Photograph Dismal Falls

Pearisburg, Virginia

4.5/5

based on 2 reviews

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Details

Distance

0.1 miles

Elevation Gain

0 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Erinn Schaal

Dismal Falls offer a two-for-one exploring package: the drive to find this spot is remote and beautiful, and while the falls are only a short walk from the parking area, they are completely hidden from view of roads. The sound of falling water drowns out any sound of passing cars (which are quite rare).

Explorers in Southwest Virginia run into a common problem: local hikes and waterfalls are often saturated with college students out enjoying a warm day. While it's wonderful to have so many people appreciating the beauty of the Jefferson National Forest, it can be difficult to find a remote, quiet place to sneak off to in this part of the state. Dismal Falls offers the perfect combination of relative closeness to Blacksburg, VA, and seclusion from busy foot traffic. On the snowy January day that I visited the falls, I had them completely to myself. These falls are about 45 feet wide, and ten feet tall. The amount of water cascading over them varies day to day. I was there to do some long exposure photos, but I learned that the area is stocked with trout and just perfect for a peaceful fishing day. The falls offer many smooth rocks to sit and take in the moment.

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Features

Chillin

Fishing

Photography

Swimming

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Romantic

Scenic

Waterfall

Swimming Hole

Reviews

Jenn Gonzalez

Photograph Dismal Falls

10/17/16

My kids and I stopped here on our way to Brumley Mountain. We, too, had it all to ourselves. I would love to go back in the summer to wade into the water a bit or allow my son to fish.

5.0

Explorer

Elyse Clark

Explorer

Photograph Dismal Falls

01/17/16

This waterfall is a well-kept secret. The Appalachian Trail passes within 0.1 miles of the falls so if you want to turn exploring this waterfall into a hike, there's options for that too!

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Sentinel Point and Mill Creek Falls

There are many trails in the area so here is a map to start out because it can get confusing:http://gilescounty.org/images2/Map-Town%20Farm-Hiking%20Trails%20%282010%29.pdf.From the parking area, keep to the left side of the stream and head up the gravel road. You'll soon come to the Mill Creek dam, which has a shelter and picnic area. Continue to stay to the left of the stream, as the gravel ...

Hike Angels Rest and the Wilburn Valley Overlook

For a tough hike with rewarding views, check out Angels Rest and the Wilburn Valley Overlook. Easily accessible from US-460 near Pearisburg, this hike along the Appalachian Trail gains a total of 1600’ elevation is a 4.6 mile round trip hike. Angels Rest is a large boulder that overlooks the New River at the crest of Pearis Mountain, and the Wilburn Valley Overlook has a wide viewpoint of the ...

Hike to the Rice Fields

This hike begins on the Appalachian Trail just north of Pearisburg, Virginia. To get to the trail head, take Route 460 and turn on to Clendennin Road(Route 641). Take Clendennin road 1.5 miles and then turn left on to Pocahontas road. In about 300ft you will pass a cattle grate and an old barbed wire fence. The left side of the fence is marked with the iconic Appalachian trail white blazes. Dri...

Bike the New River Trail

There are several locations to begin your trek on the New River Trail, but our favorite is the Draper Valley area. The pin on the map will take you right to the parking lot. There is a $5 state park fee and a self-pay envelope station. From here we head south, and after about a mile you catch your first glimpse of the New River. You'll cross several bridges that provide excellent opportunities ...

Float New River

Starting at the "falls" below the New River Junction you can enjoy a three day float trip down to Bluff City near Pearisburg. [Tangent Outfitters in Pembroke can rent you kayaks and shuttle you to the start point and pick you up at the end point if you don't have 2 vehicles to leave] Trip can be broken up into three day trips all equally as much fun. This part of the historic New River has bea...

Hike through the New River Cave

After reaching the parking area, cross the road and continue up the trail for about 0.3 miles. At the kiosk, make sure to register in order to indicate that you are going into the cave. After passing the kiosk and some rocky portions of the trail, you will approach the cave entrance. The cave goes about a mile in, so be careful while exploring. There are bats in the beginning portion of the cav...

Photograph Dismal Falls

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike Sentinel Point and Mill Creek Falls

Hike Angels Rest and the Wilburn Valley Overlook

Hike to the Rice Fields

Bike the New River Trail

Float New River

Hike through the New River Cave

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