About Falling Rock Falls
Falling Rock Falls is a named waterfall in Franklin County, Virginia, located about 5.6 miles southeast of Vinton. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Hardy 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°12′50″ N, 79°50′25″ W (37.21375, -79.84031). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Prater Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), Shorts Gap (gap, 0.7 mi), and Tory Knob (summit, 0.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Meadow Creek Falls, 24 miles to the northwest.
More Photos
4 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Falling Rock Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Falling Rock Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Falling Rock Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Falling Rock Falls holds a 2.2 average from 9 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Falling Rock Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Prater Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Shorts Gap — gap, 0.7 mi
- Tory Knob — summit, 0.9 mi
- Back Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Big Branch — stream, 1.2 mi
- Clearview Lake — reservoir, 1.2 mi
- Chestnut Level — ridge, 1.6 mi
- Lynville Mountain — summit, 1.6 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.21375, -79.84031. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Falling Rock Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Falling Rock Falls located?
Falling Rock Falls is in Franklin County, Virginia, about 5.6 miles southeast of Vinton. Its coordinates are 37.21375, -79.84031 (37°12′50″ N, 79°50′25″ W).
What town is closest to Falling Rock Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Vinton, VA, about 5.6 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Falling Rock Falls?
The closest is Meadow Creek Falls (24 mi northwest). Others within reach include Styles Falls (25 mi), Apple Orchard Falls (27 mi), and White Falls (31 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Falling Rock Falls?
Falling Rock Falls appears on the USGS Hardy 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.