The Best Waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Chase Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls for a Spring Getaway

If you are planning an adventure getaway built around a scenic drive, few routes compete with Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls. In fact, exploring portions of this road is one of the top things to do in the Shenandoah Valley. From quick roadside viewpoints to rewarding climbs that end at multi-tier cascades, this stretch of “America’s Favorite Drive” makes it easy to turn a day on the road into a hike, a picnic, and a memorable view. Whether you start near Shenandoah and head south, or begin around Asheville and work north, Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls offer variety, elevation, and plenty of reasons to pull over.

In North Carolina, Graveyard Fields is a top pick when you want more than a single photo stop. The moderate route features multiple cascades, and the scenery changes quickly as you move through open sections and forested trails. Nearby, Douglas Falls at Craggy Gardens drops roughly 70 feet over a cliff, and on good flow days, you may be able to carefully experience the falls from a unique angle. For overlook-style viewing, Glassmine Falls can be especially dramatic after heavy rain. Linville Falls, one of the most photographed Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls, tumbles in tiers into Linville Gorge, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.” It is a must if you want a classic Blue Ridge Parkway hike with serious payoff.

The Best Lodging Near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia

As you cross into Virginia, the lineup of Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls continues with Fallingwater Cascades, a useful loop to stretch your legs, and Apple Orchard Falls, a roughly 200-foot drop that is often listed among the best waterfalls in Virginia. Wigwam Falls is a short, accessible walk from the Yankee Horse Ridge Overlook, and White Rock Falls near Waynesboro adds layered cascades and a popular warm-weather swimming spot.

No trip chasing waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway is complete without Crabtree Falls, VA. While it is not directly on the Parkway, it is close enough to pair with a day of exploring. The steady uphill trail tracks the cascade past multiple viewing platforms, and the combined tiers make it one of Virginia’s most impressive waterfall experiences.

Make the most of your adventure by pairing your route with a stay at Steeles Tavern Manor and our private Cabin getaways, located between Staunton and Lexington in the Shenandoah Valley. After the trail, come back to refined comfort, spacious grounds, and the kind of lodging that makes early starts and full days on the Parkway easy to plan, and even easier to enjoy.