Hiking in Virginia is the perfect activity to enjoy during the summer, yet we all know that scorching temperatures can often put a damper on things. Fortunately, plenty of Virginia’s trails are protected by the shade of old-growth forests. Opt for Overall Run Falls in Shenandoah National Park and you’ll enjoy this cool shade with a refreshing twist at the end: a swimming hole! This trail proves to be a picture-perfect destination for your summer adventure.
Overall Run Falls is a beautiful trek through Shenandoah National Park. Those looking for a challenging hiking adventure can opt for the entire loop, which measures 8.7 miles in total.
Jess Elder / AllTrails
This full version of the trail requires several stream crossings, so be sure to come prepared with adequate footwear if you intend on hiking the whole trail.
Cory Stutzman / AllTrails
Despite its intense length and lofty elevation gains, this trail is refreshing for multiple reasons. First of all, the views you’ll gain from the climb are positively spectacular.
jmpncsu / TripAdvisor
Secondly, hikers will be rewarded with spectacular views of Overall Run Falls, the 93-foot waterfall that’s the tallest of its kind in the park. After heavy rainfall, the waterfall is all the more powerful.
Rebecca Simms / AllTrails
And last, but certainly not least, there’s perhaps the most compelling reason of all to hike Overall Run Loop: the swimming hole. Wading in these refreshing and cool waters is the best way to complete a truly tough hike through the Virginia mountains.
William Kramer / AllTrails
However, if you’re not up for a long day of hiking but love the idea of discovering a new swimming hole, you can opt to go right from the trail head. The swimming hole is just a short 300 yards away!
Osvaldo G / TripAdvisor
So whether you’re an avid hiker or love learning about natural swimming holes, you’ll find plenty to love about Overall Run Falls Loop. Just be sure to start early if you plan on completing the entire circuit! Have you ever hiked this trail in Shenandoah National Park? What did you think? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments — we’d love to hear from you! For related content, learn more about what makes Shenandoah National Park such a beautiful place to drive through.
Jess Elder / AllTrails
Cory Stutzman / AllTrails
jmpncsu / TripAdvisor
Rebecca Simms / AllTrails
William Kramer / AllTrails
Osvaldo G / TripAdvisor
Looking for more nearby trails? Learn more about Hawksbill Trail, which will take you to the tallest point in all of Shenandoah National Park. It’s a bucket-list-worthy adventure to be sure!
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Address: Overall Run Falls, Virginia 22610, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking and swimming in VA June 29, 2022 Beth C. What’s the most beautiful trail in Shenandoah National Park? Shenandoah National Park is situated smack dab in the middle of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, offering visitors some of the most breathtaking vistas in the state. Whether you’re traveling through the park in a car or on foot, you’ll find there’s stunning scenery to be admired at every turn. But, if you only have a few short hours to enjoy the park, you may be curious to experience the most beautiful trail in Shenandoah National Park. For most hikers, that means checking out Old Rag Mountain. Not only is this trail the most famous in Shenandoah National Park, but it’s also considered to be the most dangerous. Clocking in at over 8 miles and featuring countless rock scrambles, this trail isn’t for the faint of heart. Yet for those up for a challenge, you’ll be rewarded with some truly stunning scenery from the top. Learn more about why Old Rag Mountain is considered the most beautiful trail in Shenandoah National Park. What are the best swimming holes in Virginia? When you’re looking to cool off, nothing beats a natural swimming hole. Here in Virginia, you’ll find tons of these places, and oftentimes, they’re hiding in plain sight. Some of the best swimming holes in Virginia include Little Stoney Creek Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, Douthat State Park, Emerald Pond, the Shenandoah River, and Lake Anna State Park. There are lots of swimming holes in Virginia, and each is worth experiencing! What are some other waterfall swimming holes in Virginia? Now that you’ve learned about Overall Run Falls, you might be curious about other similar waterfall swimming holes in Virginia. Some of our favorite recommendations include Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park, Upper Little Stoney Falls, Panther Falls, Cascades Waterfall, and Dismal Falls.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking and swimming in VA
June 29, 2022
Beth C.
What’s the most beautiful trail in Shenandoah National Park? Shenandoah National Park is situated smack dab in the middle of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, offering visitors some of the most breathtaking vistas in the state. Whether you’re traveling through the park in a car or on foot, you’ll find there’s stunning scenery to be admired at every turn. But, if you only have a few short hours to enjoy the park, you may be curious to experience the most beautiful trail in Shenandoah National Park. For most hikers, that means checking out Old Rag Mountain. Not only is this trail the most famous in Shenandoah National Park, but it’s also considered to be the most dangerous. Clocking in at over 8 miles and featuring countless rock scrambles, this trail isn’t for the faint of heart. Yet for those up for a challenge, you’ll be rewarded with some truly stunning scenery from the top. Learn more about why Old Rag Mountain is considered the most beautiful trail in Shenandoah National Park. What are the best swimming holes in Virginia? When you’re looking to cool off, nothing beats a natural swimming hole. Here in Virginia, you’ll find tons of these places, and oftentimes, they’re hiding in plain sight. Some of the best swimming holes in Virginia include Little Stoney Creek Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, Douthat State Park, Emerald Pond, the Shenandoah River, and Lake Anna State Park. There are lots of swimming holes in Virginia, and each is worth experiencing! What are some other waterfall swimming holes in Virginia? Now that you’ve learned about Overall Run Falls, you might be curious about other similar waterfall swimming holes in Virginia. Some of our favorite recommendations include Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park, Upper Little Stoney Falls, Panther Falls, Cascades Waterfall, and Dismal Falls.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Shenandoah National Park is situated smack dab in the middle of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, offering visitors some of the most breathtaking vistas in the state. Whether you’re traveling through the park in a car or on foot, you’ll find there’s stunning scenery to be admired at every turn. But, if you only have a few short hours to enjoy the park, you may be curious to experience the most beautiful trail in Shenandoah National Park. For most hikers, that means checking out Old Rag Mountain. Not only is this trail the most famous in Shenandoah National Park, but it’s also considered to be the most dangerous. Clocking in at over 8 miles and featuring countless rock scrambles, this trail isn’t for the faint of heart. Yet for those up for a challenge, you’ll be rewarded with some truly stunning scenery from the top. Learn more about why Old Rag Mountain is considered the most beautiful trail in Shenandoah National Park.
What are the best swimming holes in Virginia?
When you’re looking to cool off, nothing beats a natural swimming hole. Here in Virginia, you’ll find tons of these places, and oftentimes, they’re hiding in plain sight. Some of the best swimming holes in Virginia include Little Stoney Creek Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, Douthat State Park, Emerald Pond, the Shenandoah River, and Lake Anna State Park. There are lots of swimming holes in Virginia, and each is worth experiencing!
What are some other waterfall swimming holes in Virginia?
Now that you’ve learned about Overall Run Falls, you might be curious about other similar waterfall swimming holes in Virginia. Some of our favorite recommendations include Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park, Upper Little Stoney Falls, Panther Falls, Cascades Waterfall, and Dismal Falls.
