Hike to Overall Run Falls
Virginia › Overall Run Falls Trailhead
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Activities:
Camping, Photography, Backpacking, Hiking, Fitness
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Skill Level:
Beginner
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Season:
Year Round
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Trail Type:
Out-and-Back
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RT Distance:
6.1 Miles
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Elevation Gain:
1700 Feet
This is the tallest waterfall (93 ft) in Shenandoah National Park, but also has great views west towards Massanutten mountain.
Start at the Hogback parking lot at MP 21.1 on the Skyline Drive. Take the Appalachian Trail south for 0.8 miles, and turn right onto the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. After 0.5 miles you will come to another intersection-keep right to stay on the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. A final intersection with the Mathews Arm Trail is after another 1.3 miles. Keep right at this intersection.
The waterfall will be 0.5 miles after the last intersection. There are multiple viewpoints of the falls and plenty of room to spread out. There are also great views to the west so you get a waterfall and a view at the same time.
Keep in mind the waterfall is on a small stream and will have less water in the summer/fall, and might also be partially blocked by trees, so try to hike it in winter or early spring. Even if water levels are low, the view to the west is still well worth the hike.
Once finished viewing the falls, retrace your steps back to your car by keeping left at all trail intersections. The falls can also be hiked if camping at Mathews Arm Campground and a good trail map for the hike can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/shen/upload/Overall-Run.pdf.
Pack List
- $20 entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park (or annual pass)
- Snacks
- Water
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Trail map
- Camera
Very difficult hike (especially from the bottom up) but what a view! Just an FYI: The park fee is always required even when parking outside of the park.
3 months ago
Oh man! Made a wrong turn somewhere and it turned into a 12 mile hike! The hike to the top was in the woods with no scenery so it was incredibly repetitive. But the summit WAS beautiful and the falls were tall and magnificent. If you want to avoid the park entrance fee, you can park for free on VA630 and do the hike bottom to top (instead of top to bottom on skyline drive). There is a "secret" locals spot about a mile in -- a multi-level swimming hole (2-3 pools!) perfect for a picnic or a dip!
11 months ago
