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Dark Hollow Falls

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.3 (66)
  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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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 66 votes

#5

in Central District

#173

Overall
  4.3 from 66 votes
5 Star
44%
4 Star
41%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#5

in Central District

#8

in Virginia

#173

Overall
8 Views Last Month
3,674 Since Apr 14, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
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Add a Photo

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
Small cascade in a picturesque setting along the Dark Hollow Falls Trail.
May 22, 2016 near Stanley, VA

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Mar 29, 2025
Anonymous
great short steep hike! down first then back uphill. return back to car is rough. great water flowing in march! can be muddy — 1h 00m
Dec 27, 2024
Steve Breland
Nice hike with a great waterfall at the end!! — 2h 00m
Oct 23, 2024
Caitlin Poore
Awesome waterfall 1.4mi — 0h 45m
Jul 5, 2024
Brian L
Apr 25, 2024
Ewa Mirek
Girls trip
Mar 16, 2024
Tom Muldowney
July 2023
Dec 25, 2023
Dan Schned
Dec 22, 2023
Natalie Graber
Awesome hike! 1.7mi

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