Waterfall Hero Hikes: Stiles Falls (Alta Mons)

Stiles Falls, also spelled Styles Falls, is a 40-foot waterfall on Purgatory Creek in Floyd County, Virginia. The waterfall is located on the property of Alta Mons Camp, but public access is allowed.

Hike Length: 3.2 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Alta Mons Camp
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes, but must be leashed
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are very slippery. There are three creek crossings along the trail and a rock scramble at the end to view the waterfall.
Trailhead GPS: 37.09682,-80.25054
Waterfall GPS: 37.08161,-80.26601

Directions:

From Christiansburg, go north on I-81 for about 2 miles to exit 118. Bear right on US-11/US-460 for 1.6 miles and turn right on Mount Pleasant Road. Drive 1 mile and turn left on route 638. Go 3.4 miles and turn right on route 637. Drive another 3.2 miles and turn left on Crockett Springs Road into Alta Mons Camp. In 0.2 miles, turn right into the visitor parking center next to the bath house. Do not drive any further into the camp.

Map:

Hike Description:

Hike down the camp road past the pool and retreat center. At 0.6 miles, cross a low water bridge and reach the trailhead at 0.9 miles. Bear left towards Stiles Falls on the trail that follows Purgatory Creek upstream.

There are three creek crossings that should be an easy rock hop unless the water level is up. At 1.6 miles, the trail ends. Scramble up the rocks in the creek for a good view of the falls. There is a nice shallow pool at the base.