Early fall at Dark Hollow Falls.
NPS / N. Lewis · Public domain

Dark Hollow Falls

A short, steep walk from Skyline Drive to the waterfall closest to the road.

Stays on the map
Distance
1.4 mi
round trip
Elevation gain
440 ft
Hiking time
1 hr 15 min
NPS estimate, no breaks
Difficulty
Moderate
NPS scale

The trail drops about three quarters of a mile from the Dark Hollow Falls lot to the falls, then returns the same way. It is short, but the return climb is steep and rocky, and the trail is slick when wet.

No pets on this trail

Shenandoah prohibits pets on this route. Service animals are welcome. NPS pet rules

Park entrance pass only

$30 per vehicle, good for 7 days, or an annual pass. NPS fees

Highlights

  • Waterfall closest to Skyline Drive
  • Short enough for a half day

Before you go

  • Steep climb back. Pets are not allowed on this trail.

Where to stay, by the drive

Rank on the map

Ordered by drive time to the parking area, then by how close the stay is to this area and how complete and current its listing is. How ranking works.

Exterior of Big Meadows Lodge.
Unclaimed

Big Meadows Lodge

Lodge rooms and cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 51

7min drive

1.8 mi by road · 0.9 mi straight

Sunrise over Big Meadows.
Unclaimed

Big Meadows Campground

National park campground (reservation only) · Skyline Drive, mile 51

7min drive

1.6 mi by road · 0.7 mi straight

Moss phlox on the rocks at Crescent Rock Overlook in spring.
Unclaimed

Lewis Mountain Cabins

Rustic cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 57.5

16min drive

7 mi by road · 6.2 mi straight

Exterior of the Skyland dining room and taproom.
Unclaimed

Skyland

Lodge rooms and cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 41.7

20min drive

8.6 mi by road · 5.7 mi straight

Main Street in Sperryville, Virginia, in October.
Unclaimed

Hopkins Ordinary

Bed and breakfast with a brewery · Sperryville

56min drive

26.5 mi by road · 14.6 mi straight

3 more beyond 60 minutes
Fields toward the Blue Ridge from Route 231 near Etlan, Madison County.
Unclaimed Some pet-friendly units

Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges

Lodge rooms, cabins, farmhouses and campground · Syria

1 hr 22 mindrive

46.8 mi by road · 6 mi straight

Panorama across a field toward Old Rag from Route 231 near Etlan.
Host verified Dogs welcome

Birch's Library

Cabin, 1865 homestead · Syria

1 hr 41 mindrive

51.7 mi by road · 5.1 mi straight

Sources

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