Hiking Field Guide of the NRV

.5 and 4 miles

​

Dismal Falls is anything but, and is a good camping spot for those fond of short hikes.  The hiking in this area itself is simply the AT, which you may take as far or as short as you want too.  There are two official campgrounds nearby, Walnut Flats which is free is open from April1-December 7th each year. Slightly further up the road is the White Cedar Horse Camp, which is $15 dollars for one horse, one night, and $25 for more than one horse per night.  The falls themselves are in located in Bland county off Rte. 100 and are 50 feet wide and 10 feet down depending on water volume.  There is a decent sized pool at the bottom where guests may swim during the warmer months, although you will need to heed the fisherman that come through. The stream and pool itself is stocked trout water which the government stocks every other month.  This area is easily accessible to pets and children as the falls themselves are about 100 feet from the road and the path is pretty straightforward.  There is a large population of crawfish in the pool as well so water shoes are advised.  If you're the adventuring type there's is plenty to see if you follow the stream upriver including more small waterfalls and a number of large boulders that can be used for bouldering.