Easy accessibility and a 45-minute proximity makes these cascades the perfect weekend waterfall getaway. If you’ve got the resources, stay overnight at The Omni Homestead Resort and triple your aquatic adventure by taking a dip in their legendary Jefferson Pools (Virginia’s cream of the crop hot springs). They've drawn visitors from across the country for centuries, including Thomas Jefferson who sojourned to the pools in 1818 for three weeks of relaxation at the spa.
Falling Spring Falls is a drenching 80’ of “I don’t think we’re in Virginia anymore” located right on Route 220, five miles north of Covington. There’s a generous parking lot and a fenced-off viewing area along the highway, but to truly experience this natural beauty you have to scramble down the rocks to the base of the falls. You’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t. I promise.
You’ll find the beginnings of a well-worn trail where a taller portion of the parking lot fence meets a lower portion (go ahead and hop it, you rebel). Not only does this trail lead you to the top of the falls with hot springs large enough for swimming and a rope swing beckoning your call, but it’ll guide you down to the rock scramble and on into Ferngully. Tune into Batty's Rap or Hexxus' Toxic Love performance while marveling the tumbling tributary and you're golden.
An exotic dream, the payoff for this waterfall is huge for a relatively small amount of effort. The hardest part for most will be ignoring the no trespassing sign.
Roaring Run Falls is located in Eagle Rock, an easy half-mile hike from the parking area off Route 621. This trail is particularly fun because it follows the stream, crossing five scenic bridges before reaching the headlining waterfall. There are several smaller falls and a natural water slide along the way. Be forewarned that the water is mountain cold, at least in the spring, but it's worth freezing your feet for a few minutes. And the trail is dog friendly! Just be mindful of the seven Leave No Trace principles; keep it beautiful for the next traveler.
Finally, swing by the Roaring Run Furnace before packing back into your car.
Roadside Attraction: While in Covington, stop by the Humpback Bridge off Highway 60. It's one of the few remaining covered bridges in the US that was built higher in the middle than on either end, hence the name "humpback." It was built in 1857 and abandoned in 1929 until five acres surrounding the bridge were purchased in 1954, allowing public access. The inside is covered with graffiti, and it's hauntingly beautiful.
Roadside Attraction: While in Covington, stop by the Humpback Bridge off Highway 60. It's one of the few remaining covered bridges in the US that was built higher in the middle than on either end, hence the name "humpback." It was built in 1857 and abandoned in 1929 until five acres surrounding the bridge were purchased in 1954, allowing public access. The inside is covered with graffiti, and it's hauntingly beautiful.
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