Falling Spring Falls State Park
🏆 Virginia’s Roadside Masterpiece — A spectacular 80-foot waterfall visible from the road, admired by Thomas Jefferson, in the Alleghany Highlands
Along US-220 in the Alleghany Highlands of western Virginia, drivers round a curve and encounter one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the eastern United States: Falling Spring Falls, an 80-foot cascade that Thomas Jefferson himself described as a “remarkable cascade” in his Notes on the State of Virginia (1781). The waterfall plunges over a travertine cliff into a pool surrounded by hemlock forest, all visible from a roadside overlook.
Table of Contents
The Falls
Falling Spring Falls is an 80-foot freefall waterfall fed by a natural spring that emerges from the hillside above the cliff. The spring flows year-round, so the falls are always active — though flow is strongest in winter and spring. The water falls over a travertine (calcium carbonate) cliff into a pool below, creating a picturesque scene framed by hemlock trees.
Thomas Jefferson’s Description
Thomas Jefferson described Falling Spring in his 1781 Notes on the State of Virginia: “The only remarkable cascade in this county is that of the Falling Spring… It falls over a rock 200 feet into the valley below.” Jefferson overestimated the height, but his description brought early attention to this natural wonder.
Geology
The falls are formed by a karst spring that emerges from limestone bedrock. As the mineral-laden water flows over the cliff, it deposits travertine (calcium carbonate), gradually building up the cliff face. The falls and the spring are part of the extensive karst system of the Alleghany Highlands.
Viewing & Access
The falls are viewable from a roadside overlook along US-220, about 5 miles north of Covington, Virginia. The overlook has a small parking area and a railed viewing platform. The entire visit takes about 15–30 minutes. Access to the base of the falls involves a scramble down a steep, unofficial path — use caution.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | US-220, ~5 miles north of Covington, VA |
| 🕐 Hours | Year-round, daylight hours |
| 💰 Fee | Free |
| 🅿️ Parking | Small pulloff at overlook |
| 🚻 Restrooms | None |
| ⏱️ Duration | 15–30 minutes |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr–May) | Strongest water flow, green surroundings |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | Full foliage framing, moderate flow |
| 🍂 Fall (Oct) | Fall colors, photography |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) | Ice formations on falls, dramatic |
Nearby Attractions
| Destination | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Douthat State Park | 20 miles | CCC-built park, lake, cabin rentals |
| The Homestead Resort | 30 miles | Historic hot springs resort |
| George Washington NF | Adjacent | Hiking, camping, mountain streams |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the falls from the road?
Yes — Falling Spring Falls is visible from a roadside overlook along US-220. You don’t need to hike to see the falls. A small parking area and viewing platform provide the best views.
Did Thomas Jefferson write about these falls?
Yes — Jefferson described Falling Spring in his 1781 Notes on the State of Virginia, calling it a “remarkable cascade.” He estimated the height at 200 feet (actual: ~80 feet).
Is there a fee?
No — viewing the falls is free. There are no developed facilities.
Can you hike to the base?
An unofficial, rough path leads to the base. It’s steep and can be slippery. Use caution. The overlook provides the better view for most visitors.
Do the falls run year-round?
Yes — the falls are spring-fed, so they flow year-round. Flow is strongest in winter and spring. In winter, ice formations on the falls create dramatic scenery.
How tall is the waterfall?
Approximately 80 feet — one of the tallest waterfalls in western Virginia. The water falls freely over a travertine cliff into a pool below.
What’s nearby?
Douthat State Park (20 mi), The Homestead hot springs resort (30 mi), and George Washington National Forest surround the area. Covington (5 mi south) has fuel and food.
💧 See Falling Spring Falls
Witness the 80-foot cascade that Thomas Jefferson called remarkable — visible from the road in Virginia’s beautiful Alleghany Highlands.
🗺️ Virginia DCRFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Virginia state parks?
Virginia state parks charge a parking fee of $5-$10 per vehicle on weekends (May-September). Weekday visits are often free. An annual parking pass is available for $85. Some parks like Shenandoah River are free year-round.
What are the best state parks in the Shenandoah Valley?
Top Shenandoah Valley parks include Natural Bridge (215-foot natural limestone arch), Shenandoah River, Douthat (mountain lake swimming), and Staunton River Battlefield (Civil War history).
Can I see the Natural Bridge at a Virginia state park?
Yes, Natural Bridge State Park preserves the 215-foot-tall natural limestone arch, one of the most iconic geological formations in the eastern US. A short trail leads under and around the bridge with interpretive exhibits.
Are there beaches at Virginia state parks?
Yes, several Virginia state parks offer beach access including First Landing (Chesapeake Bay), Kiptopeke (bay beach), Westmoreland (Potomac River cliffs), and several mountain parks with freshwater lake beaches.
Explore More Virginia State Parks
Falling Spring Falls State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Virginia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Virginia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Falling Spring Falls SP — features a spectacular 80-foot waterfall that Thomas Jefferson described in his “Notes on the State of Virginia” (1781) as one of the most remarkable natural features of the state. The park’s gorge, limestone cliffs, and forest support peregrine falcons, ravens, and eastern phoebes.
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