It’s always a great time to chase a few waterfalls; here’s a list perfect for a day trip, shown in order of distance from Dulles Airport:
SCOTT’S RUN
McLean, VA ∙ Approx 15 miles from Dulles Airport
Just 1 mile from the beltway on Georgetown Pike, adjacent to Tysons Corner, lies a hidden natural oasis surrounded by urban sprawl. The Scott’s Run Nature Preserve features several hiking trails, one of which follows the Potomac River and culminates in a 15-foot waterfall. Sightseeing and fishing are the primary activities here, but swimming and wading are strictly prohibited. Enjoy the rare wildflower species you can view as you hike along the creek. The preserve is a beautiful reminder of Mother Nature standing tall and proud amidst a concrete jungle.
GREAT FALLS NATIONAL PARK
McLean, VA ∙ Approx 16 miles from Dulles Airport
Sometimes, we become so accustomed to the name of an area that we forget how it acquired its moniker. Great Falls is not simply a suburban neighborhood, but is the site of a steep drop in the Potomac River. Dead Run and Difficult Run Falls are also located in this area and are worth visiting. Sightseeing and fishing are the primary activities here, but swimming or wading is prohibited due to the powerful current. Click here for information on three prime spots to view the falls, including Overlooks 1, 2, and 3.
CASCADE FALLS
Ellicott City, MD ∙ Approx 60 miles from Dulles Airport
Cascade Falls at Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland isn’t massive or loud. A quiet pool at the bottom and plenty of fallen trees or rocks to climb on make Cascade Falls the perfect place for exploring. It is primarily an easy hike, with a few steep sections, making it a popular choice. To find this waterfall, refer to the map.
FALLS TRAIL WATERFALL
Thurmont, MD ∙ Approx 60 miles from Dulles Airport
If you are looking for a place with everything for a day’s adventure, Cunningham Falls State Park may be it. A gorgeous waterfall with a 78-foot drop serves as the backdrop for a swimmable lake, complete with a beach and camping area. Another section of the park features an aviary and reptile house, along with a historic iron furnace. The waterfall can be accessed via the Falls Nature Trail, a 2.8-mile round-trip hike with a 40-foot ascent.
WATERFALLS AT SHENANDOAH NATIONAL FOREST
Luray, VA ∙ Approx 85 miles from Dulles Airport
This wonderful national park has a wealth of things to do, with a total of nine beautiful waterfalls to keep you busy. Dark Hollow Falls is a picturesque favorite that legend says intrigued Thomas Jefferson enough to visit multiple times. It is a quick 1.4-mile hike from Skyline Drive and is closest to the restaurants and park amenities. Whiteoak Canyon Falls and Cedar Run Falls are both relatively easy hikes, making them ideal for taking a dip.
South River Falls is the most versatile, offering multiple ways to hike the trail — you can make it a quick jaunt or a complete workout. Lands Run Falls is a lesser-visited site; however, it is easily accessible from the road and can dry up in the summer, so be sure to check with park staff before making the trip.
Feel free to bring a snack or picnic lunch on your hikes to the falls, but please note that there are no cooking facilities available on the trails. Please remember that most hikes are down toward the falls, which means you need to conserve enough energy to make it back up at the end of the day.
FALLING BRANCH (KILGORE) FALLS
Pylesville, MD ∙ Approx 100 miles from Dulles Airport
Hike out to Deer Creek in Harford County for a look at the serene Falling Branch Falls. This is an undeveloped trail that gets you back to nature.
JAPANESE GARDEN FALLS
Richmond, VA ∙ Approx 120 miles from Dulles Airport
Falling just outside of the 100-mile radius and in a more developed setting, the Japanese Garden Falls are worth mentioning. Located in the historic Maymont Estate in Richmond, the falls play a dramatic part in the traditionally designed Japanese garden. Rocks for climbing, lawns for relaxing, and traditional elements such as raked sand pools round out this landscape. If you are looking for a more exciting way to enjoy its beauty, the estate offers festival days and traditional Japanese concerts, as well as a more formal Italian garden.
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