Hike Apple Orchard Falls and Mountain Jefferson National Forest, VA

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Most hike only to Apple Orchard Falls, but I thought this hike would work well as a way to summit Apple Orchard Mountain as well since both destinations share an approach trail. Yay for peaks and waterfalls! Starting from an overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway that also serves as the trailhead, a trail descends through the forest to a junction. Left leads down to the falls, right goes to the mountain. I headed up Apple Orchard Mountain first, crossing a dirt road before hiking up a light incline that swerved back and forth to the summit. A small grassy meadow with some minor views and a big tower weren't much to stick around for, so I headed back to the junction to go down to the falls.

Apple Orchard Falls were more interesting than the mountain, a fair amount of elevation loss required to get down to them. Along the way, the trail parallels a creek, then uses a bridge to cross beneath a smaller waterfall, the name of which I'm not sure. It's pretty enough to think it might be Apple Orchard Falls, but the trail continues down farther, wooden stairs aiding in the steepest section to get to the base of the falls. While not as photogenic as the smaller falls I had just passed, Apple Orchard Falls is tall and powerful, and a boardwalk offers a nice place to sit and enjoy the forested spot.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Apple Orchard Mountain

4225 ft

2825 rise

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Starting at the parking area and heading along the Apple Orchard Falls Trail.

Short walk through the forest.

Junction with the Apple Orchard Falls and Mountain trails. Left to falls, right to mountain.

Apple Orchard Mountain first, crossing a dirt road.

Heading up to Apple Orchard Mountain.

Forested with light switchbacks and grade.

Approaching Apple Orchard Mountain.

Meadows on Apple Orchard Mountain.

Tower on Apple Orchard Mountain.

Back at the junction, now headed to Apple Orchard Falls.

Descending as I parallel a creek.

Looking back the way I came.

Pretty creek noises.

Bridge crossing the creek.

Very pretty little waterfall on the way to Apple Orchard Falls. Note this is not Apple Orchard Falls, but it was more photogenic in my opinion.

Wide shot of the bridge and falls.

Continuing down to Apple Orchard Falls.

Wooden stairs lead down to Apple Orchard FAlls.

Apple Orchard Falls.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!