Tag: things to do

Looking for a spring or summertime activity that combines a challenging workout, big servings of fresh air, show-stopping scenery, and a delicious cooldown? You should spend your next free day hiking to a waterfall. We’ve mapped out a dozen hikes and strolls with awesome water features. And since you’ll probably end your day sweaty and thirsty, we’ve also matched each hike with a nearby Beerwerks brewery.

Waterfall Hikes

Riprap Hollow 

30 minutes from Basic City Beer Co. 

Shenandoah National Park’s Riprap Hollow Trail checks all the boxes for a scenic summer hike. The trail, which starts at Wildcat Ridge Trailhead (MP 91.2 on the Skyline Drive), is mostly shaded, but offers two tremendous views of the mountains and valley. It explores a scenic spring-fed stream with a 20-foot waterfall, some smaller cascades, and an enormous, and very cold 50-foot swimming hole. Return the way you came, or make a day of it by tackling the entire 9.5-mile Riprap Trail/Wildcat Ridge Trail circuit hike, which is considered one of the best loops in the park.

Jones/Doyles Falls

40 minutes to Elkton Brewing Co. 

Also in SNP, Jones Run/Doyles River hike is a moderately difficult hike that pays off with big waterfall views. You’ll find several spots to dip your feet, several sets of falls to photograph, and you can have lunch on the rocks at the base of a 45-foot cascade. You can tackle this one as an out-and-back to one set of falls from either direction or as a 6.6-mile loop hike to see all the waterfalls. It’s a good hike for hot weather because the moving air and running water cool the nearby trail, and the whole loop is shaded, which is helpful as you navigate the steep trail back to the parking area.

Fridley Gap/Mountain Run Swimming Hole

20 minutes from Feel the Rain Brothers Brew Co.  

If you’re just looking to cool off on a hot day, you’ll easily reach the Fridley Gap/Mountain Run Swimming Hole in under a half a mile by walking along a pretty trail past mountain laurel and other summer blooms. A waterfall feeds the swimming hole, which varies in depth depending on recent rainfall. Hikers looking for more of a challenge can extend the hike into a rocky, 6-mile loop that climbs 2000 feet on Massanutten Mountain and features an overlook of Harrisonburg and the Valley.

Hidden Rocks Trail

25 minutes from Pale Fire Brewing Co.

Southwest of Harrisonburg in the George Washington National Forest, you’ll find several hikes of varying difficulty in the Hone Quarry Recreation Area. Moderate 2.5-mile Hidden Rocks Trail, follows Rocky Run where hikers can enjoy a small pool and waterfall. The trail climbs up Back Mountain to the Hidden Rocks themselves, a popular scene for rock climbers. There’s a nice view from the top, and if you’re lucky, you might spot someone mid-climb. Start at the small parking area on the Hone Quarry Rd. 

White Rock Falls

33 minutes from Seven Arrows Brewing 

Depending on where you park and which way you approach, the White Rock Falls hike can be a 4.5-mile loop through hardwood forests and shady glens or a 2.2-mile out-and-back ramble suitable for families with small children. The 40-foot falls are scenic, and the base is a pretty spot for photography and lunch. There’s no swimming hole, but you can wade or dip your feet in the cold water. You won’t find many long range views, but the mountain laurels and rhododendrons are pretty, and the trail crosses the stream several times on wooden bridges. For the longer hike, start at the White Rock Gap trailhead at MP 18.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The shorter hike starts at the Slacks Overlook (MP 20), descending to the falls, and returning the same way. Hikers can also extend the hike by completing the entire 9.5-mile Torry Ridge/White Rock Falls loop.

Crabtree Falls

30 minutes from Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery 

At 1,200 feet, Crabtree Falls is one of the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Some cascades drop over 200 feet! The steep trail climbs alongside the falls and is a challenging 3.8 out-and-back adventure with places to catch your breath and admire five major cascades and many smaller ones. A climb all the way to the top nets you a stream to cool your feet, a place to spread out your lunch, and an exceptional panorama of the Tye River Valley. However, for those seeking an easy stroll, the bottom cascade is actually only a few hundred feet from the trailhead along a paved and flat path, making it accessible for most guests. 

St. Mary’s Falls

27 minutes from Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen

Make sure you bring your swimsuit when you hike to the waterfall at St. Mary’s Falls. The  4-mile out-and-back hike along the St. Mary’s River is relatively flat, but you’ll encounter multiple water crossings. You’ll need your water shoes if the stepping stone crossings are washed out. The trail ends at a large icy mountain pool below a scenic waterfall. Hop in and cool off or find a spot to relax, eat your lunch, and photograph the falls. Located in the St. Mary’s Wilderness area of George Washington National Forest, this trail starts along VA-608 in Vesuvius. You can also explore St. Mary’s Wilderness from a trailhead along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Elliot Knob

12 minutes from PRO RE NATA+ 

You don’t have to do the entire punishing 9-mile Elliot Knob hike to tag a pair of waterfall views. In fact, you’ll reach both waterfalls in the first two miles of the hike, which climbs through the forest and follows Falls Hollow Run. You’ll see pretty forestscapes and lovely creekside scenery. If you’re tougher than most, you’ll climb the entire way to the 4,363-foot peak, which is open and commands such a view that it was once used as a fire lookout. To get there, however, you need to drag yourself up a brutal gravel road that’s practically vertical in places and exposed to the blazing sun. Hike to the waterfalls and treat yourself to a beer. Hike to the top? You deserve a growler! The parking area for this hike is along VA-42 west of Staunton. 

Waterside Strolls

Wildwood Park

19 minutes to The Alpine Goat Brewery

Wildwood Park is one of 14 “pocket parks” providing recreational and green spaces to the town of Bridgewater. Visitors can stroll the wooded ⅔-mile loop or relax under the picnic shelter or on the lawn. There’s a playground for kids. The star of the show is the waterfall created as the North River spills over the dam. You can also check out the river from above when you cross a wooden suspension bridge. Nearby, the scenic Roscoe Burgess Riverwalk hugs the North River and connects four other town parks and features a fitness trail and workout guidance.

Cedar Creek Trail 

8 minutes from Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery

Natural Bridge State Park’s Cedar Creek Trail follows the creek under the Natural Bridge, past the Saltpeter Cave, and takes visitors to the beautiful Lace Falls. The name comes from the way the water flows over the rock base, creating ripples that resemble lacework. The trail is two miles out and back, and with the exception of the 144 steps at the beginning (and end), it’s a flat, easy walk. 

Folly Mills Creek

10 minutes to Redbeard Brewing

Folly Mills Creek Falls is a short waterfall hike just south of Staunton. The entire out-and-back distance is just 1.2 miles, but the 2.5-meter falls are even closer to the parking area. This area is considered a preserve, so please leave the dogs at home.

Goshen Pass

20 minutes to Heliotrope Brewery

Goshen Pass is technically whitewater instead of a waterfall, and you don’t have to hike to access it, but this summertime gem is hiking adjacent, and there’s a lot of roaring water for swimming, wading, tubing, or kayaking. Enjoy nature’s best scenery as you find a private place to lounge on the rocks. 

Stay Safe!

Natural water areas often include rocky, steep, and slippery ground. Exercise caution and obey posted safety signs. Save alcohol for after the hike, leash your pets (if allowed), and watch your step to avoid possible sharp objects or reptiles. 

Pack your water shoes and sunscreen, and chase a waterfall along the Beerwerks Trail this weekend!