Apple Orchard Falls
A majestic waterfall hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering stunning cascades and a rewarding, albeit challenging, trail experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery & vibrant colors
Apple Orchard Falls
Best Time
Lush greenery & vibrant colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic waterfall hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering stunning cascades and a rewarding, albeit challenging, trail experience.
"This is one of the most rewarding waterfall hikes in Virginia, packing a punch with mountain views and one of the tallest waterfalls."
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Visit After Rain
For the most impressive waterfall views, plan your visit following a period of significant rainfall.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Cascade
Bottom of the main trail
One of Virginia's tallest waterfalls, a breathtaking sight, especially after rainfall.
Lower Falls Section
Past the main observation deck
Don't stop at the first viewpoint; continue lower for even more stunning waterfall views.
Scenic Forest Trail
The entire 2.6-mile out-and-back path
Enjoy lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, and the sounds of nature on this well-maintained path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Falls
Trail Difficulty & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Visit After Rain
For the most impressive waterfall views, plan your visit following a period of significant rainfall.
⬆️ Prepare for Uphill Return
The hike down is easier, but the return journey is uphill. Pace yourself and take breaks.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Many visitors bring their dogs, making it a great hike for canine companions.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Visit After Rain
For the most impressive waterfall views, plan your visit following a period of significant rainfall.
⬆️ Prepare for Uphill Return
The hike down is easier, but the return journey is uphill. Pace yourself and take breaks.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Many visitors bring their dogs, making it a great hike for canine companions.
📸 Don't Miss Lower Falls
Hike past the main observation deck to discover even more beautiful waterfall sections.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Apple Orchard Falls for its stunning natural beauty and well-maintained trail, especially after rainfall. The hike offers rewarding views, though its steepness requires good physical condition and appropriate footwear. Some find the falls less impressive during dry spells, and the uphill return can be challenging.
"Good hike, well maintained trail. Unfortunately, because it has been such a dry summer, the falls were pretty. Still, it was nice to get out into the woods."
Brian Narkewicz
"What a GORGEOUS hike! The waterfall aspect was stunning, and we arrived after a rain, so that likely heightened the experience. In fact, some of the waterfall was happening right on the trail as a result of the storm (ha)...but as everyone here has previously stated, this is a well-maintained trail, so just wear good shoes and bring poles if you're like me and my older knees need 'em. The trees were so vibrant, the sky a bright cloudless blue, and the flowering bushes a total glorious surprise. We definitely hiked past the main falls a little lower to catch the rest and it was well worth it to us. The parking lot had space when we arrived and the trail wasn't crowded at all. Plan to take your time because this is one you'll want to savor. As others have said, if you don't have much hiking experience or aren't as fit as you once were, you'll find parts of this challenging. A lot of folks had their dogs along, so great hike for the canine companions too!"
Katherine Cobb
"The hike is short but on a slope. You must have good knees. After the bridge keep heading down to see a much larger waterfall. Although you are going uphill all the way back there are places to stop to catch your breath. Our dog loved this hike!"
Luna Moth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Apple Orchard Falls is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 78.4. Access is via a well-maintained trail that starts from the parking area at this milepost. 
Yes, there is a dedicated parking lot at Milepost 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing direct access to the trailhead.
The falls are located about an hour north of Roanoke, Virginia, making it a convenient day trip from the city.
Absolutely! The trailhead is directly accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 78.4.
Follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to Milepost 78.4. Look for the signs indicating the Apple Orchard Falls trailhead and parking area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access Apple Orchard Falls or the Blue Ridge Parkway in this section. It's a free natural attraction.
As a natural attraction along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Apple Orchard Falls is accessible year-round during daylight hours.
No advance booking is required. You can visit Apple Orchard Falls anytime during parkway operating hours.
Visiting in the morning or late afternoon can offer softer light for photography and potentially fewer crowds.
The main restriction is adhering to Blue Ridge Parkway regulations and trail safety guidelines. Always be mindful of weather conditions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered moderate to difficult due to a significant elevation change of about 1000 feet.
The out-and-back trail is approximately 2.5 to 2.9 miles long, depending on the exact route taken.
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction are highly recommended due to the steep and potentially slippery terrain.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the parking area or nearby overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted at the base of the falls due to safety concerns and the steep terrain.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a more atmospheric scene.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A tripod can help with long exposures in lower light.
Yes, there's a wooden observation deck at the bottom of the main falls, and continuing lower offers more unique perspectives.
Experiment with different angles from the observation deck and by carefully venturing down the trail towards the base for a more immersive shot.
Use a slower shutter speed on your camera to create a silky, blurred effect of the falling water, especially if you have a tripod.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, for families with older children who enjoy a good hike, it's a rewarding adventure. The well-maintained trail and the excitement of reaching a tall waterfall can be a great motivator. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and consider bringing a first-aid kit for any minor scrapes. 🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visiting after rain is key to capturing the falls in their full glory. Consider bringing a tripod to achieve silky smooth water effects with longer exposures, especially during the softer light of early mornings or late afternoons. Don't forget to explore beyond the main viewpoint; the lower sections of the falls offer unique perspectives and compositions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Apple Orchard Falls
Along the way, you'll encounter stream crossings and smaller cascades, adding to the natural beauty of the hike. The forest surrounding the trail is lush and vibrant, particularly in spring and fall, offering a beautiful sensory experience. While the main waterfall is impressive, reviewers consistently advise continuing past the primary observation deck to discover even more spectacular sections of the falls lower down the gorge.
This hike is also noted for being dog-friendly, with many visitors enjoying the experience with their canine companions. The parking area at Milepost 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides direct access, making it a convenient destination for a day trip.
Best Times to Experience the Falls
Seasonally, both spring and fall offer unique advantages. Spring brings vibrant greenery and blooming wildflowers, creating a lush backdrop for the falls.
Fall, on the other hand, transforms the surrounding landscape into a riot of color with changing leaves, providing a stunning contrast to the water. While these seasons are visually appealing, they can also attract more visitors, so consider weekday visits for a more serene experience. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit