7/26/2023 0 Comments Free waterfall hikes near me![]() The return trip has 1040’ of elevation gain with some steep sections. About 2/10 of a mile before reaching the falls observation point, you can enjoy a dip in a shallow pool of crystal-clear water. It follows a creek to the Upper Whiteoak Falls viewing area where you will see the water plummeting 86’. It also offers the advantage of access from Skyline Drive or from the boundary of the park off Weakly Hollow Road in Syria, Virgina.įrom Skyline Drive, you can opt for the shorter 4.6-mile trek through the woods. Whiteoak Canyon offers the best of both worlds: dramatic falls that you can view from above and below, plus numerous swimming holes if you want to refresh yourself in the bracing mountain water. The trail can get very icy in the winter, and in the summer there is often little water flow. Tip: Spring and fall are the best times to see Overall Run Falls. ![]() This area is also great for spotting black bears, as it is not far from a campground. Depending on how much time you want to spend hiking, you can make it an even longer loop if you prefer. Looking at the trail map, you can see that there are numerous trails in this area. You’ll find several small waterfalls and swimming holes offering a great place to take a break, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you’re up for a longer 9-mile hike with 2,247’ elevation gain, follow the trail down to the bottom where it intersects with the Overall Beecher Connector Trail. If you turn around and retrace your steps after enjoying the vista of the falls, you’ll have 1,291’ elevation gain on the return trip to your car. They are truly something to behold, but you will view them from a distance. You’ll actually see two waterfalls on this 5.1-mile (round trip) hike: the 29’ upper falls and the 93’ Overall Run Falls. It offers dense canopies of old growth forest along the Appalachian Mountains and takes you to a large rock outcropping with stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley below. The Overall Run Falls hike begins at a parking area just beyond the Mathews Arm Campground registration booth. Located in the northern district of Shenandoah National Park, Overall Run is the tallest waterfall in the park. Overall Run Falls – Mile 22.1 Dramatic views of Overall Run Falls in the springtime The following waterfall hikes are listed by their location and mile marker in the park. ![]() From north to south, they are: Front Royal (mile 0), Thornton Gap (mile 31.5), Swift Run Gap (mile 65.6), and Rockfish Gap (mile 104.6). The park has four different entrances to make it easier to reach your intended destination. For that reason, you may want to focus on waterfall hikes in a specific area of the park. With a 35-mile-an-hour speed limit, it takes about 3 hours to drive the full length of this 105-mile scenic road that runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Only one road runs through the park: Skyline Drive. The most important thing to understand about Shenandoah National Park before planning your waterfall hike is how the park is laid out. No matter which trail you choose, the power and beauty of Shenandoah’s waterfalls are sure to amaze you! Know Before You Go ![]() They wind their way through forests and along serene mountain streams, providing hikers with stunning views along the way.Įach waterfall has its own unique character, from the towering Overall Run Falls, which you’ll admire from a distance, to the wide run of Lower Whiteoak Falls, where you can frolic in the water. There are several popular waterfall hikes to choose from, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Shenandoah National Park is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, but you’ll have to reach them on foot. In this guide from guest contributor Julie Chickery, get the scoop on the best waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park and find out which ones are the best fit for your adventure! Boasting epic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous sections of the famous Appalachian Trail, this national park is also known for its incredible waterfalls, which are the centerpiece for many hikes. Some of the best hiking in the Washington, DC and Northern Virginia areas is in Shenandoah National Park.
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