Stiles Falls is a 40-foot waterfall on the Camp Alta Mons property near Shawsville, reached by a white-blazed trail with three creek crossings and a rock scramble at the base. The hike is about 3.2 miles out-and-back with roughly 324 feet of elevation gain; the trail is open to the public except during camp sessions and bad weather.
At 40 ft, it stands above roughly 33% of the 775 documented falls in this guide.
The falls are fed by Purgatory Creek. You'll find it in Montgomery, Virginia. It is protected within Camp Alta Mons (private, public hiking allowed).
This is a moderate hike waterfall: a longer day hike, roughly one to several miles each way. Plan for a moderate hike; sturdy shoes, water, and a little time on the trail are worth bringing. The walk to the main viewpoint runs about 3.2 miles round trip. Base a visit out of Shawsville, the closest town.
When to go: spring. Expect the strongest flow in spring and after big storms, with a quieter trickle by late summer; confirm current conditions with the land manager before committing to the drive.
