Shenandoah National Park

Dark Hollow Falls

The closest waterfall to Skyline Drive, and the most-hiked trail in the park

Distance

1.4 mi

Elevation gain

440 ft

Difficulty

Moderate

Route

Out & back

Time

1 hr 15 min

Fee requiredDogs not allowedWaterfallRockyForest

A steep 1.4-mile round trip from the Dark Hollow Falls parking area near Big Meadows down to a 70-foot cascade, and back up the same way. Short, popular, and rockier than the distance suggests.

Directions to the trailhead

The Climb

3,428 ft3,094 ft · +440 ft gain

What to Expect

Parking: Dark Hollow Falls parking area at Skyline Drive mile 50.7, near Big Meadows.
Fees: Standard park entrance fee applies.
Dogs: Not permitted
Best seasons: spring, fall
Water: No potable water; do not drink from the falls or stream
Cell service: Unreliable for most of the route
Hazards: Steep, rocky descent; slippery near the falls. The return climb is the hardest part.