Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Waterfall VA Class IV

Dismal Falls

Dismal Creek - Half a mile above falls to a mile below falls · VA

American Whitewater 37.1881, -80.9005

Save this feature with the run it belongs to.

Gauge Conditions

Wolf Creek near Narrows, VA Upstream Primary
Runnable: ? – ? CFS

Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

Photo

Dismal Falls
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater

Description

Dismal Falls is a steep, technical Class IV waterfall with a complex, multi-stage drop that requires precise boat positioning and aggressive line selection. Paddlers must navigate a narrow entrance chute with potential undercut rocks, then execute a tight move through a powerful hydraulic at the main drop, with significant consequences for missed lines. Scouting is mandatory, and rescue access is limited due to the remote terrain and steep surrounding landscape.

Location

Interactive river map Loads as you approach this section.
Type
Waterfall
Difficulty
Class IV
Mile Marker
0.5 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
Half a mile above falls to a mile below falls
Dismal Creek
III-IV 4.3 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.

Current Conditions

5-Day Forecast

Whitewater data from
American Whitewater