Hike Moorman's River
2.5 miles
- Out-and-Back Trail
Added by Christin Healey
This is a great hike any day, any time of the year, with any skill level of hiker. The best part about it in the summer is definitely the swimming holes!
Along the hike, there are four "official" swimming holes to jump in, but you can make your own at any time. Go in the springtime for a great waterfall at the end the feeds into a swimming hole, and in the fall for a wonderland of foliage. The official name of this hike is Moorman's River, but anyone local simply calls it "Sugar Hollow".
You will pass Sugar Hollow Reservoir on the left, and dead end into the parking lot. From here you can either go left past the steel gate to "Blue Hole", or right up the road to the trail. Head right, past the sign that says "road closed" (for cars only) on the gravel road until you reach the yellow-blazed North Fork Moorman’s River trail. The trail is well marked and goes on for 2.5 miles until you hit the waterfall. You will have three river crossings on the trail that may be a bit tricky in the springtime; wear water shoes and a hiking pole if you feel uneasy at water crossings.
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Overall rating:
Great spot for the pup
Brought my dog here earlier this summer and he absolutely loved it. I arrived early and almost had the whole place for my self. Bring Chaco-style sandals for traction/protection!
5.0
Nice hike
Pretty hike. There were black bears the day I was there. Decent amount of people in the last swimming hole. Was glad I wore water shoes for crossing rivers. It was a fun hike!
4.0
Fun hike
This is a fun hike and I recommend bringing your swim suit because there are some great swimming holes along the trail.
5.0
One of my favorite places
I've been hiking in Shenandoah for years and this has to be one of my favorite places within the whole park! The lake at the beginning is gorgeous and picturesque and the hike is a ton of fun and not to hard. During the summer this river is amazing for swimming with lots of swimming holes, but be warned, at the beginning of June and towards the end of August this place becomes a favorite for UVA students and there are always TONS of people on the weekends. This is also an awesome place to go fly fishing!
5.0
One of my favorites.
My dog is always in heaven at Moorman. Especially when the parkway is closed
4.0
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