As the cold season draws to a close, it seems like there’s hardly a weekend without rain, snow, or sometimes both. Fortunately, poor weather does have its perks. Head to Great Falls Park in northern Virginia and you’ll see exactly what we’re talking about. Rainfall promises an abundance of greenery and water flow in an already dynamic park. So lace up those boots and get ready for a scenic springtime adventure! If you’re curious to explore “waterfalls near me” in Virginia, this park will deliver.
Please note: many of these photos were taken from previous years and don’t reflect current trail conditions.
Great Falls Park can be found along the Potomac River near McLean, Virginia. The park is famous for its expanse of rushing water and rapids that move through Mather Gorge.
Jeffrey D. Walters / Getty Images
As is the case with all waterfalls, the series of cascades and rapids become all the more intense after rainfall.
Robert Vega/AllTrails
Exploring some of the trails, you’ll discover that the beautiful ambiance of rushing water isn’t the only perk of visiting Great Falls in the spring. Just look at all that greenery!
Adventure_Photo / Getty Images
The Great Falls Loop is the most popular hike in the Virginia portion of the park. (Head into Maryland and you’ll want to tackle the Billy Goat Trail.) The loop measures approximately 4.6 miles.
Miguel Vazquez/AllTrails
Head into the woods and you’ll enjoy signs of spring around every corner. Once warm weather sets in, new green leaves will begin to appear.
Vainuupo Avegalio/AllTrails
After what has felt like an endless winter, the trails surrounding Great Falls feels like a breath of fresh air. If it has rained recently, the trails might be a bit muddy, so be sure to bring some appropriate shoes.
Robert Vega/AllTrails
So if you’re ready to embrace all that springtime has to offer, you’ll find that Great Falls Park is nothing short of magical. And don’t forget to bring your camera!
Robert Vega/AllTrails
Have you hiked near Great Falls Park during the spring? We’d love to hear about your experience! The next time you’re researching “waterfalls near me” in Virginia, we hope this fantastic park comes to mind. For more information, be sure to visit the official National Park Service website.
Jeffrey D. Walters / Getty Images
Robert Vega/AllTrails
Adventure_Photo / Getty Images
Miguel Vazquez/AllTrails
Vainuupo Avegalio/AllTrails
Looking for even more beautiful waterfalls this season? Check out our epic waterfall road trip in Virginia that will take you to 9 beautiful falls!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls near me March 10, 2022 Beth C. What is the tallest waterfall in Virginia? The title of the tallest waterfall in Virginia belongs to Crabtree Falls in Montebello, just a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Moreover, it’s the tallest series of cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, measuring 1,214 feet. If this weren’t enough reason to make a trip to Crabtree Falls, just wait until you see the view from the top of the waterfall. That’s right; you can actually hike to the top of it via a meandering staircase trail. Learn more about this magical stairway trail when you read our previous article: Hike This Stairway Trail In Virginia For A Magical Waterfall Adventure. If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, you can’t go wrong with a night or two inside these authentic log cabins, just a stone’s throw away from Crabtree Falls. Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Virginia? Absolutely! If you’re planning a trip with the kiddos to Virginia, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of easier trails to enjoy here in the Old Dominion. One of our absolute favorites is a trail known as Storybook Trail. Just as the name implies, this magical trail located near Luray offers enchanting scenery at every turn. Plus, it’s just 0.7 miles out-and-back and stroller and wheelchair-friendly. Some other kid-friendly hikes include Lover’s Leap Trail at Natural Tunnel State Park, Blackrock Trail in Shenandoah National Park, Logan Creek Falls, and Shelter Trail near Williamsburg. Learn more about these easy, family-friendly hikes in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls near me
March 10, 2022
Beth C.
What is the tallest waterfall in Virginia? The title of the tallest waterfall in Virginia belongs to Crabtree Falls in Montebello, just a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Moreover, it’s the tallest series of cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, measuring 1,214 feet. If this weren’t enough reason to make a trip to Crabtree Falls, just wait until you see the view from the top of the waterfall. That’s right; you can actually hike to the top of it via a meandering staircase trail. Learn more about this magical stairway trail when you read our previous article: Hike This Stairway Trail In Virginia For A Magical Waterfall Adventure. If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, you can’t go wrong with a night or two inside these authentic log cabins, just a stone’s throw away from Crabtree Falls. Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Virginia? Absolutely! If you’re planning a trip with the kiddos to Virginia, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of easier trails to enjoy here in the Old Dominion. One of our absolute favorites is a trail known as Storybook Trail. Just as the name implies, this magical trail located near Luray offers enchanting scenery at every turn. Plus, it’s just 0.7 miles out-and-back and stroller and wheelchair-friendly. Some other kid-friendly hikes include Lover’s Leap Trail at Natural Tunnel State Park, Blackrock Trail in Shenandoah National Park, Logan Creek Falls, and Shelter Trail near Williamsburg. Learn more about these easy, family-friendly hikes in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The title of the tallest waterfall in Virginia belongs to Crabtree Falls in Montebello, just a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Moreover, it’s the tallest series of cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, measuring 1,214 feet. If this weren’t enough reason to make a trip to Crabtree Falls, just wait until you see the view from the top of the waterfall. That’s right; you can actually hike to the top of it via a meandering staircase trail. Learn more about this magical stairway trail when you read our previous article: Hike This Stairway Trail In Virginia For A Magical Waterfall Adventure. If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, you can’t go wrong with a night or two inside these authentic log cabins, just a stone’s throw away from Crabtree Falls.
Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Virginia?
Absolutely! If you’re planning a trip with the kiddos to Virginia, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of easier trails to enjoy here in the Old Dominion. One of our absolute favorites is a trail known as Storybook Trail. Just as the name implies, this magical trail located near Luray offers enchanting scenery at every turn. Plus, it’s just 0.7 miles out-and-back and stroller and wheelchair-friendly. Some other kid-friendly hikes include Lover’s Leap Trail at Natural Tunnel State Park, Blackrock Trail in Shenandoah National Park, Logan Creek Falls, and Shelter Trail near Williamsburg. Learn more about these easy, family-friendly hikes in Virginia.
