Dark Hollow Falls

Short waterfall out-and-back, steep, rocky footing, beginner-friendly cascade views.

Trail

Trail

Dark Hollow Falls is a moderate 1.4-mile out-and-back with 440 feet of elevation gain. The trail is steep and rocky, with a challenging uphill return; wet rocks can be slippery. Follow the NPS directions to the viewing point at the base of the falls, then retrace the same trail to the parking area. Choose it only if your group is prepared for the return climb.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1.4
Route Type
Out-and-back (1.4 miles total; return by the same route)
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
440

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1.4
Route Type
Out-and-back (1.4 miles total; return by the same route)
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
440
Estimated Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Trail Surface
Rooty dirt with rock steps. Wet season turns sections to mud.
Trail Features
  • Waterfall cascade
  • Rock steps
  • Forest canopy
  • Small pools
Trail Highlights
The waterfall itself—60+ feet of cascading water into a shallow pool. Worth the climb.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive, Central District. Signage clear from the lot.
Parking Lot Size
Small lot, ~20 spaces
Parking Fill Time
Full by 8:30 AM on weekends
Shuttle Required
No
Shuttle Details
This out-and-back returns to the same parking area; no two-car transfer is needed.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
No
Permit Details
No permit required for day hikes.
Fees
$30 per vehicle (7-day pass)
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Skyline Drive closures occur in winter (December–March) due to snow and ice; check NPS.gov for dates.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
No
Water Sources
No reliable on-trail sources. Carry all water. Filtering directly from the creek at the base is possible but risky (giardia risk).
Accessibility
Rooty and steep. Does not meet ADA guidelines. Not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility devices.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Slippery rocks
  • Root systems
  • Steep descent
  • Algae-covered rocks near water
  • Crowds on weekends
Hazard Details
Steep, rocky terrain and a challenging uphill return; wet sections can be slippery. Take your time, know your limits and stay on the marked trail. Return to the parking area by the same route.
Cell Service
Unreliable—expect dead zones in the gorge.
Crowd Level
Conga line on weekends
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends 8:00 AM–2:00 PM; avoid mid-day May–October.
Best Season
Late April through October. Winter access occasionally blocked by snow/ice.
Best Time To Visit
Start by 7:00 AM to avoid crowds. Mid-morning visits also work if early slots fill. Afternoon starts risk parking conflicts and late-day light on the descent.
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
Central District
Trail Markers
Well-marked white blazes. Trail is obvious and well-worn.
Dogs Allowed
No—service animals excepted per NPS policy.
Biking Allowed
No
Shade Level
Mostly shaded in summer; sun exposure increases in spring/fall when canopy is thin.
Emergency Contacts
Shenandoah National Park Ranger Station: (540) 999-3500. Dial 911 for emergencies.
Map Recommended
No
Alltrails Link
www.alltrails.com
Snow Dates
December–February: Occasional closures due to ice/snow. By March, most years are passable.
Mud Season
April (peak snowmelt). Mid-June through July (wet season from afternoon thunderstorms).
Wildflower Peak
May–June (trilliums, Virginia bluebells, rhododendron)
Fall Colors Peak
Late September through mid-October
Bug Season
June–August: Mosquitoes peak mid-summer. Bring bug spray.
Insider Tips
Save energy for the steep uphill return. Use care on wet, rocky footing. Follow the marked trail and NPS return directions; do not improvise a loop or climb around the waterfall.
Recent Updates
No major closures or reroutes as of 2026. Trail maintained to standard.
Family Friendly 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.
Review Summary
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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

Do I need a map?

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

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).

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.

Are dogs allowed?

No, except service animals per NPS regulations.

How crowded is this trail?

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

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.