Hike Dark Hollow Falls
Stanley, Virginia
Details
Distance
1.4 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Christin Healey
This hike features a beautiful waterfall right off Skyline Drive and if located close to Big Meadows Campground and Lodge. You'll have the opportunity to photography 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!
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Reviews
Dark Hollow Falls is a relatively quick hike, albeit with some good elevation change. The falls themselves have a few stopping points on your way down to the bottom of the hike that you can stop at to capture some cool shots. Take an ND filter with you to smooth out the water and you'll really get some nice pics. It's not overly steep, more gradual but about 440 ft of elevation change in total.
5.0
This is a great hike off Skyline Drive! It's simple and beautiful, with a wonderful waterfall at the end and many small cascades along the way. Well worth the stop!
5.0
A very short hike with a nice relaxing multi-tiered waterfall as the payoff. You're able to explore and climb around the different tiers and segments of the falls making it fun to photograph. Does get crowded so you'll have to be patient to get the pictures you want.
5.0
Dark hollow falls is an easy trip down to spectacular views, especially if we've had a decent rain season. Be mindful that the hike back to the lot is a steady incline most of the way.
5.0
This is a very beautiful waterfall and is very popular because of the short hike and because its right next to Big Meadow Campground. This is a great hike for families; Ive taken both my boys (1 and 4) down to the falls with no problem. If you are filling adventurous you can hike the "Three Falls Loop" which will take you to see Dark Hollow Falls, Rose River Falls, and Lewis Spring Falls for a total of 6.1 miles.
5.0
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
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
Quick and easy hike to a waterfall. Very crowded as it is easily accessible. Worth the short hike.
3.0
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
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
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Hike Big Meadows
Camp at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park
Three Falls Hike
Hike to Rose River Falls
Backpack Rose River Loop
Hike the Rose River Falls to Dark Hollow Falls Loop
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy