City living is great, but sometimes you need to take a break from the crowds and get out into nature for a little peace, quiet, and natural beauty. These seven beautiful hidden waterfalls near Washington DC will give you a beautiful escape from the city when you need it. If you got here by typing something like waterfalls near me into your browser, look no further: these gems are where it’s at! 

1. Great Falls
Great Falls, VA, USA
Flickr/Stan Mouser
Great Falls in Virginia does its name justice, this gorgeous cascading waterfall is within 20 miles of the district. After your hike, you can kayak or canoe the area. Learn more about Great Falls in this article.
2. Kilgore Falls
Kilgore Falls Trail, Maryland 21132, USA
Flickr/Mark S
Kilgore is Maryland’s second highest free-falling waterfall. This is a short hike and you can swim at the bottom of the falls. Check this article out to learn more about Kilgore Falls.
3. Whiteoak Canyon
Whiteoak Canyon Trail, Virginia, USA
Karen Blaha/Flickr
Located inside Shenandoah National Park, Whiteoak Canyon offers stunning views of the lower and upper falls. Parts of the hike are steep and not great for beginning hikers but those who are up to the task will be rewarded. Check this article out for more details Whiteoak Canyon.

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4. Dark Hollow Falls
Dark Hollow Falls, Virginia 22743, USA
Flickr/Shenandoah National Park
Also in Shenandoah National Park, Dark Hollow Falls is a quicker and easier hike than White Oak Canyon. One of the more iconic and popular hikes in the area. Learn more in this previous article about Dark Hollow Falls!
5. South River Falls
South River Falls, Virginia 22973, USA
Tyler/Flickr
South River Falls is one of the most picturesque falls in Shenandoah. South River Falls has lots of smaller falls and cascades that add up to a gorgeous view. Check this article out for more information on South River Falls.
6. Cunningham Falls
Cunningham Falls, Maryland 21783, USA
Flickr/Walt Stoneburner
Cunningham Falls is a 78-foot cascading waterfall in Catoctin Mountains just an hour outside of DC. For longer trips, there is a campground, playgrounds, picnic areas and a lake for swimming not far from the falls. Get all the important details in this article about Cunningham Falls.
7. Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls Court, Cascade Falls Ct, Owings Mills, MD 21117, USA
Courtesy of Wikimedia/Ben Myers
Cascade Falls in Patapasco Valley State Park in Maryland is an easy hike that leads to several smaller waterfalls almost as soon as you get onto the trail. On hot days, you can splash and wade in the pools on the trail for a refreshing stop. Learn more about this breathtaking natural wonder in this article about Cascade Falls.

Which waterfall near Washington DC will you be scoping out ASAP? Don’t miss even more amazing hikes around DC!

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More to Explore

Waterfalls Near Me

Tori Jane | March 13, 2022

What are some of the best waterfalls in Washington DC?  

So Washington DC isn’t technically a state, per se – at least not yet – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t full of wonder and whimsy like other, more official states that surround it. It’s nestled in a region filled with natural beauty and so many amazing wonders to fall in love with, including many awe-inspiring waterfalls, lakes, and rivers. Some of our favorite waterfalls in Washington DC (or near Washington DC) include:

  • The amazing Cunningham Falls, which can be found in nearby Maryland. It’s the tallest waterfall in the entire region, at an impressive 78 feet high.
  • Great Falls, which is in McLean, Virginia, is another amazing must-do natural gem; it’s a half-hour away from DC and it’s well worth a visit.
  • While in that area, be sure to also check out Scott’s Run. 
  • There's also the waterfall at White Oak Canyon in Robertson, Virginia, which is just about two and a half hours from DC.  

 

What are the best waterfall hikes in Washington DC? 

There’s actually just one waterfall hike that’s in DC; the rest just happen to be close.

  • The one in DC is the Dumbarton Oaks and Montrose Ropewalk, and it’s just under a mile and a half long and rated as easy.
  • Nearby, there are plenty more, like Cascade Falls at Patapsco Valley State Park. It’s found in Maryland and is just over an hour away from DC.
  • There’s also Whiteoak Canyon Falls trail, at Shenandoah National Park. There is more than just that one trail here, and many of them have waterfalls of their own, so Shenandoah National Park is also a great option for a day trip.
  • Scott’s Run in Fairfax County has great options.
  • Great Falls Park is an incredible option as well.

Need more ideas for great hiking trails in and near Washington DC? Check this article out for additional inspiration of great hikes near Washington DC. 

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