Panther Falls
Amherst County, Virginia
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Amherst County, Virginia
- Access status
- Short riverside trail from a gravel-road parking lot
- The walk
- About 0.4 miles per the Virginia Association of Counties
- Ground & access
- Short trail, muddy where small streams cross it. Rocks at the falls are slippery when wet. The pool has an undercut ledge and strong currents that make climbing out hard.
Panther Falls is a 10-foot waterfall and popular swimming hole on the Pedlar River in Amherst County. From US 60 east of Buena Vista, turn right onto the gravel Panther Falls Road immediately after passing under the Blue Ridge Parkway. Drive just over 3 miles down the mountain to a small parking lot on the left with an information kiosk at the trailhead. The trail runs beside the Pedlar River; walk downstream about a quarter mile and look for large boulders at the falls. Return the same way.
Plan your visit
Panther Falls trail parking on Panther Falls Road, short trail along the Pedlar River to the falls
The Virginia Association of Counties calls it a very short hike of about 0.4 miles. The Washington and Lee Outing Club says to walk about a quarter mile downstream. Neither says whether the figure is one way or round trip.
Short trail, muddy where small streams cross it. Rocks at the falls are slippery when wet. The pool has an undercut ledge and strong currents that make climbing out hard.
Where to start
Small parking lot on the left of Panther Falls Road, just over 3 miles from US 60, with an information kiosk at the trailhead. The gravel road is bumpy.
Timing & water
No season limits are stated. The falls are crowded on summer days.
Before you go
No fee is mentioned.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
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- White Rock FallsTrail from a Blue Ridge Parkway overlook; unsigned trailheadNelson County, VA19 miNE
- Apple Orchard FallsRoute and parking researchedBotetourt County, VA19 miSW
- Falling Water CascadesGuide: short loop beside the cascadesBedford County, VA23 miSW
- Upper Shamokin FallsShort loop on Wintergreen trails, stated open to the publicAugusta County, VA25 miNE
- Blue Suck FallsState park trail route from Camp Carson Picnic Area; parking feeBath County, VA32 miNW
- Stony Run FallsGuide: state park trails to a small fallsAlleghany County, VA32 miNW
Falling Spring FallsState-owned roadside overlook with a short paved path262 ft (80 m) · Alleghany County, VA38 miW