If I’m being honest, I love Shenandoah National Park because nearly every single trail seems to take travelers to at least one waterfall. I’m not going to speak for you, dear reader, but personally, I’m willing to work up a sweat to see crystal clear water cascade over a rocky cliff. Amazingly, Shenandoah is only a ninety minute from downtown Washington, D.C., making all of its natural beauty accessible for those in the capital. I discovered Dark Hollow Falls in April 2016, and it has since become my favorite in the entire park.
The Dark Hollow Falls trailhead is easy to find, located between mile markers 50 and 51, and I’d rank the hike as an easy to moderate day hike suitable for children over the age of seven. Getting to the falls is easy, since the trail is almost all downhill – but what goes down must come up, so be prepared for a more exhausting return.
What’s better than one waterfall? Two waterfalls. That’s right: simply by continuing along the trail, Dark Hollow Falls leads hikers to another photogenic wonder in addition to numerous lovely rapids.
I’m happy to report the fifteen dollar park entry is put to fantastic use – the trails at Shenandoah are consistently well-maintained and clearly marked. Dark Hollow Falls is no exception, although I must admit I was slightly disappointed the trees weren’t yet in bloom. Even so, Shenandoah is lovely to visit at all times of the year and a must for those looking to day trip from D.C.
Pictured above is Dark Hollow Falls, a spectacular waterfall well worth the long drive from D.C. and warm day spent sweating under the sun. I’m still in shock that this marvel exists an hour and a half from a city built on swampland.
To reach the second waterfall, simply continue on along the clearly marked trail, which follows a lovely stream with a handful of miniature waterfalls.
Beautiful, right? This second waterfall is known as Rose River Falls, and during my visit, I found it to be less crowded than Dark Hollow. As a rule, the deeper into Shenandoah you go, the quieter your hikes will be. Anyhow, for those who love picnics, Rose River Falls would make for a lovely spot to bring a few sandwiches and enjoy the great outdoors.
Also, you’ll need the calories to make it back to the parking lot. The trail back is steep, hear you me – but, I’ll let you in on a little secret. You can take a separate trail back to Skyline Drive and walk for a mile and a half or so on flat pavement until you reach your car. Either way, I recommend printing out the area’s official map (available here) prior to your hike and marking your desired route, as cell service while hiking is nearly nonexistent. I suppose this should be a given, but hey, it’s 2016 and we’re all way too accustomed to modern conveniences.
Shenandoah National Park is one of my favorite hiking locales on the East Coast, and discovering Dark Hollow Falls reaffirmed my affinity for the park. I’d recommend this trail specifically to anyone visiting the park for their first time. Since the Dark Hollow Falls trail starts fifty miles into the park, travelers are able to enjoy ample mountain panoramas on the lovely Skyline Drive, the park’s main thoroughfare. It’s the perfect introduction to Shenandoah, and, more generally, mid-Atlantic scenery.
Are you looking to plan a waterfall tour of Shenandoah National Park? This official online resource is a fantastic guide, even though it lacks photographs. I also recommend travelers do a thorough tick check after every hike, always hike with bug spray and sunscreen, and tell a friend or family member your plans if hiking alone.
