South River Falls — Shenandoah National Park

What to bring

Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →

What to Expect

At 83 feet, South River Falls is the third tallest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park and one of the more satisfying hikes in the park’s central section. The standard route is a 3.3-mile loop from South River Picnic Area at Mile 62.8, with an optional 1-mile spur that drops to the base of the falls. Most people do the loop to the overlook above the falls and call it done — that’s a mistake. The spur to the base is short and worth every step.

The loop descends through second-growth hardwood on a rocky trail, crosses a footbridge over South River, and climbs to a viewing platform above the falls. From above, you’re looking down into the cascade as it drops over a wide ledge into a dark pool. The spur trail from the overlook switchbacks steeply down to the base, where you’re standing in the spray looking straight up 83 feet of freefalling water. The scale is completely different from the top. In spring the South River runs with force — the noise at the base is significant. The loop back climbs gradually through open forest to return to the picnic area.

Difficulty

Moderate. The 3.3-mile loop has 850 feet of gain distributed across the climb to and from the overlook. The spur to the base adds 1 mile and about 250 feet of descent (which means 250 feet of climbing back to the overlook). Rocky footing throughout. The trail is well-maintained and well-marked. Not a hard hike, but not a flat nature walk either.

Best Time to Go

Spring brings the best water volume and the hike is at its most dramatic in April when South River is running high. Fall color in the loop section is excellent in mid-October. The picnic area makes this a natural family outing — hike in the morning, eat at the tables after. South River Picnic Area is one of the less-trafficked access points in the park, so crowding is rarely an issue except on peak fall weekends.

Before You Go

South River Picnic Area is at Mile 62.8 on Skyline Drive, about 3 hours from DC and 30 minutes from Charlottesville via US-33. The picnic area has restrooms and running water from May through October. The parking lot is large and rarely fills. Park entrance fee applies ($35/vehicle weekly). There’s a fee station kiosk at the trailhead. No cell service on the trail. Elkton is 15 miles west via US-33 for gas and food.

Gear for this hike

Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →