Upper Doyles Falls

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This hike provides a shorter option to one of the beautiful cascades found off of Skyline Drive.

From the parking area near mile 81 on Skyline Drive, take the Doyles River Trail downhill. Continue across the Appalachian Trail and drop fairly steeply for around a third of a mile toward a spring that flows out of a pipe in a stone wall on the left. This is not potable water, and it must be treated accordingly.

From the spring, the trail splits with the left option climbing fairly abruptly for 400 feet to the locked Doyles River Cabin, however, stay to the right. Keep heading along the trail for about two-thirds of a mile to the Browns Gap Road.

Head across the road and follow the Doyles River Trail, which crosses the Doyles River after a few hundred yards. Continue further for another few hundred yards and as the trail begins to turn right, look for the top of the falls off to the left. Follow along the trail, heading to the right, leaving the falls as it bends to the left in a wide, hairpin curve to a low point with a sign.

The falls come into view here in their entirety surrounded by a natural amphitheater, encircled by giant hardwoods. When you are done viewing the scenic falls, head back uphill the way you came to return to the parking lot.

Thanks to Larry W. Brown, for sharing this description. If you're interested in learning more details about great hikes, weather, camping / lodging, wildlife, and scenic drives, check out snp.guide/.