Dismal Falls: Height:15–20 feet
The Walk/Access: From I-81 take exit 98 and drive north of Va. 100. Go 11.6 miles then take a left onto Va. 42. After 10.1 miles, turn right onto Va. 606. After another mile, turn right on Va. 671. Half a mile after the pavement ends, look for the sign for the falls, which are less than .1 mile off the road.
The Added Lure: Situated along the highly rural border of Bland and Giles counties and located within the Jefferson National Forest, with numerable swimming holes, further trails, and fascinating rock formations, the area makes for great—and isolated—car-camping. Pack a cooler, tent, and some chairs and pitch camp about 1.5 miles up SR-671 from the falls at the Walnut Flats primitive campground, which is located in a grassy clearing surrounded by forest. Additionally, be sure to bring your fly-fishing pole—Dismal Creek features native brook trout, in addition to being stocked by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Grab a Bite: Visit Wytheville for the Graze on Main experience. Featuring “new Southern” cuisine, with fine-art décor, an atrium dining room, and a supremely well-stocked bar, Graze offers “casual but elegant” dining.
