A Wooded Hike to Shamokin Falls at Wintergreen Resort in Central Virginia

A 2.9-mile out-and-back hike allows hikers to scramble rocks and revel in tumbling Shamokin Falls near Wintergreen Resort in Nellysford, Virginia. 

This hike is located within the Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve, a protected 13-acre section of hardwood forest, which has more than 30 miles of hiking trails. 

Most trails are short – one mile or less – but you may also need to connect two or three trails to reach ponds, gorges and waterfalls across the scenic property.

The nature trails that criss-cross Wintergreen Resort truly make this a four seasons destination for outdoor lovers.

Trail Stats
Length	2.9 miles
Difficulty	Moderate
Trail Type	Out-and-Back
Elevation Gain	728 feet
Duration	1.5-2.5 hours
Terrain	Mostly dirt & rock trails
Dog-Friendly	Yes
Fee	Free
Driving Directions	Click Here

Wintergreen Hiking Trails

There is more than one way to reach Shamokin Falls. We chose the 2.9-mile hike, but there is a 0.8-mile out-and-back hike on the Upper Shamokin Falls Trail.

For the 2.9-mile route, parallel park on Laurel Springs Drive. The driving directions above will map you to where you need to park your car.

When you park, you’ll see a small sign for the Old Appalachian Trail and Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve Loop. You’re in the right place.

Old Appalachian Trail

Begin on the Old Appalachian Trail. You may also see this trail identified as the Wintergreen Hiking Trail. 

The hike begins with a slow descent on a large path through the wooded forest. It’s beautiful and relaxing, especially in fall with leaves swirling around you.

At the 0.35-mile mark, you’ll see a sign for the Nature Preserve Loop. Bypass this trail sign and continue along the Old Appalachian Trail.

Turn right at the 0.7-mile mark when you see a sign for the Upper Shamokin Gorge Trail. This will connect you with the Upper Shamokin Falls Trail.

From here, walk down a few steps, then walk over wooden slats to cross a wide creek and mossy stones. Follow the red blazes through the leafy forest.

In a few more steps, you’ll reach the rock scramble. Kids will most certainly love this area of large rocks that connects with the next section of trail.

From here, you will begin a fairly steep descent to the waterfall. As in, nearly 500 feet over 0.8-mile, which of course you’ll need to re-gain on the way back.

Upper Shamokin Falls 

You’ll reach Upper Shamokin Falls at the 1.45-mile mark. As you get closer, you’ll start to notice visitors approaching the falls from various directions.

One way to do so is the 0.8-mile hike, which I mentioned above. For this hike, stay on Laurel Springs Drive. The trailhead is on the left, past Weeping Rock Lane.

This hike approaches the falls from the north, while the longer hike comes to the cascading falls from the south. There is also a 1.7-mile Lower Shamokin Falls Trail.

Shamokin Falls is very popular, especially among families. However, I suspect it may become less popular now that the hike has gone from “easy” to “moderate.”

Wrap-Up Notes

This hike took nearly 90 minutes to complete, including a very short amount of time spent at the falls given it was quite crowded the day we did this hike.

Plan to pack a picnic or stop for post-hike eats at one of several restaurants and grab-and-go markets at Wintergreen Resort, like Devils Grill or The Market.

I had no idea, but Wintergreen is a stone’s throw from the Blue Ridge Parkway, including Ravens Roost Overlook and the scenic Dripping Rock South hike.