Shenandoah National Park is known for its scenic Skyline Drive, endless hiking trails, and incredible views of the Blue Ridge mountains. But did you know it’s also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia?
That’s right. There are tons of waterfall hikes scattered throughout Shenandoah National Park. From easy hikes straight off of Skyline Drive to more challenging hikes with epic elevation gain, you’ve got countless options when it comes to waterfall chasing.
Our Stay Blue Maple cabin rentals are scattered around Shenandoah National Park, making exploring the many waterfalls nearby easy.
Here is our list of the eight best Shenandoah waterfall hikes to enjoy during your stay!
1. Overall Run Falls
- Parking: Matthews Arm Campground parking lot (Mile 22.1)
- Distance: 5.1-miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Experienced hikers looking for a challenge
We’d be remiss not to start with the tallest waterfall in the park, Overall Run Falls. This moderately difficult trailhead takes you through the lush wilderness of Shenandoah National Park before getting to the grand finale: a 90-foot waterfall cascading into a pool below.
This waterfall hike does have some steep and rocky terrain, so come prepared! Pets are welcome and must be on a leash at all times.
While the campground is the best place to park for this trail, you can also access it from mile marker 21 on the Appalachian Trail.
2. Dark Hollow Falls
- Parking: Dark Hollow Falls Parking Area (mile 50.7)
- Distance: 1.4 mile circuit hike
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Short hike with rewarding views
One of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park is Dark Hollow Falls Trail, a short yet challenging 1.4-mile waterfall hike.
The terrain is rocky and steep, especially on the return hike, but it leads you to an incredible waterfall cascading down rock ledges. It’s a great hike for those wanting a quick, challenging, and rewarding view. Pets aren’t allowed, so keep that in mind when planning this hike.
This one tends to get crowded – so we recommend heading there early on the weekends!
3. Jones Run Falls
- Parking: Jones Run Parking Area (mile 84.1)
- Distance: 3.2-mile roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Stream hiking
If you’re looking for a well-rounded waterfall hike with a little bit of everything, Jones Run Falls is your spot.
This 3.2-mile roundtrip hike takes you through lush forest, alongside (and over!) a mountain stream, and finally, a towering 42-foot waterfall cascading over rock formations. The entire hike follows the stream, providing a tranquil setting the whole way through.
Be sure to wear your water shoes, as you will need to cross over the stream once on your hike.
4. Rose River Falls
- Parking: Fishers Gap parking area (mile 49.4)
- Distance: 4-mile circuit hike
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Swimming hole, Springtime wildflowers
Rose River Falls is beautiful year-round, but especially during the Spring as the wildflowers begin to bloom. This trail is part of the designated Wilderness area of the park, offering views of wildlife and lush forest as you make your way to the towering 67-foot waterfall.
There is a swimming hole at the base of the falls, making this the perfect spot for those looking to take a dip in the water. We recommend coming here after heavy rainfall for the best water flow and swimming opportunities!
5. South River Falls
- Parking: South River Picnic Grounds
- Distance: 3.3-mile circuit hike
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Bird watching
South River Falls Trail offers a little bit of everything. This 3.3-mile hike takes you through wildflower fields, a stream crossing, steep inclines, and eventually, to the base of a towering 83-foot waterfall.
The trail is known for its epic bird watching, so be sure to look up from time to time to spot a new bird species! This hike has many steep sections, making it a challenging yet rewarding one.
6. Hazel Falls
- Parking: Meadow Spring Parking Area (Mile 33.5)
- Distance: 5.3-mile roundtrip hike
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Exploring caves
Hazel Falls might be a challenging hike, but it comes with a very satisfying ending: giant caves to explore. The 5.3-mile loop takes you past rugged terrain until you reach two small waterfalls.
While the falls are smaller, a giant boulder in between them makes for a fun cave experience. It’s the perfect trail for those wanting a longer, challenging day hike and caves to explore.
7. White Oak Canyon Trail
- Parking: White Oak Canyon parking lot (Mile 42.6)
- Distance: 2 miles+
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best for: Multiple waterfalls and trail options
If you’re only going to do one Shenandoah waterfall hike, White Oak Canyon Trail is our recommendation. This loop trail offers a range of easy to moderate hikes, six different waterfalls, plenty of swimming holes, and even cliff jumping for the adventure seekers out there.
Start with the 2-mile roundtrip, easy hike to White Oak Canyon Lower Falls. From there, you can continue to the Upper Falls for an incredible view of the waterfall before making your way back. If you’re looking for even more adventure, you can choose the White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Falls loop hike, which is the longest option and features a little bit of everything.
8. Lewis Falls
- Parking: Big Meadows parking area
- Distance: 3.3-mile circuit hike
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Tall waterfall, peaceful hike
Lewis Falls is known for its towering waterfall, standing tall at 81 feet. While challenging at times due to inclines, the trail offers a peaceful hike along the Appalachian Trail.
Picture plenty of dense trees, lush forests, and peaceful streams before you reach the incredible Lewis Falls.
Stay Near the Best Waterfall Hikes
As you can see, there’s no shortage of incredible waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park.
From towering waterfalls to family-friendly swimming holes to giant caves, there’s an option for every explorer. Whether you are looking for an easy, short hike or a more challenging day trek, Shenandoah National Park is the place to be for waterfall chasing. What are you waiting for? Come stay with us at Stay Blue Maple and discover all this area offers!