As such, it pays to come prepared with water-resistant hiking shoes with heavy treads. On flatter stretches of the trail stray water from the falls combined with heavy foot traffic leads to occasional mud pits. Certain stretches of the trail include narrow stairs which slow down movement as hikers take turns using the stairs to ascend and descent the trail. So, expect a crowded parking lot, delays along the trail, and plenty of mud. But Dark Hollow Falls is one of the shortest and most accessible trails. There are many other hikes to scenic waterfalls in the park. The trail is understandably one of Shenandoah National Park’s most popular routes. After following the steep descent down the falls, the return hike up can easily wind the average hiker. It’s also a shame to have to rush the return trip. Wet days can also make portions of the trail dangerous with slick rocks and muddy descents. It’s a shame to rush past the many scenic views of the falls. So, while the trail itself is only a mile and a quarter, expect to spend over an hour hiking. Since the trail closely follows the descent of the falls, much of the route is steep and wet. There are multiple scenic points to explore the falls and experience unique views. The thick canopy of trees shelters the falls from above and the steep hillside keeps the falls tumbling. There is no single overlook to see the complete falls. But quickly the trail draws close to the falls and takes a parallel route alongside the tumbling water. Halfway down the trail, hikers get their first view of the falls from an overlook.
Hiking Dark Hollow Falls Trailĭark Hollow Falls trail follows the creek that feeds the falls-¾ of a mile from the trailhead parking lot to the head of the falls. Hikers do have to cross Skyline Drive to reach the falls trailhead, but with a 35 mph speed limit, it’s not too dangerous of a proposition. The Visitor Center not only offers overflow parking but a short trail from the Visitor Center to the falls trailhead. But that doesn’t have to stop prospective hikers.
Even on an off day, the parking lot can fill up quickly. The trailhead parking lot for Dark Hollow Falls is located at mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive, across from Big Meadows Visitor Center. Brilliant green flora thrives in the wet falls environment. Leave the vast overlooks behind and get up close and personal with the Dark Hollow Falls Trail. But one doesn’t have to wander far to be immersed in natural gullies experience a more intimate side of the park. The main artery of the park, Skyline Drive, is dotted with scenic overlooks. Keep left at fork to Interstate 75 S/Cumberland Boulevard, go 0.6 miles.Shenandoah National Park highlights expansive vistas of the Virginia countryside.Take exit 20 – Interstate 75 S/US 41/Cumberland Boulevard.Keep left at fork to Cumberland Boulevard, go 0.4 miles.Take exit 20 – Interstate 75 S, go 0.8 miles.Turn left at US 41 S/GA 3 S/Cobb Parkway SE, go 0.6 miles park entrance is on your right.Turn right at Cumberland Boulevard, go 0.3 miles.Turn right at US 41/Northside Parkway NW.Drop me a line!ġ.8 Miles on the main trail – more in the woodsĪsphalt and Concrete (Dirt in wooded areas) If you have run this route and would like to contribute, I’d love to hear from you. West Palisades / Rottenwood Creek Trail Map
#ROTTENWOOD CREEK TRAIL PARKING UPDATE#
I hear you can also reach the Cochran Shoals section from West Palisades through some “unofficial” connector trails in the woods – I haven’t tried this yet, but wil update this entry when I do. For the extremely adventurous, add in the sope creek section of the Cochran Shoals course and add 4 more miles to hit around 13.5 total.Ĭlick here for more info and trail maps of the Cochran Shoals and Sope Creek sections. It is a great scenic run with hills to start, flat throughout the main run and a few rolling hills and a downhill run at the end.
From here you can add the Cochran Shoals loop, run back to the West Palisades course and run back to the parking lot for a grand total of roughly 9.5 miles. Run northeast through the Powers Ferry traffic light to the entrance into the Cochran Shoals park. West Palisades and Cochran Shoals Long RunĪnother option here is to put in a long run and head out of the parking lot onto Interstate North Parkway.
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