Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., now through April 30. Learn more.
Falling Springs Falls
US-220, Hot Springs, VA 24445; Phone: 540-862-8100; Email: Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov
Latitude, 37.867741. Longitude, -79.9478174.
Photos and video
No trespassing is allowed beyond the overlook, and it is strictly enforced.
No cell service
No restrooms
General Information
According to the book, “Historical Sketches of the Alleghany Highlands” by Gay Arritt, 82 acres of land including, the Falling Spring Falls was granted by King George III of Great Britain to Gabriel Jones in August 1771. In 1780 Thomas Jefferson, as Governor of Virginia, granted the property to Major Thomas Massie. The site was once visited by Jefferson to survey the falls, and he mentions it in his manuscript “Notes on the State of Virginia” written in 1781. “The only remarkable cascade in this country is that of the Falling Spring in Augusta,” wrote Jefferson, “...it falls over a rock 200 feet into the valley below.” From 1914 to 1926 a producer of travertine material, Ohio C. Barber Fertilizer Company, mined fertilizer in Barber, Virginia, now called Falling Spring. In 1927 Falling Spring Lime Company assumed operations until 1941. Mining operations necessitated the relocation of the falls where it now plunges only 80 feet.
On November 28, 2004, Mead Westvaco donated the Falling Spring Falls and approximately 19 surrounding acres to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Douthat State Park maintains the area.
Guests have a short walk from the parking area to the overlook to view the falls. The walk from the parking area to overlook is paved. There are also picnic areas. No trespassing is allowed beyond the overlook, and it is strictly enforced.
Hours
Not Listed
Location
To reach Falling Spring Falls from I-64, take Exit 16A for US-220 North toward Clifton Forge. Follow US-220 North for approximately 12 miles, passing through the town of Covington. Continue heading north on US-220 for another 5 miles, and Falling Spring Falls will be on your left.
To get to Falling Spring Falls from Douthat State Park, travel Northbound on VA-629 (State Park Road). Follow VA-629 until it intersects with US-220, then turn right to head north on US-220. Continue on US-220 for about 15 miles.
Park Size
19 acres. Waterfall is 80 feet tall
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Recreation
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- There are currently no events for this Park
