The South River Falls Trail is one of the most beloved hikes in Shenandoah National Park, and for good reason. This trail is doable year-round and features an assortment of stunning natural attractions. Whether you’re looking for peaceful surroundings or a challenging excursion, this trail promises both. So lace up those hiking boots and prepare for an outing you won’t soon forget! Looking for the best hikes in Virginia? This is absolutely one of them!
South River Falls Loop is located within Shenandoah National Park near Greene County, Virginia. The loop measures 4.8 miles in length, although it can be extended to a longer 10.6-mile trek for those interested in experiencing more of the park.
Nick Artysim / AllTrails
About 0.2 miles from the trailhead, the path will intersect with the Appalachian Trail; however, hikers will want to continue along the blue-blazed South River Falls trail.
Stephen Kareha / AllTrails
The trail will continue along a steep descent for approximately one mile before arriving at the waterfall. Be sure to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes for these changes in elevation.
Peizong Wang / AllTrails
Approximately 1.3 miles into the hike, you’ll have arrived at the falls. This attraction is all the more magnificent in person.
Jonathan Kibler / AllTrails
Measuring 83 feet in length, South River Falls is the third-largest waterfall in all of Shenandoah National Park.
Michael Kohlhaas / AllTrails
The water flow of the cascade can vary depending on the season and recent rainfall.
Stephen Kareha / AllTrails
For those that want a closer look at the base of the falls, continue along the trail until you reach the Fire Road intersection and take a right. It’s a bit more challenging, but you’ll love the new perspective.
Michael Kohlhaas / AllTrails For the shorter loop, continue along the Fire Road until you reach an intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Take the A.T. and in 0.5 miles, you’ll reach the South River Falls Trail Loop, which you’ll follow back to the original trailhead.
Have you ever enjoyed this loop through Shenandoah National Park? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience! For a helpful step-by-step guide about the trek, you can visit the HikingUpward website. For another fun adventure, be sure to check out this easy and beautiful waterfall trail in Virginia.
Nick Artysim / AllTrails
Stephen Kareha / AllTrails
Peizong Wang / AllTrails
Jonathan Kibler / AllTrails
Michael Kohlhaas / AllTrails
For the shorter loop, continue along the Fire Road until you reach an intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Take the A.T. and in 0.5 miles, you’ll reach the South River Falls Trail Loop, which you’ll follow back to the original trailhead.
What would you call the best hikes in Virginia? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Virginia April 05, 2022 Tori Jane What are the best state parks in Virginia? Did you know there are almost 40 state parks dotted all over the state of Virginia? It’s true – we may not be the largest state, but we sure do pack a punch when it comes to our state parks. Of course, “best” is subjective, but there are parks that tend to get a lot more love than the others. After all, they’re popular for a reason (or many reasons). Some of the best state parks in Virginia are Hungry Mother State Park, with its amazing lake views and lush greenery, Grayson Highlands State Park, with views to die for and wild ponies to watch, Westmoreland State Park (ocean views, anyone?), and Claytor Lake State Park, which is filled to the brim with fun stuff to do on the lake and lakeside. Natural Tunnel State Park is a great state park in Virginia for anyone interested in geology, and First Landing State Park cannot be missed. What are some wonderful things to do outside in Virginia? Well, there’s always the 40 state parks we mentioned above! Go hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking, or rock climbing (depending on where you go), or maybe go waterfall chasing (Cascade Falls is incredible). Explore some of Virginia’s interesting caves and caverns, and maybe do a day trip to tour Washington DC, which is nearby. Enjoy a horseback ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation, or check out unique places like Savage Neck Dunes. Alternatively, it’s always a good time for a scenic drive, so maybe do one (or several) of those. Those count as “outside”, right? Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains and get lost in the natural beauty of our state, or try your hand at fly fishing on our various rivers, streams, and creeks. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination, so be sure to get outdoors and enjoy the amazing state of Virginia at every opportunity.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Virginia
April 05, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the best state parks in Virginia? Did you know there are almost 40 state parks dotted all over the state of Virginia? It’s true – we may not be the largest state, but we sure do pack a punch when it comes to our state parks. Of course, “best” is subjective, but there are parks that tend to get a lot more love than the others. After all, they’re popular for a reason (or many reasons). Some of the best state parks in Virginia are Hungry Mother State Park, with its amazing lake views and lush greenery, Grayson Highlands State Park, with views to die for and wild ponies to watch, Westmoreland State Park (ocean views, anyone?), and Claytor Lake State Park, which is filled to the brim with fun stuff to do on the lake and lakeside. Natural Tunnel State Park is a great state park in Virginia for anyone interested in geology, and First Landing State Park cannot be missed. What are some wonderful things to do outside in Virginia? Well, there’s always the 40 state parks we mentioned above! Go hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking, or rock climbing (depending on where you go), or maybe go waterfall chasing (Cascade Falls is incredible). Explore some of Virginia’s interesting caves and caverns, and maybe do a day trip to tour Washington DC, which is nearby. Enjoy a horseback ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation, or check out unique places like Savage Neck Dunes. Alternatively, it’s always a good time for a scenic drive, so maybe do one (or several) of those. Those count as “outside”, right? Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains and get lost in the natural beauty of our state, or try your hand at fly fishing on our various rivers, streams, and creeks. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination, so be sure to get outdoors and enjoy the amazing state of Virginia at every opportunity.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Did you know there are almost 40 state parks dotted all over the state of Virginia? It’s true – we may not be the largest state, but we sure do pack a punch when it comes to our state parks. Of course, “best” is subjective, but there are parks that tend to get a lot more love than the others. After all, they’re popular for a reason (or many reasons). Some of the best state parks in Virginia are Hungry Mother State Park, with its amazing lake views and lush greenery, Grayson Highlands State Park, with views to die for and wild ponies to watch, Westmoreland State Park (ocean views, anyone?), and Claytor Lake State Park, which is filled to the brim with fun stuff to do on the lake and lakeside. Natural Tunnel State Park is a great state park in Virginia for anyone interested in geology, and First Landing State Park cannot be missed.
What are some wonderful things to do outside in Virginia?
Well, there’s always the 40 state parks we mentioned above! Go hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking, or rock climbing (depending on where you go), or maybe go waterfall chasing (Cascade Falls is incredible). Explore some of Virginia’s interesting caves and caverns, and maybe do a day trip to tour Washington DC, which is nearby. Enjoy a horseback ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation, or check out unique places like Savage Neck Dunes. Alternatively, it’s always a good time for a scenic drive, so maybe do one (or several) of those. Those count as “outside”, right? Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains and get lost in the natural beauty of our state, or try your hand at fly fishing on our various rivers, streams, and creeks. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination, so be sure to get outdoors and enjoy the amazing state of Virginia at every opportunity.
