Little Stony Creek, VA

Last weekend I traveled above Dungannon, VA to explore the Little Stony Creek gorge. Though the name may be underwhelming, the creek is rocky and rugged and is a powerful natural force when flowing at full volume. Popular with whitewater kayakers and hikers alike, Little Stony Creek is best known for its waterfall; at a voluminous 25ft. free-fall, Upper Little Stony Creek Falls is a beautiful point of interest in our region.

I knew this hike wouldn’t be long; two hours, tops. So I took the scenic route to Dungannon, utilizing the miles of highway winding through Jefferson National Forest and the pleasant fall day. I began my hike at the rim of the gorge on a relatively level hike to an outcrop by the name of Bear Rock.

The views from Bear Rock are amazing. The last third of the hike to the outcrop is on exposed rock, with sparse canopy and periodic vistas of the rugged gorge below. The final jaunt onto Bear Rock can be a bit treacherous – the rocks composing the cliff are separated by deep crevices and chasms and can be easily overlooked if your gaze is fixed to the sweeping views. Aside from the graffiti tagged onto the rocks over the years, the area is a great display of the rugged beauty of the southern Appalachians.

The forest service road meanders past the trailhead for Bear Rock and climbs down into the head of the gorge, ending at a parking area for the falls. The hike to the waterfall is short and easy; a convenient bridge crosses the creek directly above the falls and allows the hiker to avoid negotiating the steep cliffs of the gorge or fording the stream. Directly down the trail from the bridge are stone steps which gently drop down into the basin of the waterfall. As expected, the falls are thunderous – with the recent rains, its flow was up, but I imagine the sound made when the creek is flowing at full-force is awesome.

The trail continues past the steps to the falls and follows the creek for its entire length through the gorge. A moderate distance downstream from the main waterfall is an impressive cascade directly below a second bridge crossing. I spend most of my hikes clawing my way through thickets, scrambling up cliffs, and wading through water, slipping on algae – so it was nice to hike on a well-maintained trail with bridges. The area isn’t hard to access; as I left, a couple were having engagement pictures taken at the falls. The future misses had hiked down in high-heels.

This hike wasn't nearly as remote as many hikes I've done, but wild and beautiful nonetheless.  Check it out sometime. Just another treasure hidden away in our part of the world.

Thanks for reading!