Dark Hollow Falls - Shenandoah National Park

Continuing our journey south on the Appalachian Trail through Shenandoah National Park, we hiked between Big Meadows Campground and Rock Spring Hut and also extended a little south on a loop of the AT that went to Lewis Falls. Total distance was about 10 miles until we realized that right across Skyland Drive was Dark Hollow Falls! This trail is a fairly steep 1.4 mile round trip but definitely worth the walk. Dark Hollow Falls is listed as a 70’ waterfall with a couple nice cascades and intermediate pools. The parking for this trail is just north of the Big Meadows Wayside and the Byrd Visitor Center at mile post 51. The parking, although pretty big, fills up quick for this very busy trail. The top part of the trail follows alongside a small stream with little deviation from views of the water and plenty of areas to walk down to the stream. There were many small children that seemed to make it up and back without much problem. At the lower portion of the falls it is possible to climb (walk/hop) up to the upper cascade and pool for a fantastic view up and down the falls. This is a very nice waterfall and I highly recommend making the hike if you have a couple hours and are already in the area.

We entered the park at Thornton Gap ($20 vehicle fee), quickly filled out a Backcountry Camping Permit, and were on our way to the parking area at Big Meadows Campground. We ate a nice breakfast at the Big Meadows Lodge prior to our overnight AT hike and then ate lunch at the Big Meadows Wayside which had a similar menu but more of a quick eat and run atmosphere. There were a couple straggling SOBO hikers making resupply at the wayside (although pickins were pretty slim, it was the last day the campground was open).

A free permit is required to overnight in the park. More information can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisi...

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