Falling Spring Falls
Virginia · 80-foot drop · Falling Spring Falls Wayside · Last verified 2026-06-26
Today at Falling Spring Falls: patchy fog, 66°F.
Right now
Overnight
66°F
Patchy Fog
Friday
79°F
Scattered Rain Showers then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Today's daylight
Sunrise 6:05 AM · Sunset 8:43 PM · 14h 38m
Snapshot built 10m ago. Sources: NWS RNK.
Falling Spring Falls is an 80-foot plunge on Falling Spring Creek in Virginia's Alleghany Highlands, viewable from a roadside pull-off on US-220 north of Covington. Thomas Jefferson described it in his 1781 'Notes on the State of Virginia' as 200 feet tall — but the falls have been shifted by historical mining operations and the current drop is 80 feet. Paved path and railed overlook from the parking area; wheelchair-accessible; no fee. One of Virginia's most easily-photographed waterfalls.
A short history
Visited and described by Thomas Jefferson in his 1781 'Notes on the State of Virginia.' He estimated the height at 200 feet, but historical mining operations downstream caused the creek to be relocated, shortening the visible drop to its current 80 feet.
The trail
0.05 miles each way, rated easy. Roadside pull-off on US-220, about 5 miles north of Covington VA. Small parking area with paved path to a railed overlook.
Is the water flowing right now?
Most waterfall sites don't tell you this. The waterfall itself is almost never gauged, but a USGS streamgage in the same watershed can tell you whether snowmelt has started, peaked, or run dry.
USGS gage 02012500 · 1.7 mi away
JACKSON RIVER AT FALLING SPRING, VA
View live discharge data →
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falling Spring Falls (this page) | — | 80 ft | easy · 0.05 mi | Y | Free |
| Stony Run Falls | 7 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Blue Suck Falls | 7 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Middle Cascades | 21 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Beaverdam Falls | 21 mi | — | — | — | — |
| The Cascades | 21 mi | — | — | — | — |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~80 ft)
- Hewett Falls80 ft
- Thoreau Falls80 ft
- Upper Bridal Veil Falls80 ft
- Wahe Falls80 ft
- Butte Creek Falls79 ft
Questions visitors ask about Falling Spring Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Falling Spring Falls?
Falling Spring Falls is 80 feet (24 m) tall. Source heights disagree by source — see the discrepancy box on the page.
Is Falling Spring Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Falling Spring Falls is inside Falling Spring Falls Wayside. See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Falling Spring Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed (Falling Spring Falls Wayside permits leashed dogs in most areas). Always leash and pack out waste.
Is Falling Spring Falls wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Falling Spring Falls has a wheelchair-accessible viewing area with ADA parking. Conditions can change seasonally; verify with the land manager before driving.
Can you swim at Falling Spring Falls?
No — swimming is not safe or not allowed at Falling Spring Falls. Roadside overlook only. The pool below is shallow and inaccessible from the railed viewing platform.
When is the best time to visit Falling Spring Falls?
Peak flow is typically March, April, May, October, November, December. Season-wise: spring, fall, winter. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Falling Spring Falls?
No entrance fee. Falling Spring Falls Wayside is free to access. Some trailheads may charge a parking fee separately.
How far is Falling Spring Falls from a major city?
Falling Spring Falls is 5 miles from Covington (about 9 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in Virginia
Where it is
37.8678, -79.9479
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Official land manager
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/falling-spring-falls
Wikidata (Q99197109)
https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q99197109
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-06-26
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