Dark Hollow Falls will always be at the top of the list when looking for waterfall trails in Shenandoah National Park. And for good reason!
The Dark Hollow Falls trail is moderately easy and 1.4 miles long, making it attractive to novice and infrequent hikers.
Its proximity to the Big Meadows Campground and Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center also plays a large role in its popularity. And it features several beautiful waterfalls!
If you’re visiting Shenandoah National Park and want a fun, family-friendly hiking trail, Dark Hollow Falls is what you’re looking for and the guide below will help you plan for the best experience!
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Prepare For Your Hike to Dark Hollow Falls
Dark Hollow Falls Trail Location
The trailhead to Dark Hollow Falls is at mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive. Don’t forget to stop at some of the beautiful overlooks on your way to the trail!
The Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center and the Big Meadows Wayside are conveniently located just south of the trailhead. Stop there first to use the bathrooms and to stock up on any snacks or drinks you may want with you on the trail!
Parking For Dark Hollow Falls
The Dark Hollow Falls parking area is not a large parking lot and can fill up quickly during the summer months and the weekends. It’s one of the best hikes near Washington, DC, plus it’s also very popular with out-of-state visitors, so try to visit during the week and off-season if possible.
Park Fees
The National Park Service charges an entry fee for Shenandoah National Park. You can either use your National Park Pass for entry or buy a week-long pass for $30 (as of 2025).
Wildlife
Shenandoah National Park is home to many wildlife species, including the occasional black bear and poisonous snakes. (We actually saw multiple black bears during our visit to the park!) Always be aware of your surroundings and watch out for the wildlife.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on the Dark Hollow Falls trail.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Places like Dark Hollow Falls are popular with visitors, but they can bring trash and other issues. We all must do our part to keep our parks clean and enjoyable.
Remember to pack out all trash (including those fruit peels) and leave behind what you found. Leave no trace so we can all enjoy these parks for years to come!
Dark Hollow Falls Trail in Shenandoah
| Trail Location: | The trailhead is at mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. |
| Trail Length: | 1.5 miles, out and back |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 580 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Dark Hollow Falls Trail Difficulty
The Dark Hollow Falls hike is just shy of 1.5 miles round trip. It took us about two hours to complete the hike, but we stopped for rest breaks and pictures and then took more rest breaks on the way back up again.
After researching this trail, the one thing that kept coming up was how steep it is. Well, let me tell you: it is steep! The elevation change is 580 feet over the .7 miles, which can be hard for someone who isn’t used to hiking.
The worst part about the trail is that it descends to the waterfalls (like many waterfall trails). That means after you reach the bottom of the trail, you have to climb all the way back up.
Many novice hikers might find this steep grade difficult. But just take your time and rest when you need it and you’ll be okay!
Dark Hollow Falls Trail Condition
The trail itself is beautifully maintained and even has steps in some places. Some sticks and stones jut out from the earth, forming potential tripping hazards, but for the most part, the path is clear.
As one of the most popular trails in the Shenandoah Valley, the paths are worn down. After rainfall, parts of the trail might be slippery, so keep that in mind when completing your hike.
The Waterfalls of Dark Hollow Falls
The name of this trail is not meant to mislead you. You will see many waterfalls on this hike. The most impressive one is about halfway down the trail. It is also the most crowded of the falls.
Everyone on the trail gathers at the largest falls for photos, rest breaks, and, on a hot day, to dip their toes in the water.
At this point, many visitors turn around and return to the trailhead, shortening the hike to about one mile. However, our advice is to complete the trail!
There are more falls below this one that equally deserve your attention. And, at least on our visit, they were less crowded. We only saw one other family while at the bottom of the trail.
Extend Your Hike to Rose River Falls
Once you reach the Rose River Fire Road, you’ve reached the bottom of the trail. From here, you can backtrack and return to the top via the Dark Hollow Falls trail.
Or, you can extend your hike by taking the Rose River Loop Trail, which will take you to Rose River Falls. The loop will add about 4 miles to your hike, making it about 5.5 miles in total.
At the bottom of the Dark Hollow Falls Trail, cross the Rose River Fire Road and take the Rose River Loop Trail (blue blazes) to the 67-foot tall waterfall.
Continue on the trail until you reach the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail (yellow-blazed). Stay left on the Rose River Fire Road and follow until you reach the bottom of the Dark Hollow Falls Trail and return back to the parking lot.
Dark Hollow Falls Waterfall Trail Wrap Up
Here are some key takeaways before you head out on your hike:
- The Dark Hollow Falls trail is in Shenandoah National Park. There is a fee to enter the park or you can use your National Park Pass.
- Even though the trail is steep, it is still kid-friendly. Our kids, at ages 6 and 9, had no problems completing it. We even passed some younger kids along the way!
- If you are doing this waterfall hike with kids, plan for at least two hours to complete the whole 1.5 miles.
- This is one of the more popular Shenandoah National Park hikes and can get crowded on the trail. Avoid visiting on the weekends in the summer, if possible.
- When visiting on the weekend, arrive early to secure a parking spot at the trailhead.
- As noted above, bathrooms and a general store are located at the Big Meadows Wayside at the Harry F. Byrd visitor center, approximately .5 miles south of the trailhead.
Other Fun Things to Do Near Dark Hollow Falls
There are other great hikes nearby that also make a great day trip hike from Washington, DC, like Mary’s Rocks and Old Rag.
For an easier walk to a beautiful view, you’ll have to leave Shenandoah National Park and check out the Massanutten Storybook Trail.
You can also visit one of the several caverns in the area, like the Shenandoah Caverns or Luray Caverns. Both are close to Shenandoah National Park.
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