If you are planning a scenic drive this year, few experiences compare to chasing Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls. From gentle cascades you can reach in minutes to dramatic multi-tier drops that require a rewarding climb, the waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway offer something for every hiker. Pair your drive with a stay at Steeles Tavern Manor and Cabins, and you have the perfect getaway with outdoor adventure and refined comfort in the Shenandoah Valley.
We love sending our guests to Crabtree Falls, one of Virginia’s most impressive waterfalls, just minutes from our romantic cabin rentals in Virginia between Staunton and Lexington. Crabtree Falls is the tallest multi-tiered waterfall east of the Mississippi, and the well-maintained trail follows the rushing water upward with scenic overlooks along the way. It’s easily one of the best waterfalls near Staunton, and a must for anyone exploring Blue Ridge waterfalls.
Crabtree Falls is just one of the many incredible Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls worth seeing. Spring, summer, or fall, hiking to and enjoying these Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls is a great way to experience America’s Favorite Drive. If you plan to make the full 469-mile drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Great Smoky Mountains near Cherokee, North Carolina, north toward Shenandoah National Park and out romantic cabin rentals in Virginia with hot tubs, you will encounter around 65 Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls. Book your getaway today!
The Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls
There’s no shortage of unforgettable views along the Blue Ridge Parkway in any season, but few experiences compare to seeking out Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls. From dramatic, thundering drops to gentle cascades that wind through moss-covered rocks, there’s plenty to love about chasing waterfalls as you make the 469-mile drive along this scenic stretch of the road.
Many guests visiting our romantic cabin rentals in Virginia with hot tubs choose to explore the Parkway from North to South, beginning near Shenandoah and working their way toward North Carolina. Others head north after exploring Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains. However you map it out, the reward is a collection of iconic Blue Ridge waterfalls that happen to be some of the best hikes in Virginia and beyond.
Starting in North Carolina near Asheville, Graveyard Fields is one of the most popular stops for waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This moderate hike features multiple cascades, making it ideal if you want more than a quick roadside photo. Nearby at Craggy Gardens, Douglas Falls plunges about 70 feet over a cliff face. When water levels cooperate, you can carefully walk behind the cascade for an incredible perspective.
Glassmine Falls is viewed from an overlook and is especially stunning after heavy rain, when the water flow is at its strongest. Linville Falls, one of the most photographed Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls, is a three-tier waterfall that tumbles into the scenic Linville Gorge, a feature of the Blue Ridge Parkway known as the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.” It’s truly a breathtaking sight, and worth the moderate to strenuous hike to get there.
Boone Fork Falls, also referred to as Hebron Falls, is another great option among Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls. Boone Fork Falls is a 25-foot waterfall, and the hike also features cascading creeks and beautiful scenery.
As you cross into Virginia, the landscape continues to impress. Fallingwater Cascades is typically one of the first Blue Ridge waterfalls you will encounter from the south. The loop trail is relatively easy and a perfect way to stretch your legs before continuing north. Not far away, Apple Orchard Falls drops roughly 200 feet and is often listed among the best waterfalls in Virginia. The hike is moderately challenging and rewards you with one of the most dramatic scenes along this section of the Parkway.
Wigwam Falls at the Yankee Horse Ridge Overlook is a short walk and one of the most accessible waterfalls in Virginia along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Near Waynesboro, White Rock Falls features an inviting pool and layered cascades that make it a popular warm-weather destination. For those searching for the best waterfalls near Staunton, this area offers quick access to both White Rock Falls and several Shenandoah trailheads.
No list would be complete without Crabtree Falls in Virginia. Although not directly on the Parkway, it is close enough to pair with a day of exploring. Crabtree Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi when its tiers are combined. The steady uphill climb follows the cascade through multiple viewing platforms, making it one of the best hikes in Virginia for waterfall lovers. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic; many of our guests add a Crabtree Falls Picnic Package to their reservation.
Start or End at our Virginia Cabin Rentals
With ample hikes and gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls to enjoy along the drive, it’s easy to see why the Blue Ridge Parkway has earned the nickname “America’s Favorite Drive.” It’s beautiful any time of year, but particularly so when it’s time to enjoy fall colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Of course, whatever you plan to do on this gorgeous drive, we hope you join us at our romantic cabin rentals in Virginia, either at the beginning or end of your journey.
Though there are plenty of places to stay on and around the Blue Ridge Parkway, none compare to our luxurious Bed and Breakfast in Virginia, not to mention our private romantic cabin rentals with hot tubs. The stately Manor House that houses our Bed and Breakfast in Virginia was built in 1916. We’re surrounded by 50 acres of outstanding beauty and quiet tranquility, with distant views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in the heart of the scenic Shenandoah Valley.
We’re a member of the Select Registry brand of luxury properties, and offer distinguished hospitality that can’t be found anywhere else. Book your cabin today.
