A moderate 4.4-mile hike to falls in a designated wilderness area; free and scenic.
Free
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
St. Mary’s Falls is accessed via Forest Trail #500 in the Saint Mary’s Wilderness area of George Washington National Forest, a rugged and remote 4.4-mile round trip through deciduous forest with multiple creek crossings. The wilderness designation means group sizes are limited to 10 people and camping is restricted near the falls and water features.
No fee is charged for access. The trail requires ford or hop across Saint Mary’s River and tributaries, adding to the wilderness character. Spring and summer offer full water flows and lush forest; fall brings solitude.
This hike suits those comfortable with creek crossings and seeking true wilderness solitude away from maintained facilities and crowds. Solid navigation skills and recent trail conditions knowledge are helpful.
Spring through fall; summer offers lush forest and most reliable flows.
2.5–3 hours
You want a structured, unmarked trail; wilderness rules restrict group sizes and camping.
Free
Via a 4.4-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.
We track 13 waterfalls in Blue Ridge Highlands VA.
fs.usda.gov
USDA Forest Service GWJ trail page (Forest Trail #500), checked 2026-09-03, rates the trail 'easy-moderate' at 2.2 miles one-way; wilderness rules limit group size to 10 and restrict camping/campfires near the falls; no closure listed for this specific trail (unrelated alerts exist elsewhere in the forest) as of check date.
Checked September 2026.