Apple Orchard Falls and Cornelius Creek Trails - Jefferson National Forest, VA

Virginia

Jun 1

“Human life is a series of compromises, and it is not always easy to achieve in practice what one has found to be true in theory” - Mahatma Gandhi

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” - Thomas Jefferson

“There’s no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music.” – Roland R Kemler

The Story -

On a perfect Saturday morning Ginger, Sophie, and I hiked a magnificent six-mile loop on a combination of trails that included the Apple Orchard Falls Trail and the Cornelius Creek Trail in the Jefferson National Forest near Buchanan, VA. It was our first visit to Jefferson National Forest, and definitely will not be our last. Ginger even declared it her new favorite day-hike near Greensboro, NC, prompting her to even break her Facebook posting hiatus, and share about it on social media.

Views vs. Water -

Ginger normally prefers hikes with views more than those with water, so her statement above did come somewhat as a surprise to me. Did Apple Orchard Falls Trail change her mind? I don't think so, yet our hike on Saturday definitely moved the needle towards water hikes. Ninety percent of the trail is next to the water featuring a magnificent two-hundred-foot tall waterfall. It also offers much, much, more, including views, rock scrambles, creek crossings, abundant wildlife, a mature forest, and wildflowers. (Ask me about how sassafras tree roots taste.) It was hard not to develop a sense of immunity to all the beautiful waterfalls around me due to the sheer number of vibrant and powerful ones we encountered along the trail.

Did you say 200 Foot Waterfall? -

Yes, Yes I did. The highlight of the Apple Orchard Falls Trail is a remarkable two-hundred-foot waterfall complete with a viewing platform and the ability to get up close and personal with it at its base. Even with all the wondrous cascades and rapids leading up to the signature falls, it is still stunning upon viewing for the first time. The Apple Orchard Falls is truly awe-inspiring and breathtaking and definitely is one of the top waterfalls in the south. And perhaps it was more impressive due to a large amount of recent rain, as it seemed angry with the sound of the crashing water almost deafening to my ears.

Apple Orchard Falls and The Cornelius Creek Loop Trail -

We combined the Apple Orchard Falls and the Cornelius Creek trails via a connector trail to form a moderate six-mile loop trail. My pre-hike worries that it would be crowded were unfounded and we saw fewer than a dozen other hikers the whole day. The trailhead is located at the end of a long dirt road, and while not hard to find, it is filled with hidden potholes and narrow single-lane bridges. Challenging rock hops, numerous wet creek crossings, wooden footbridges, rock scrambling, beautiful blooming rhododendrons, and a tough technical ascent and descent await you once on the trail. Leaving Apple Orchard Falls Trail, a relatively flat and narrow path on an old fire road filled with spring green and ticks connects you to the rocky and downhill Cornelius Creek trail.

Spill The Tea -

I agree with Ginger that the Apple Orchard Falls Trail is one of the best trails in the area and a must-hike for those who love hikes with water. The recent heavy rains made the creek, falls and the cascades that much more dramatic, yet I think they would still be impressive under normal conditions. A return trip is definitely in my future.

Wrap It Up -

Ginger generally prefers hikes with views and also not to do the same trail twice. By proclaiming the Apple Orchard Falls Trail her favorite day-hike and a willingness to hike it again soon, it must be a really great hike 😂. Don't just take Ginger’s word for it, give it a try yourself! Maybe this weekend after the rain!