Shenandoah National Park is a rare and stunning example of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the National Park System. Access to this long, narrow park is via Skyline Drive.
This 105-mile roadway winds through the park, following the ridgelines and summits of the mountains. You can reach the waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park Falls that we have selected as the must-see ones from Skyline Drive.
What You Should Know?
Skyline Drive provides easy access to Shenandoah National Park. But to reach a few of the park’s waterfalls, you had to park and follow a park route. The difficulty of these treks varies, so come prepared with suitable clothing and supportive footwear. Make sure you consume enough water to stay hydrated.
Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park
Rose River Falls
Shenandoah National Park may feature the most remarkable waterfalls of any national park in the system. Many of them are quite exceptional and well worth a visit. That being said, the Rose River Falls is one that you should not miss as it is one of the best waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park.
You will be even more impressed by these falls because it has four different cascades, so try to schedule your visit during a wet season.
The trek to discover Rose River Falls is rather lengthy and demanding so is prepared for that. You won’t be let down, though, because the walk passes by several other, spectacular waterfalls.
Rising to a height of 67 feet, Rose River Falls thunders down the rocky slope and across several channels. On Skyline Drive, the Rose River Falls path is accessible close to mile marker 49.
Take a swimsuit if the weather permits. After your climb, cool down in the naturally occurring swimming hole at the base of the falls. The trek is rated as an intermediate path and is 2.7 miles round trip.
Jones Run Falls
Jones Run Falls is a popular destination for both residents and visitors. It is best to schedule your visit to this waterfall during late summer or early autumn.
The surrounding greenery is at its most exquisite during this time of year. The solid rock wall the water passes over en route to the catch pool contrasts sharply with the verdant surroundings.
Jones Run Falls is a bit of an undertaking to get to. The trailhead to Doyle’s fall, which descends approximately 1045 feet, is located close to the parking lot. After spending a day exploring the region, climbing back out can be difficult, but the way down is not too difficult.
With its 42-foot height, this waterfall provides some of the park’s greatest photo ops, both at the falls and along the trek. Arriving later in the autumn will welcome you with a riot of colors from every tree as the leaves start to turn.
The trek into Jones Run Falls is 3.4 miles round trip, for a total distance of slightly over 7.8 miles. Because of its medium difficulty rating, the path should be taken into account while making plans. Top priorities should be comfortable shoes, seasonally appropriate attire, and lots of water.
South River Falls
If you are an avid photographer, South River Falls needs to be at the top of your list of locations to capture images. Of all the waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park, a lot of people think that the South River Falls is the most picturesque.
This waterfall rises 83 feet above the rocky hillside and flows down it. With the catch basin sufficiently shallow, one may wade to the foot of the falls to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the water cascading over the rock.
If you choose to climb, a distinctive rock shelf feature near the falls provides an excellent vantage point.
The trip to South River Falls is very straightforward, so you may bring your photographic gear and spend an afternoon taking amazing images. The amount of water that pours into the pool from the top is an amazing sight, especially if you visit during the spring rains.
It is an easy to intermediate trek that takes 2.6 kilometers to reach the observation platform round trip from the falls. Increase your travel distance by 1.3 miles if you like to see the catch pool and the base of the falls.
Dark Hollow Falls
If an exhausting journey to see a waterfall doesn’t appeal to you, try paying a visit to Dark Hollow Falls. Start your short, easy hike to Dark Hollow Falls at the Big Meadows Campground and Lodge, which is located close to the Skyline Drive mile marker at 50.7.
There are two levels to Dark Hollow Falls, an upper and a lower cascade. The valley where this waterfall is situated is heavily forested and has an abundance of greenery throughout the year.
Dark Hollow Falls is regarded by many as one of Shenandoah National Park’s most breathtaking locations. Plan enough time when you visit this waterfall to take in the surrounding landscape, remove your shoes and socks, and bathe your feet in the refreshingly clear catch basin water.
The falls are a striking natural feature, standing at a height of 70 feet. After your climb, have a picnic lunch and unwind on one of the big, flat rocks next to the falls.
One of the simplest waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park to reach, Dark Hollow Falls is only 1.4 miles from the trailhead. You should anticipate seeing other people there because it’s well-known and convenient. It’s an easy stroll that takes around 1.5 hours to complete round trip.
Doyles River Falls
Doyles River Falls is a great place to experience a spectacular waterfall. The sole twin waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park is Doyles River Falls.
There are two cascades at the falls, one above the other. To witness this unique watercourse, Doyles River Falls is well worth the extra effort to go to. The height of the higher falls is 28 feet. The height of the lower falls is 63 feet.
Depending on which path you choose to reach the waterfall location, you can visit one or both. The steeply rocky cliffs that encircle the water stream will be traversed. Since many visitors choose not to make the strenuous climb to the falls, this location is typically rather tranquil.
The falls are accessible via two pathways. The shorter trail is 3.3 miles in total and typically takes 2.5 hours to finish. By taking the longer path, you will first reach Doyles River Falls and then Jones Run Falls. The 7.7-mile path is significantly harder to trek, and it takes around 6.5 hours to finish.
Whichever method you decide on, we advise adding more time to your schedule. You’ll find yourself stopping frequently to simply take in the breathtaking vistas and landscapes along these routes.
Whiteoak Canyon Falls
A trip to Whiteoak Canyon Falls is unquestionably a great option for a family vacation that will satisfy everyone. The Whiteoak Canyon Falls hike is kid-friendly enough, in contrast to many of the other trails in Shenandoah National Park. Families are generally constantly enjoying the falls or the walk.
Arriving at Whiteoak Canyon Falls in Shenandoah National Park, the real adventure unfolds. Numerous spots beckon for a refreshing swim in the serene waters of the catch basin resting at the foot of one of the most stunning waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park.
A year-round favorite is the natural water slide expertly carved into the rocky structure of the waterfall, offering visitors an exhilarating experience at Whiteoak Canyon Falls in Shenandoah National Park.
It’s a good idea to bring a picnic lunch for the occasion. It will be difficult to get the youngsters to go. On the other hand, when you visit the falls, be prepared for company.
Whiteoak Canyon Falls can get busy at times since it is well-liked by both residents and visitors. This is an excellent location for a family vacation, but be advised that during the rainy season, there may be a significant increase in water flow and the wet rocks can become quite slippery.
The 1.4-mile hike to Whiteoak Canyon Falls is primarily flat. It will take around 2.5 hours to complete the 2.8-mile round journey, maybe a bit more if you have little children. As long as your dog is always under control and on a leash, this route is pet-friendly.
Overall Run Falls
In Shenandoah National Park, this magnificent waterfall, known for its breathtaking plunge of 93 feet into the catch pool below, stands as a natural wonder.
A thicket of trees lines the stream, offering heavy shade that blankets a large portion of the region throughout the day. It’s among the captivating waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park, drawing visitors to marvel at its beauty and serenity.
Many people think that the stroll leading up to Overall Run Falls is just as lovely and soothing as the falls themselves. The bulk of the falls may be seen from the observation point, which is reached via the first section of the walk.
You have to travel the second portion of the route to reach the pool at the foot of the falls. Families with little children may easily trek the top half of the path.
There is a significant climb back to the viewpoint above on the second, more difficult section of the route that descends to the base of the falls.
If the whole family is traveling, we advise packing a lunch and making a stop at the lookout to take in the breathtaking views. An enjoyable day’s adventure may be had by heading down the trail to the catch pool.
The trail’s initial section is around 2.5 miles long, with a 5.1-mile round trip. It takes about an additional mile to get to the foot of the falls. The hike’s occasionally steep ascent back up from the waterfall’s base makes it an intermediate hiking trail.
Cedar Run Falls
For an exciting and enjoyable day, bring a packed lunch, your swimming gear, and your sense of adventure to Cedar Run Falls. Of all the waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park, Cedar Run Falls offers the greatest swimming.
Your excitement grows as you follow the water’s path down the route to the falls. A natural water slide and swimming hole next to the path should be visited. Your children will like this location and might want to stay here all day.
You can continue down the trail if you’re feeling very daring. If you want to swim in a more secretive and quiet spot, listen to the waterfall.
The climb to Cedar Run Falls is relatively strenuous, but older children should be able to complete it. The most well-liked location is beside the second falls, where a deep pool beckons swimmers to dive in.
You may follow the Whiteoak Canyon route to find six lesser waterfalls, or you can head back by the route that led you in. It takes three and a half miles to walk to Cedar Run Falls.
Following the Whiteoak Trail farther results in an 8.2-mile round trip. Mile marker 45.6 is the trailhead, where parking is available and access is convenient.
Lewis Falls
Lewis Falls is one of the waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park. It is the place to go if you’re more interested in waterfalls than in the trek there. The viewing platform is just a short one-mile walk away, making it easy to explore this waterfall.
Views of the valley below and the 81-foot drops that make up the falls are available from the platform. An extended 4-hour hike to the falls and some breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys await the most daring.
Either way, the drop the water creates over the cliff is a breathtaking sight. Bring a picnic lunch in case you become distracted by the water’s beauty. If you decide to make a day out of it, find the little shelter by the pool, wander for a while, and pack a lunch.
This is a great place to have a wonderful picnic. Your family dog is welcome to accompany you on this trek as long as it is kept under control and on a leash at all times.
It takes around one hour to go to the falls from all points. Allow ample time to stroll about and take in the surroundings. Many families arrange to visit Lewis Falls for the day.
Conclusion
Shenandoah National Park is home to more than a dozen breathtaking waterfalls, but the ones on the top list are the most worthwhile to see, particularly if you’re pressed for time.
These are only a few of the waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park. Listing them all would be impossible because so many are unnamed or unmarked. Every path bend in this enormous nature reserve offers a surprise, and you can come to a waterfall that nobody else has seen.