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Dark Hollow Falls

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.3 (65)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …Shenandoah National Park
  5. Central District
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“A short, out-and-back hike to the tumbling, 70-foot Dark Hollow Falls. ”

Larry W Brown
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Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.7

KM

Out and Back

3,403' 1,037 m

High

2,907' 886 m

Low

495' 151 m

Up

495' 151 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

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

Family Friendly A short hike to a scenic waterfall that the kids will enjoy exploring.

Overview

This fairly short hike descends at a moderately steep grade from the parking lot off of Skyline Drive, and down to Dark Hollow Falls. Follow the trail through dense oak woods, parallel to the Hogcamp Branch which feeds the falls below.

Description

Begin the Dark Hollow Falls Trail at the north end of the parking area off of Skyline Drive. The trail crosses the stream and then descends along the northern bank. The stream is Hogcamp Branch, which drains out of the Big Meadows Swamp and flows as the primary tributary of Rose River. The stream may be fairly dry near the start of the trail, but it gradually increase as it heads downhill, funneling runoff that culminates at the falls.

The trail drops gradually for two-thirds of a mile toward the top of the falls. Don't leave the trail here, as the rocks can be slippery and extremely dangerous. Additionally, the better views of the falls are further down the trail. The trail bends away from the stream and briefly heads uphill before bending back down to the right toward the bottom of the falls.

From here, there's a beautiful view of the falls above as they plummet 70 feet over the eroding greenstone of an ancient lava flow. Follow the same route back up the hill to the parking lot to finish the hike.

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/.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Shenandoah National Park

Shared By:

Larry W Brown
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 65 votes

#5

in Central District

#166

Overall
  4.3 from 65 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#5

in Central District

#8

in Virginia

#166

Overall
8 Views Last Month
3,674 Since Apr 14, 2016
Intermediate
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Photos

Night shot of Dark Hollow Falls
Sep 30, 2017 near Stanley, VA
Dark Hollow Falls (night shot)
Sep 30, 2017 near Stanley, VA
Dark Hollow Falls
Mar 19, 2016 near Stanley, VA
Dark Hollow Falls (Autumn)
Sep 30, 2017 near Stanley, VA
A view of the waterfall at the bottom of the Dark Hollow Trail.
Mar 19, 2016 near Stanley, VA
View from the trail
Jun 21, 2022 near Stanley, VA

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 76 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 12, 2023
Jamie Thompson Duplin
Jul 9, 2023
Ted Cook
Jul 8, 2023
David Ottney
May 18, 2023
Tom Herr
Enjoyable short hike to a glorious waterfall cascading over a series of rocks. Lots of people enjoying the hike which is just off Big Meadows. 1.7mi
Apr 17, 2023
Trent Caldwell
Apr 13, 2023
Krista Cook
Nov 12, 2022
Nolan Wang
Nov 2, 2022
Mike Hein

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