Arch Avenue Public Parking
Parking lot
4.8 (4)
215 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980
FallsVA
White Rock Falls
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan White Rock Falls from The Slacks with trail-option guidance, five FAQs, official Parkway road updates and three historical photos. Water entry remains condition-dependent.
Water type
Falls
Access
Informal
Fee
Parkway road guidance does not establish every activity or nearby campground charge. No falls-specific admission fee verified in this review.
Best season
Check Parkway access, weather and stream conditions before visiting. No season guarantees safe swimming
Nearby towns
Waynesboro
Water body
White Rock Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Waynesboro
Access location not verified
WAYNESBORO, VA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of White Rock Falls
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
White Rock Falls: choose the correct trail option
The NPS Virginia trail table distinguishes the moderate 0.9-mile White Rock Falls trail at milepost 20 from the 2.9-mile connection at milepost 18.5. Its page is dated November 1, 2024, so use these as route references, not a fresh trail inspection.
The shorter waterfall outing
Virginia Tourism describes roughly two miles out and back from The Slacks Overlook, across the Parkway. Use a current map and signs to find the trail, cross carefully and stay on the maintained switchback to the waterfall spur. Do not shortcut around the cliff. Allow time for the return climb.
Check the road separately
The official road-status page lists mileposts 16.1-27.1 open as of 9 AM October 9, 2026, subject to change. This covers the milepost 20 approach, not a guarantee of future access or swimming permission. Recheck before departure.
Three-photo gallery and visit preparation
Three historical waterfall and gorge images provide scenery context. They do not certify depth, flow, water quality or a climbing route. Do not jump, dive or climb the falls. Bring water and suitable footwear; facilities at the falls remain unconfirmed. The previous town-derived coordinate stays withheld, and separate campground amenities are not part of this hike.
Getting There
Use The Slacks Overlook near Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 20 for the shorter waterfall outing. Locate the signed White Rock Falls trail across the Parkway with a current map, cross carefully and stay on the maintained switchback and waterfall spur. Do not shortcut around the cliff. Check NPS road notices before travel.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use the maintained trail and waterfall spur from The Slacks Overlook. Confirm current road and trail notices; do not shortcut around the cliff.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Greenway Trailhead Parking
Parking lot
4.7 (3)
3487+4R, Waynesboro, VA 22980
Market Avenue Public Parking
Free parking lot
Unnamed Road, Waynesboro, VA 22980
White Rock Falls Trailhead
Hiking area
4.7 (78)
Blue Ridge Pkwy, Vesuvius, VA 24483
Waynesboro North 340 Campground
Campground
4.4 (492)
1125 East Side Hwy, Waynesboro, VA 22980
Kid-friendly
Bathroom
Public bathroom
31 Windigrove Dr, Waynesboro, VA 22980
Blue Ridge Parkway - Humpback Rocks Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.6 (477)
Milepost 5.8 Blue Ridge Parkway, Lyndhurst, VA 22952
Restroom
Rockfish Gap Entrance Station
Park
4.7 (253)
282 Skyline Dr, Waynesboro, VA 22980
Public restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About White Rock Falls
Are the milepost 18.5 and 20 trails the same outing?
No. NPS lists separate 2.9-mile and 0.9-mile trail options. Choose the start and return route deliberately.
How long is the shorter outing from The Slacks?
Tourism describes roughly two miles out and back. This is an estimate for that approach, not every White Rock trail connection.
Where should I check driving access?
Use the NPS Parkway road-status page before departure. Its October 9, 2026 notice lists the relevant section open, subject to change.
Is swimming certified by an open trail or road notice?
No. Open road access does not establish pool depth, tested water quality or permission to enter. Do not jump or dive.
Does the gallery identify a verified entrance?
No. Three historical photos show waterfall and gorge scenery. Coordinates remain withheld rather than publishing a town point as the trailhead.
Highlights
Waterfall hike from The Slacks Overlook
Roughly two-mile out-and-back route
Natural pool with variable conditions
Unique Features
Rock-walled waterfall setting near Parkway milepost 20
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Stay on the maintained approach
- Do not jump, dive or climb the falls
- Avoid high or rising water and slippery edges; identify a safe exit before any water entry
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Three historical waterfall and gorge photos illustrate scenery, not current water depth, trail opening, safe climbing or an entrance coordinate.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Practice Leave No Trace principles. Avoid littering, stay on trails, and respect the natural ecosystem to preserve the area’s beauty.
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Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check Parkway access, weather and stream conditions before visiting. No season guarantees safe swimming.
Difficulty Level
Moderate hike with descent and return climb; allow roughly two miles out and back from The Slacks.
Fee
Parkway road guidance does not establish every activity or nearby campground charge. No falls-specific admission fee verified in this review.
Facilities
Bring drinking water and supplies for the hike. Sherando amenities belong to a separate recreation area.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
Unknown
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Arrange any overnight stay separately. Nearby campground facilities and reservation policies are not facilities or camping permission at the falls.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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