Lewis Falls, an 81-foot drop on Hawksbill Creek, in autumn.
Andrew Parlette · CC BY 2.0

Lewis Falls

A loop from Big Meadows to an observation point over an 81-foot waterfall.

Stays on the map
Distance
3.3 mi
loop
Elevation gain
990 ft
Hiking time
4 hr
NPS estimate, no breaks
Difficulty
Moderate
NPS scale

The trail starts behind the Big Meadows amphitheater and loops past an observation point for the 81-foot Lewis Falls, with views west over the valley. It is a good walk if you are staying at Big Meadows Lodge or the campground.

Dogs allowed on a leash

Leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. NPS pet rules

Park entrance pass only

$30 per vehicle, good for 7 days, or an annual pass. NPS fees

Highlights

  • 81-foot waterfall
  • Starts at Big Meadows
  • Dogs allowed on leash

Before you go

  • View the falls from the observation point. The rocks above the falls are dangerous.

Where to stay, by the drive

Rank on the map

Ordered by drive time to the parking area, then by how close the stay is to this area and how complete and current its listing is. How ranking works.

Exterior of Big Meadows Lodge.
Unclaimed

Big Meadows Lodge

Lodge rooms and cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 51

1min drive

0.1 mi by road · 0.1 mi straight

Sunrise over Big Meadows.
Unclaimed

Big Meadows Campground

National park campground (reservation only) · Skyline Drive, mile 51

3min drive

0.6 mi by road · 0.3 mi straight

Moss phlox on the rocks at Crescent Rock Overlook in spring.
Unclaimed

Lewis Mountain Cabins

Rustic cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 57.5

19min drive

7.5 mi by road · 6.6 mi straight

Exterior of the Skyland dining room and taproom.
Unclaimed

Skyland

Lodge rooms and cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 41.7

25min drive

10.1 mi by road · 5.5 mi straight

4 more beyond 60 minutes
Main Street in Sperryville, Virginia, in October.
Unclaimed

Hopkins Ordinary

Bed and breakfast with a brewery · Sperryville

1 hr 1 mindrive

28 mi by road · 14.6 mi straight

Fields toward the Blue Ridge from Route 231 near Etlan, Madison County.
Unclaimed Some pet-friendly units

Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges

Lodge rooms, cabins, farmhouses and campground · Syria

1 hr 24 mindrive

47.2 mi by road · 6.8 mi straight

Panorama across a field toward Old Rag from Route 231 near Etlan.
Host verified Dogs welcome

Birch's Library

Cabin, 1865 homestead · Syria

1 hr 44 mindrive

52.2 mi by road · 5.5 mi straight

Sources

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