regular happening in the hot summer months in Virginia. 

Natural Tunnel State Park

The frozen beauty of winter at Natural Tunnel State Park

Most who visit Natural Tunnel State Park enjoy taking the chairlift down to the tunnel floor, or tackling the hundreds of steps that descend along the hillside for a 1/4 of a mile to the riverbed below. Some follow the short trail around the top of the tunnel to Lovers Leap for the magnificent view, but there are a few more trails that really are "the road less taken" at this state park. Some discover waterfalls and unparalleled scenery on the less populated or more difficult trails. Click here (PDF) to view a trail guide for Natural Tunnel State Park.

Fairy Stone State Park

A step-like waterfall at Fairy Stone State Park

A heavier water flow gives us a more dramatic effect

Little Mountain Falls have been called "Big Mountain Little Falls" by some hikers at Fairy Stone State Park. There is quite a bit of leg power required before you arrive at the falls so it is considered a difficult hike and a fairly lengthy hike at 3.3 miles. For seasoned hikers it is not super difficult, and is a looping trail which is always a crowd pleaser, but not suitable for small children or those with mobility issues. But the good news is it is a multi-use trail which means hiking, biking and horseback riders are all welcome to visit this beautiful waterfall. Some have been disappointed to make the trek in a dry spell only to find the falls at a mere trickle, so consider the season and the weather to ensure a happier outcome. Click here (PDF) to view the trail guide at Fairy Stone State Park. 

Douthat State Park

Blue Suck Falls in May at Douthat State Park

Many of the falls at Virginia State Parks break down into smaller falls

One of the reasons Douthat State Park is so popular is its abundance of hiking and biking trails available to visitors, many of them rated moderate to difficult. The hike to Blue Suck Falls is no exception, it is 3.01 miles and is rated difficult. Hikers love to hike with a destination in mind, and this waterfall is one of two on the same trail at this park. Click here (PDF) to view a trail guide for Douthat State Park.

New River Trail State Park

If you enjoy riding the New River Trail then you may recognize the name Foster Falls. It is a great put in spot for a canoe or kayak and not far from the main parking area. The best part about the trails at this park is that they are all rated easy and are handicap accessible. The reason they are rated easy is that this is a rail trail, and the so the trails are flat and simple to navigate, and are multi-use so that hikers, bikers and horseback riders can all appreciate them. Click here (PDF) to view the trail guide for New River Trail State Park.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Summertime is a great time to visit these falls at Grayson Highlands State Park 

Explore Cabin Creek Trail to discover some sweet mountain falls

A cascade a little off Wilson Creek Trail at Grayson Highlands State Park

Summertime is the recommended time to hike at Grayson Highlands State Park due to its altitude and possible swift change in temperatures. This park has so much to offer day visitors and backpackers such as the wild ponies and the breathtaking vistas that often time the creeks and waterfalls are overlooked. Click here (PDF) for a trail guide to Grayson Highlands State Park.

Other nearby falls

Falling Spring Falls will knock your socks off in any season and is managed by DCR and Douthat State Park

Falling Spring Falls is one of the most photographed spots in the Allegheny Highlands and is just off the road on Highway 220 a few miles from Covington Virginia for easy access. It shows off its 80 foot waterfall and dramatic views of the mountains. We invite you to bring a picnic and take time to enjoy the scenery from the easy to access overlook. Please note that exploring the area beyond the overlook is prohibited and no trespassing warnings are strictly enforced. Directions to Falling Spring Falls on Google Maps here.

Spillways

Under the category of "other" we find spillways, since many of our park guests enjoy them, and remark about how lovely they are. They change with the seasons and fun to visit with your family, friends and hiking companions.

Super scenic spillway at Holliday Lake State Park

There is a lengthy but rewarding 6.3 hike that leads you around the water and over the spillway with four scenic overlooks along the Lakeshore Trail. Click here (PDF) to view a trail guide for Holliday Lake State Park.

Another stunning view of a spillway, this time it is Pocahontas State Park in early winter

While Pocahontas State Park has a ton of awesome mountain biking trails, there is also an abundance of quiet places for those wanting to walk and wander the park, like the spillway. Click here (PDF) to view a trail guide for Pocahontas State Park.

Spillway at Douthat State Park is easy to access and view

The kids fishing area is just below this spillway and up top is one of Douthat State Park's picnic areas with playground. There are views of the spillway from that family friendly area, and kids can peer over the side to see the many bullfrogs hiding along the creek. Click here (PDF) to view the trail guide for Douthat State Park.

Hike around the lake to the spillway at Hungry Mother State Park

The Lake Loop Trail will take you all the way around the lake and is partially handicap accessible, but you can travel just part of the way to see the spillway, and from this vantage point above the spillway you are not seeing the falls or the fun roll down the hill on your side angle that kids love. Click here (PDF) to view a trail guide for Hungry Mother State Park.

Your turn

There are more waterfalls, cascades and spillways at Virginia State Parks but space limits this blog to share just the images above as teasers. If you have photos from your visit to a Virginia State Park waterfall, we would love to see them, feel free to share them on our Facebook page here.