DC-Area Waterfalls We're Excited to Hike to This Summer

appear , DC is drop cloth - all in gorgeous , and we love it , but sometimes we get trite of metropolis bread and butter ( and breathing city air ) . luckily , our city is also smack in between two of the most picturesque states in the Union . This summer , hop in the car for an easy route trip dog waterfalls ( sorry , we had to ) . Whether you ’re a initiate , an expert hiker , or are just looking for a raw kind of adventure , we retrieve the prettiest , most approachable waterfall for you to visit … all within two hr of Washington , DC .

Cascade Falls

Patapsco Valley State ParkOne of the closest waterfall to the city , Cascade Fallsin Maryland is not to be confused with the likewise namedCascades Nationalin Virginia ( which is worth a trip in its own right wing , but is wayyyyy further out ) . place about a land mile or so into the park is the Cascade Falls lead entry full stop , which you’re able to drive to flat . Though the terrain is steep , a series of little falls will coax you to continue your journey . Once you strike the heavy waterfall , seat on one of the fortified Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree log and souse your understructure in . Ahh … rejuvenating .

How to get there : you’re able to take either US 29 or the Baltimore - Washington Parkway ( aka 295 ) , and labor just an minute outside of DC .

Whiteoak Canyon Falls

Shenandoah National ParkNot one , not two … we ’ll skip ahead : sixwaterfalls grace this massive ( for the East Coast ) canon . separate into lower as well as upper falls , Whiteoakhas swim hollow and superlative ranging from 36 - 85 foot . Rated as a temperate trail , Whiteoak let hikers prefer between a one and four mile trek .

How to get there : Head down Route I-66 W to US 29 S , which is about 90 statute mile outside the city . You ’re looking at about an hour and a half . seize a couple of friends so you could use the HOV lane ( and , you know , share the experience ) .

Cunningham Falls

Cunningham Falls State ParkAbout an hr and fifteen mo north of DC in the Catoctin Mountains , Cunningham Fallsis well worth the drive . Guardrails are in place to protect hikers while rise the tumble ’ nearly upright six - mile terrain . Cunningham is divided into an upper and humiliated trail , each providing a range of difficulty from beginner to expert . The dear part is , after all that hiking , the park has a lake to take a swim .

How to get there : I-270 N ; however , leave early , as the stretch between 495 and 270 can be a dealings nightmare .

Scott’s Run

Fairfax CountyFighting Tysons Corner traffic can be roughshod unless you head out during the weekend ; however , Scott ’s Run Nature Preserveis less than 13 miles from the city , so it ’s not all that bad . And thanks to a trail that leads to another waterfall , you may pop two Bronx cheer with one rise ( or , like , a less violent metaphor for waterfall - gazing , but you get our heading ) . Take notice of the flora & fauna around this waterfall – it ’s surrounded by some pretty rarified plants , like ancient hemlock . Unfortunately , authority are serious about no swim , no wading , no bathing in the river , so we ca n’t exactly recommend spring in .

How to get there : If you have n’t traveled along the George Washington Parkway , this is the clip . The road reach out from George Washington ’s Mount Vernon Estate to 495 , and a scenic view is perfectly warrant – all within about a half - hour drive .

Great Falls

Great Falls ParkIt ’s a shame more people do n’t have it off that there ’s acascading waterfalljust 14 international mile upstream from Georgetown . Kayaking and canoeing are allowed , but forget about swim or chock up . If you do n’t trust how dangerous these quickly propel rapids are , take a smell atthis interactional piecethat theWashington Postdedicated to the interrogative . Aside from the threat of death , the smother land contain glimpse of the historic C&O Canal .

How to get there:495 is your good bet ; however , depending on which side of DC you call home , you may want to edit through 495 ’s proscribed loop by taking the George Washington Parkway . Either way of life , the drive should n’t take you more than 45 minutes .

Dark Hollow Falls

Shenandoah National ParkShenandoah National Park is one of those places that make you thankful to live near Virginia . Filled with local wildlife ( if you ’re lucky , you ’ll see a black bear ! ) , phenomenal views , and multiple falls , the whole piazza is deserving exploring , but Dark Hollow Falls is emphatically special . Rising almost 1,400 ft above ocean level , the tiered waterfall gives visitor a hazard to see numerous shower all at once . This one is better for experient hikers , though . The trail is hard , but totally deserving it .

How to get there : About 100 geographical mile straight down Route 66 .

Falling Branch (Kilgore) Falls

Rocks State ParkFalling Branchwaterfall ’s unmingled rock cliffs are in spades well - named . Just 80 miles from the nation ’s capital , these beautiful evenfall can be relish by hikers of all skill levels ( and their dogs ) . Only give for half the year , this less - than - a - stat mi trail is extremely pop .

How to get there : There are a few ways , but we recommend contain 695 N , as sometimes 295 N ( Baltimore - Washington Parkway ) can become backed up very quickly with only two lane each elbow room .

Gunpowder Falls

Gunpowder Falls State ParkAfter a rainstorm , the humble rapid ofGunpowder Fallstend to increase in size and and fastness , becoming bombastic “ fall . ” Walk in about a mile alongside the river before you pass on a semi - deep pool created by torrent . Be careful : the rock are extremely slippy , but this really is a outstanding spot for a picnic if you may find a rock that ’s large enough .

How to get there : Whether you take Route 1 or 295 N ( we urge the latter ) , this campaign is only about 60 miles from the city . Make certain to get off on the Kingsville side of the park – the Middle River entrance will take you about 20 minutes out of the way .

Paw Paw Falls

Paw Paw TunnelDriving a little over 100 miles nor'-west will take you late into Maryland ’s wilderness , where you ’ll find a 3.8 - nautical mile trail that is frame by theChesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath . After walk through the tunnel on the north side of the trail , you ’ll add up upon a fairly little falls . Although the railing keep back hikers from jumping in , hang out in the delightfully drear burrow will cater some tone from the sunlight – and a great photograph opp .

How to get there : A series of route can get you to your destination , but we ’d take I-66 W to US-522 , and finally WV-127 W. This one ’s more of a legit route head trip – budget for a trip-up of at least two to two - and - a - half hour .

South River Falls

Shenandoah National ParkTwo hour down Route 66 , you ’ll findSouth River Falls . locate inside one of our best-loved park ( and one that is abundant with waterfalls ) , this hike is a pleasantly moderate one . Available from March until June , this is one to plan your leaping around . The 3.4 - Swedish mile lead wo n’t take all mean solar day , but the falls ’ topography is highly jolty .

How to get there : The agile way is down I-66 W , but you could also take I-95 S. When embark , the parking lot charges $ 15 per car during the summer month , and $ 10 during the wintertime .

Shenandoah National Park