Dark Hollow Falls

Stanley, Virginia

4.6/5

based on 12 reviews

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Details

Distance

1.32 miles

Elevation Gain

440 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Christin Healey

The hike to Dark Hollow Falls features a beautiful waterfall right off Skyline Drive and if located close to Big Meadows Campground and Lodge. You'll have the opportunity to photograph both upper and lower cascades. Consider this short hike for a great break from driving, and family-friendly if you have the kiddos. Please note this is one of the few hikes in SNP where dogs are sadly not allowed.

Catch the trailhead to these falls at mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive, just north of Big Meadows Lodge and Campground and the trailhead is just to the left of the parking lot. This is an easy 1.4 mile roundtrip hike, straight down to get to the falls, and straight up to arrive back at your car. Many people don't know there are actually two places to view different drops of the falls, so keep going to the second viewpoint for the complete experience. If you are planning on going during the weekend, arrive early or later in the afternoon as this is a very popular trail due to its proximity to Skyline Drive. Worth it though!

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Waterfalls

Dark Hollow Falls Reviews

Kelly Park

Dark Hollow Falls

11/02/16

Very short and sweet with a cool waterfall. Not quite sure why it's not dog friendly though as it is not difficult and there are no rock scrambles.

4.0

Jenn Gonzalez

Dark Hollow Falls

10/21/16

Love these falls. I can't wait to go back. I will certainly go very early though because as mentioned, it gets packed. It makes it very hard to hike back up when so many are coming down the trail. Rose River Falls loop is a great add on and less crowded.

5.0

Michael Hilgendorf

Dark Hollow Falls

06/28/16

Quick and easy hike to a waterfall. Very crowded as it is easily accessible. Worth the short hike.

3.0

Explorer

Elyse Clark

Explorer

Dark Hollow Falls

05/22/16

As others have said-combining this waterfall with the Rose River Falls hike makes for a nice loop. But if only wanting a short hike, Dark Hollow Falls alone will suffice. Keep in mind the trail is quite steep, so you'll have to hike back up as far as you come down. I've spotted bears more than once in the stream to the right of the trail just a short distance down the trail from the parking lot.

4.0

Zinnia Xu

Dark Hollow Falls

11/09/15

I also did the Rose River Loop plus the Dark Hollow Falls add-on. Everything together is around 4 miles roundtrip. The falls are really beautiful!

5.0

Cody Soule

Dark Hollow Falls

08/19/15

The rating is for the falls! I have only done the Rose River Loop and added on Dark Hallow Falls as a side-trail. Definitely worth the extra tenth of a mile!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Hike to Rose River Falls

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Hike the Rose River Falls to Dark Hollow Falls Loop

Parking at the trailhead is a few miles north of Big Meadows at the Fisher's Gap Overlook parking area. You will find much more solitude along this loop trail than if you were to park at the Dark Hollow Falls trailhead as the Dark Hollow Falls is much more popular. That makes being able to find the shot or picture that you want without other hikers getting in your shots, much easier. The ...

Dark Hollow Falls

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Big Meadows Loop

Lewis Falls via Lewis Spring

Camp at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park

Three Falls Hike

Hike to Rose River Falls

Hike the Rose River Falls to Dark Hollow Falls Loop

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