No. The trail is well-marked and obvious. Bring a headlamp or map for backup in case you hike late and light fades.

No, except service animals per NPS regulations.

Dark Hollow Falls - 1.4mi Moderate Hike

Q: Can I do this with my kids?

Ages 8+ with hiking experience. Younger children risk slipping on wet rocks; hand-holding near the falls is mandatory.

Q: Is there water on the trail?

No reliable water source to refill. Carry 1.5L minimum. Filtering from the creek at the base is risky (giardia).

Q: What's the parking situation?

Small 20-space lot fills by 8:30 AM on weekends. Arrive early or use Big Meadows overflow lot 3 miles south.

Q: How crowded is this trail?

Very crowded weekends and fair-weather days. Weekday mornings or shoulder seasons (April, September) are quieter.

Distance

1.4 mi

Elevation Gain

440 ft

Est. Time

1 hour 15 minutes

Route Type

Loop

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Late April through October. Winter access occasionally blocked by snow/ice.

Overview

About This Trail

A rewarding waterfall circuit on reliable terrain. The hike delivers cascading water views without technical scrambling or serious exposure. Most hikers of any fitness level can manage this, making it a solid gateway to Shenandoah's trail system.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Trail Highlights

The waterfall itself—60+ feet of cascading water into a shallow pool. Worth the climb.

Insider Tips

• The loop is short enough to do twice if parking fills—hike it, leave, return after the crowds thin. • Return route climbs steeply; save energy for the ascent. • Water is most impressive after rain or snowmelt (April–June).

Best Season to Hike

Late April through October. Winter access occasionally blocked by snow/ice.

Hiking Tips

Tighten your boots—the descent is rooty and slick when wet.
Carry 1.5L water minimum; there's no reliable on-trail water source.
Watch footing near the falls—rocks are perpetually damp and algae-slicked.
Bring a headlamp for emergencies; the return can take longer than expected in poor light.

Family Info

Good for fit kids 8+. Younger children may struggle with root systems and steep sections. Slippery rocks near the water—hand-holding mandatory near the falls.

What Hikers Say

Hikers consistently report the short mileage and moderate gain as achievable. The waterfall payoff is real, but wet rock hazards and crowds are drawbacks. Most say it's a perfect intro to Shenandoah without committing to an all-day epic.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 1.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 440 ft

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Loop

Surface: Rooty dirt with rock steps. Wet season turns sections to mud.

Getting There

Trailhead: Mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive, Central District. Signage clear from the lot.

Parking: Small lot, ~20 spaces

Fills Up: Full by 8:30 AM on weekends

Requirements

Permit Required

No permit required for day hikes.

Fees: $30 per vehicle (7-day pass)

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service. Two-car shuttle not needed for loop hike.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No—service animals excepted per NPS policy.

Biking: No

Trail Markers: Well-marked white blazes. Trail is obvious and well-worn.

View on AllTrails

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No reliable on-trail sources. Carry all water. Filtering directly from the creek at the base is possible but risky (giardia risk).

Shade: Mostly shaded in summer; sun exposure increases in spring/fall when canopy is thin.

Cell Service: Unreliable—expect dead zones in the gorge.

Hazards:

Slippery when wet. Cliff edges near the falls—not vertical drops, but the pool edge drops 8–12 feet. Root systems create tripping hazards on the descent. Algae coating rocks creates slick conditions year-round.

Emergency: Shenandoah National Park Ranger Station: (540) 999-3500. Dial 911 for emergencies.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Conga line on weekends

Peak Times: Weekends 8:00 AM–2:00 PM; avoid mid-day May–October.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty and steep. Does not meet ADA guidelines. Not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility devices.

Family Notes:

Good for fit kids 8+. Younger children may struggle with root systems and steep sections. Slippery rocks near the water—hand-holding mandatory near the falls.

Nearby Facilities

Big Meadows Campground (3 miles south on Skyline Drive) has restrooms and supplies. Shenandoah National Park Headquarters visitor center (Central District) for trail reports and maps.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, if they're ready for rooty terrain and 440ft elevation. The 1.4 miles is short, but the descent tests your footing control.

Can I do this with my kids?

Do I need a map?

Is there water on the trail?

What's the parking situation?

Are dogs allowed?

How crowded is this trail?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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