Our List of Wintergreen’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls

Did you know the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia feature some of the most spectacular waterfalls near Wintergreen Resort? Several hikes in and around Wintergreen Resort have access to waterfalls for those who enjoy a walk in the wilderness or mountain biking. No matter your hiking prowess, you, too, can experience the natural beauty of Virginia’s waterfalls.

From the Upper and Lower Shamokin Falls to the 13-plus-mile Three Ridges Waterfall Trail, you can witness nature’s grandeur. Find the perfect hike for you and your family with trail maps and highlights to see the wonders hidden in the wilderness, then enjoy the perfect rental property for relaxing after exploring these Wintergreen falls.

Shamokin Falls

The Shamokin Falls waterfall hike consists of two waterfalls that cascade from one to the next. If you are an experienced hiker, you can even view both for a truly breathtaking encounter. Check out some details about both falls and how to get the most out of your hike there. AllTrails.com has information and trail maps for both falls.

Upper Shamokin Falls

The hiking trail to the Upper Shamokin Falls is a long one, but one that is rated easy to moderate. You can begin your excursion right from Wintergreen Resort, and from the Upper Shamokin Falls Trail, you can walk from the high falls down to the lower falls. The entire Upper Shamokin Gorge Trail is a 9-mile loop. Spring, summer, and fall are the best times to explore this trail. In addition, you can bring leashed dogs along. It’s a great trail to spend a few hours reconnecting with nature and looking down over gorgeous falls.

Lower Shamokin Falls

The high trail to Lower Shamokin Falls is 1.8 miles or a 3.5-mile out-and-back loop. It takes, on average, around an hour and 45 minutes to complete. Like the Upper Falls Trail, spring through fall is the best time to see everything it offers. It is rated moderately difficult and can be reached via the fire road at Wintergreen Resort from Upper Shamokin Falls. You can also reach it by hiking from below, which arguably offers better views from the base of the falls. Leashed dogs are also welcome here. The Lower Falls Trail has a small parking area.

Fortunes Ridge Trail

The Fortunes Ridge Trail is a moderate to difficult hiking trail encompassing only 1.1 miles or 2.2 miles round-trip. The trailhead is accessible from Wintergreen Resort, where you can park. The two access points are at Fortunes Ridge Drive and Three Ridges Overlook via the Brimstone Trail. It follows a rushing stream and offers stunning views of natural rock formations. As you walk through dramatic scenery changes, the waterfall is about halfway along the trail. The best time to tackle this trail is in June when the laurel thickets bloom.

A Day of Waterfalls and a Night of Luxury

After a day of challenging hikes, you will want a serene, private, and luxurious place to relax. While you can stay at the resort, those rooms can get noisy with activities happening at all hours. When you choose our two-bedroom condo or three-bedroom chalet, you get plenty of space and complete privacy, along with the most current amenities and luxury features.

Our two-bedroom Kickback Condo has been newly renovated and features a fireplace and smart TVs in the living room and both bedrooms. This means you can watch all your favorite streaming services anytime. The condo also boasts full laundry facilities and a kitchen where you can cook your meals at the end of the day. A private patio overlooking the golf course allows you to relax in the mornings or evenings with coffee or wine. Best of all, dogs are allowed, so bring Buddy along!

If you need more space, choose the three-bedroom Chalet on the Green. This chalet can sleep up to eight people. It has also been newly renovated and boasts a smart TV in the living area to watch the game or keep up with your favorite streaming series. A fireplace lets you relax by a warm hearth in the year’s cooler months. The bathroom floors are heated, so no more cold feet in the morning.

A private deck overlooks the golf course, so you can relax with your morning coffee or a glass of wine to unwind in the evenings. Finally, a full laundry facility lets you wash your clothes, while the equipped kitchen lets you cook your meals.

Crabtree Falls

The Crabtree Falls Trail loop encompasses a 2.5-mile round trip along Crab Creek and is rated as a moderate to strenuous hike. However, this trail’s first set of falls is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Parking is available for $3 to $5, depending on when and how long you park. You can enjoy lunch at the picnic area with restrooms. If you want to camp, you will find over 70 sites, many of which can be reserved.

The trail winds through a hickory and oak forest and takes you through a rhododendron thicket. It is also named for the crab trees that blossom a brilliant pink color every May, making this the best time to explore. The falls are at the base of the trail and rise 60 feet in the air. You’ll see wildflowers and ferns thriving around the pool at the bottom. It’s a relaxed and beautiful way to spend an afternoon.

White Rock Falls

The hike to White Rock Falls takes you along a serene nature trail that is rated as a moderate hike. You can take an out-and-back hike of about three-and-a-half miles or traverse a 4.4-mile loop circuit. The trail offers free parking off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Montebello. White Rock Falls Trail is also welcoming to leashed dogs. Along the way, you will pass cascading falls, a natural rock pool watering hole, and scenic views in forested terrain.

North Fork of the Piney River

This trail takes you for a short, easy hike along the river’s shores. Parking is available along the roadside. It also boasts swimming holes and is stocked for fishing. You will experience woodland terrain with beds of wildflowers and rugged rock formations, as well as babbling streams and cascading waterfalls.

Three Ridges Waterfall

The Three Ridges Loop Trail is a difficult 13.4-mile hike. Most hikers who tackle this one either only hike a section of the trail or take a tent to camp overnight. You can park at the Reeds Gap Parking Lot. As with many difficult hikes, it is vital to be prepared when tackling this trail. Bring extra water, food, good walking shoes, and all the supplies you will need in case you need to spend the night.

As difficult as it is, there is plenty to see along the Three Ridges Trail. This old Appalachian trail follows a long ridgeline with incredible views as far off as the Shenandoah Valley, then drops in elevation and crosses two streams with stunning waterfalls. The hike is located in a federal wilderness area, so groups are restricted to 10 or fewer people. There are plenty of scenic overlooks that make for outstanding photos. Campsites are scattered along the trail, so you should have no trouble finding a place to stay.

Fall in Love With Wintergreen

These are just a few stunning waterfalls and trails you’ll find in and around Wintergreen Resort. They boast varying degrees of elevation gain through scenery like Guion Farm, DuPont State Forest, the Wintergreen Falls Trail, and along Laurel Springs Drive and Sky Valley Road. Be sure to stop at the Nature Foundation, where you can find trail maps to make the most of your trip.

As you plan your trip, secure one of our rental properties to have a serene and private space to relax after a day exploring and enjoying the trails, golf courses, water slides, spas, and restaurants of Wintergreen Resort. Reach out to the property owners directly to book your stay or for answers to any of your questions!