Welcome to Travel Tuesday! We’re still virtually in Shenandoah National Park this week for another short but pretty hike, this time to Dark Hollow Falls Trail!
Dark Hollow Falls Trail in Shenandoah National Park
Distance: 1.6 miles (out + back)
Elevation: 583 ft
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 1 hour
Trailhead Address: 38.51961,-78.43102
Parking: Lot available ($30 for admission into park, or free with annual interagency pass)
Shenandoah National Park is home to over 500 trails, so it’s justttt a little bit difficult figuring out which hikes to pick! Since we were driving in from Gordonsville, the Central District was where we were closest to, so we piled on all the hikes we could in this area.
Keep an eye out for some wildlife on this trail — we saw a frog + you can also sometimes spot crayfish, brook trout + salamanders. In the spring, you can often see trillium. Summer = raspberries + jewelweed (typically lasts until fall)!
I couldn’t get a picture of the frog, but I did manage to catch this one of a butterfly!
Dark Hollow Falls Trail in Shenandoah National Park | Farrah @ Fairyburger.com
- The trail was pretty easy but it’s very much a down-and-up hike with all the elevation gain on the return climb — it can be more challenging on a hot day.
- Pets are not allowed on this trail.
- If you’re planning on hiking past the waterfall, make sure you grab a map from the visitor center for trail information. You can download a trail map of the Big Meadows area on the NPS website!
- Sturdy shoes with good grip would be ideal — the rocks can get pretty slippery, especially when wet!
- Looking for more hikes in Shenandoah National Park?
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Would love to see the waterfall and wildlife on this trail. Thanks for the tips!
It was such a pretty hike! :]!
Yet another awesome hike! This sounds like a perfect one for my family, and I will definitely save this post for the next time we hit Shenandoah. Thanks!
Yay! I hope you and your family have fun when you’re there!
Farrah recently posted…Dark Hollow Falls Trail in Shenandoah National Park
I’ve never been to Shenandoah National Park but it looks so gorgeous, I can’t wait to visit! Downhill hikes can be so challenging so good to know.
They definitely can be! I usually like having hiking poles with me for em’, but harder to do when I’ve flown to the place since I don’t like having to check my bag.
Farrah recently posted…Dark Hollow Falls Trail in Shenandoah National Park
I can’t wait to make it to Shenandoah, and I love a good waterfall hike. Thanks for sharing!
Waterfall hikes are my favorite! :]
Looks like a fun hike, love the waterfall.
Waterfall hikes = one of my favorite types of hikes! :]
This area is so pretty. I like this short hike, especially as it has a small waterfall along the way.
It was gorgeous over there! I’d love to go back to explore other parts of the park! :]
There are so many great National Parks to visit. Sadly we have missed a visit to Shenandoah National Park. The Dark Hollow Falls Trail looks like a perfect one for us. Good to know it is just one of many hiking trails and they may not be easy to find. But certainly worth a visit!
I hope you get to go someday — it’s so pretty there! <3 I'm hoping to get to explore another section of it the next time around! <3
Might be heading to Shenandoah next year, so this is perfect – we love hiking and I heard the views there are absolutely stunning.
Ooo, I hope you have fun when you go! There were so many trails we wanted to check out — it was hard to narrow it down! :P
This trails looks like a lovely one to complete, especially with the waterfall! Thanks for sharing.
It was a gorgeous one for sure! <3
That looks like a trail I can do easily, unlike other more strenuous ones. Beautiful pics!
Thank you! I need to go back to explore other sections of the park! *-*
Wow, Dark Hollow Falls looks absolutely magical! 😍❤️ Those cascading waters surrounded by lush green forest are a sight to behold. I love how your photos capture the fairytale vibe of this trail. Shenandoah National Park looks like such a beautiful refuge for hiking lovers. Your scenic shot of the waterfall framed by autumn trees is everything! 🍁🧡 You have a real talent for showcasing the uniqueness of each trail. Keep up the great work – I look forward to virtually exploring more enchanting hikes with you!
Aww, thank you! Shenandoah definitely has a ton of beautiful hikes and I’ve barely scratched the surface! Hoping to get back there again sometime soon! :D Happy trails!
That’s such a pretty hike! I did it last year with Judy (Chocolate Runs Judy) when she and her husband were traveling through the area. I drove down and met her there for the afternoon. We had fun!
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Ahh, that’s awesome! It’s so pretty over there — I’d love to go back someday to hike more trails! :]
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