5 Perfect Waterfall Hikes

Summer is the perfect time for a shorter hike that ends with a water view. Thankfully the Roanoke Region is home to more than a few such spots.

Pack a lunch and get ready to dip your toes in the cold water for a reward at the end of each of these trails. Pick one you’ve never walked for a short adventure this weekend, or challenge yourself to complete all five hikes before the start of fall.

1. Roaring Run (pictured): A quick, easy loop hike that features a natural waterslide. This hike is easy and extremely kid-friendly – and the waterslide guarantees fun for friends and family.
2. Bottom Creek Gorge: With spectacular scenery, the waterfall is formed as a series of stair-steps, known as kettles. The Roanoke County hike is a little strenuous, but the view is worth it.
3. Falls Ridge Natural Preserve: With two trails totaling 5 miles, you can hike to a spring-fed travertine waterfall that’s about 80 feet tall in the Ironto area.
4. Fenwick Mines: The 1-mile trail features wetlands created by beavers in an old mining area outside New Castle.
5. Stiles Falls: The 60-foot waterfall is on Camp Alta Mons property, near Shawsville, and includes a 3-mile hike.

Find directions and maps, plus plenty of other waterfall hikes.