Trip Report: Shenandoah National Park: Dark Hollow Falls
Shenandoah National Park is easily accessible from several major metro areas, and boasts some of the best hiking in Virginia. Dark Hollow Falls is one of my favorite day hikes within Shenandoah.
Dark Hollow Falls is another extremely popular hike within Shenandoah National Park - as such, if you want to avoid the crowds, get there early. The hike is about 1.5 miles long, and you lose 593 feet down - which you then gain back on the way up. This trail is steep and can be muddy at times, but if you are in moderate shape you shouldn't have any problems. It is easily accessed from Skyline Drive. It took me a little over an hour, including taking pictures.
This is an easy hike, but if you're interested in a more difficult hike, check out my article on Old Rag Mountain.
You will follow a river cascading down rocks through a beautiful forest.
The waterfall has several main sections, each of which sings its own song across the boulders. You will find many people playing along the rocks and in the falls. Please be careful. Keep in mind that these rocks are very slippery and it is easy to get injured!
If you make it to the bottom, you will be rewarded with the sight of the lower falls cascading through a little grotto. Cheers - you're done! You can either head back up the way you came to the parking lot, or continue onward to Rose River Falls via the Rose River trail. Sadly, I didn't have time to do this - I'll have to put it on the list for next time!
There are several loops you can make; Hiking Upward describes one here if you are interested. Happy hiking!
Trail Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles total (can be combined with other trails as noted above)
Elevation: 593'
What to bring: nothing in particular
Carry on, lovely hikers! Make sure to subscribe here and also follow me on instagram @rhandthebeast to see the rest of the photos!
Dark Hollow Falls is another extremely popular hike within Shenandoah National Park - as such, if you want to avoid the crowds, get there early. The hike is about 1.5 miles long, and you lose 593 feet down - which you then gain back on the way up. This trail is steep and can be muddy at times, but if you are in moderate shape you shouldn't have any problems. It is easily accessed from Skyline Drive. It took me a little over an hour, including taking pictures.
This is an easy hike, but if you're interested in a more difficult hike, check out my article on Old Rag Mountain.
You will follow a river cascading down rocks through a beautiful forest.
 |
| Upper Falls |
If you make it to the bottom, you will be rewarded with the sight of the lower falls cascading through a little grotto. Cheers - you're done! You can either head back up the way you came to the parking lot, or continue onward to Rose River Falls via the Rose River trail. Sadly, I didn't have time to do this - I'll have to put it on the list for next time!
There are several loops you can make; Hiking Upward describes one here if you are interested. Happy hiking!
Trail Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles total (can be combined with other trails as noted above)
Elevation: 593'
What to bring: nothing in particular
Carry on, lovely hikers! Make sure to subscribe here and also follow me on instagram @rhandthebeast to see the rest of the photos!
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