Waterfall hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway are an absolute “must” anytime you visit the Shenandoah Valley. That’s just as true whether you’re just driving through the area on America’s most popular scenic drive or you’re staying in the area to explore further and deeper. Though there are many Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls, and even more in Shenandoah National Park, one of our favorites is the Fallingwater Cascades.
The Fallingwater Cascades Trail is a short loop trail to one of the most accessible waterfall hikes on the Virginia stretch of the Parkway. It rewards hikers with a peaceful walk through shady hardwood forest and the rhythmic sound of cascading water over mossy boulders. Located near milepost 83, just a stone’s throw from the Peaks of Otter, the Fallingwater Cascades Trail delivers a big scenic payoff for a moderate amount of effort, making it a favorite among waterfall chasers.
Virginia is packed with breathtaking waterfall hikes, and Fallingwater Cascades holds its own among them. It’s one of several waterfalls you can easily explore while staying in the Shenandoah Valley, which is known not only for its dramatic mountain landscapes but also for its thriving small towns, heritage sites, and local food and drink. You’ll find plenty more things to do in the Shenandoah Valley this summer and fall, and we’d love to guide you to some of our personally-recommended spots to help you experience as much authenticity as you can.
Between the mountain vistas, farm-to-table food, and historic charm, it’s easy to fill your days, and that’s why staying at our main Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast or one of the intimate luxury cabins is such a smart move. You’ll have a stylish home base perfectly situated between Staunton and Lexington, with easy access to waterfall hikes and more, and a peaceful, private place to unwind after a day of exploring. Book your stay with us today!
The Hike to Fallingwater Cascades in Virginia
If you’re looking for a memorable, manageable hike with waterfall views in the Lexington, VA area, there are a couple of nearby waterfalls that should be on your list. Crabtree Falls, VA is always one of our favorites, but another, somewhat more hidden gem of a waterfall to see on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Lexington is Fallingwater Cascades. There’s a reason people like this one! The trail is scenic, not too strenuous, and packed with the kind of Appalachian forest beauty that makes you feel like you’ve truly escaped.
Fallingwater Cascades is located at milepost 83.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the popular Peaks of Otter area. From our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast, the drive is about 50–55 minutes, making it a perfect half-day outing. This stretch of the Parkway is scenic in its own right, especially in spring when wildflowers line the road, or in fall when the foliage turns spectacular. You may want to time your visit early in the day or late in the afternoon to catch the best light and avoid heavier foot traffic.
What to Expect on the Fallingwater Cascades Trail
The Fallingwater Cascades Trail is approximately 1.5 miles long and is typically rated as moderate in difficulty. Although not long, the trail does include some uneven footing, rocky steps, and a mild elevation change (approximately 250–300 feet total). Most hikers tackle the loop clockwise to enjoy a gradual descent along the creek and a slightly steeper climb on the way back up.
As you begin, you’ll pass through a classic Blue Ridge hardwood forest filled with rhododendrons, oaks, ferns, and moss-covered boulders. If you’re hiking to Fallingwater Cascades in late spring or early summer, expect to see wildflowers like trillium and mountain laurel blooming trailside. The trail closely follows Fallingwater Creek, so you’ll enjoy the calming sounds of water for most of the hike.
About halfway through the loop, you’ll arrive at the main attraction: the Fallingwater Cascades themselves. The waterfall is more of a long, elegant slide than a dramatic drop, with water tumbling over a series of rock shelves, creating a series of cascades that are especially photogenic after a good rain. You can climb down to the base for a better view (and photos), but use caution on the slippery rocks. There’s also a small footbridge above the falls where you can pause and listen to the rush of water below.
Fallingwater Cascades is not as crowded as popular waterfall hikes like Crabtree Falls or the White Rock Falls Trail, but it’s absolutely worth your time, even if just for the opportunity to wind your way through this scenic stretch of forest. After your hike, consider pairing the adventure with a picnic at nearby Abbott Lake or extending your hike to one of the many trails in the Peaks of Otter Area, such as the scenic Sharp Top Trail or the Johnson Farms Trail. Wherever your adventure takes you, enjoy the cool mountain air, tumbling water, and forested trails as they come together to create a genuinely refreshing escape.
The Best Lodging Near the Blue Ridge Parkway
When you’re planning a Virginia road trip to see incredible Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls like Fallingwater Cascades, it’s worth choosing a home base that feels like part of the experience, rather than simply booking a place to crash for the night. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Steeles Tavern Manor, a historic Bed and Breakfast in the Shenandoah Valley with on-site luxury cabins designed for guests who want comfort, privacy, and easy access to some of the best outdoor recreation in the area.
Unlike other lodging near the Blue Ridge Parkway, our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast and cabins offer guests an authentic slice of life in the Valley. Our property is peaceful and surrounded by nature, yet within an hour’s drive of top waterfalls, hiking trails, parks, farms, wineries, breweries, attractions, and more. In fact, Steeles Tavern Manor sits almost perfectly between Lexington and Staunton, two of the most charming small towns in the Shenandoah Valley. That puts you close to local food, craft breweries, shops, live music, and museums, all while giving you a private retreat to return to at the end of the day.
Whether you stay in one of the five beautifully appointed guest rooms in our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast or opt for one of our romantic cabins, complete with their own outdoor hot tub and fireplace, every detail of our elevated lodging is designed to help you unwind and recharge. Wake up to a scratch-made, locally sourced breakfast (not available to cabin guests), then head out to explore hikes with waterfalls and scenic overlooks. After a day of adventure, relax with a glass of wine by the pond, read in a hammock under the trees, or soak in a tub with mountain views.
In short: if you’re coming to explore along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll want more than just a room. You’ll want a stay that enhances the journey, like few lodging properties can. Learn why guests love our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast, and book your getaway today!
