Panther Falls — cliff jumping spot in Vesuvius, Virginia
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Panther Falls

Vesuvius, Virginia · map view — photos in the app

About this spot

Panther Falls, on the Pedlar River east of the Blue Ridge Parkway outside Lexington, is one of Virginia's most popular swimming-hole waterfalls — expect crowds on summer weekends. From the parking area off gravel Panther Falls Road (Forest Service Road 315, reached via US-60), it's a flat 0.4-mile walk to the falls. Two rock shelves frame the roughly 10-foot falls, with boulders offering a bigger jump into a deep pool and an easier spot for kids further down. An undercut ledge rings the plunge pool and currents can be strong, making it harder to climb out than to jump in. Alcohol is prohibited on-site. Arrive early on weekdays if you want a parking spot.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

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