On our recent trip to Virginia we decided to stop by and pay a visit to Shenandoah National Park. My girlfriend and I drove the entire Skyline Drive and witnessed a string of awesome sights along the way. While we weren’t able to get out and hike or camp, the trip was well worth it. More than a dozen deer made an appearance, along with six bears (the park is known for its bear population) and a raccoon.
In this quick article I’d like to share some information about the park in the hopes you’ll pay a visit, if you haven’t already. It’s a scenic camping and hiking paradise. Below I’ve outlined 4 hikes to waterfalls that you can consider for your trip as well. Enjoy!
Let’s Talk Specifics At about 105 miles, you can easily drive the entire length of Skyline Drive and explore the park in just several hours. And, if time allows we recommend camping or hiking within the park. However, you should store your food in a bear proof container as this park has one of the largest bear populations of all the National Parks.
Shenandoah National Park lies along the Blue Ridge Mountains 75 miles outside Washington, D.C., with what looks like endless rolling green hills and sweeping valleys looming across the distance. There are numerous scenic turnouts where you can gaze at the beauty of the famed Shenandoah Valley.
A Few of the Waterfalls within the Park
Here’s a sampling of some of the many waterfalls you can hike to in the park.
In this quick article I’d like to share some information about the park in the hopes you’ll pay a visit, if you haven’t already. It’s a scenic camping and hiking paradise. Below I’ve outlined 4 hikes to waterfalls that you can consider for your trip as well. Enjoy!
Let’s Talk Specifics At about 105 miles, you can easily drive the entire length of Skyline Drive and explore the park in just several hours. And, if time allows we recommend camping or hiking within the park. However, you should store your food in a bear proof container as this park has one of the largest bear populations of all the National Parks.
Shenandoah National Park lies along the Blue Ridge Mountains 75 miles outside Washington, D.C., with what looks like endless rolling green hills and sweeping valleys looming across the distance. There are numerous scenic turnouts where you can gaze at the beauty of the famed Shenandoah Valley.
A Few of the Waterfalls within the Park
Here’s a sampling of some of the many waterfalls you can hike to in the park.
- Cedar Run (Hard): Located at mile marker 45.6 you’ll be able to park at Hawkbill Gap. We wanted to hike the 3.4 miles but there wasn’t enough time. Along with the falls there are holes to swim in and even smooth natural rock slides!
- Lewis Falls: Parking can be found in the Big Meadows Lodge area, and the trailhead is a short distance from the amphitheater. I would suggest a map as parts of the trail are poorly marked and the return trip is very steep and rocky. According to local blogs and travel guides, it’s a 3 mile hike from start to finish with natural beauty in all directions. The waterfall is 81-feet tall.
- South River Falls: Other than the danger of running into some water snakes, you get to trailblaze to an overlook that provides a vantage point over the falls out into the photo-worthy landscape below. You end up at the base of the falls. Look for it at mile marker 62.8 near the South River picnic area.
- Doyles River Falls: 3 to 7.8 miles round trip that begins at mile marker 81.1. You get to see it from both above and below, just like the South River Falls. According to locals and travelers, if you go a bit past the lower falls viewing area you’ll run into a scenic gem.
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