South River Falls: Hike to the Third Tallest Waterfall at Shenandoah National Park
At 83 feet tall, South River Falls is the third tallest waterfall at Shenandoah National Park. It’s a beauty and well worth an overall elevation gain of 1,299 feet.
You can complete this Skyline Drive hike as an out-and-back hike on the South River Falls Trail or as a loop hike by way of the South River Fire Road.
I chose the circuit hike, hiking down along the trail, then hiking back up to the parking area on the fire road. There’s no real benefit to either direction.
It’s a great hike with a generous reward when you reach the falls. There are lots of rocks to sit on too to enjoy a snack or re-fuel before the return hike.
| Trail Stats | |
|---|---|
| Length | 5.1 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Elevation Gain | 1,299 feet |
| Duration | 2.5-3.5 hours |
| Terrain | Mostly dirt and rock trails |
| Dog-Friendly | Yes |
| Fee | $30 per vehicle (good for seven days) |
| Driving Directions | Click Here |
South River Falls Trail
Proceed to milepost 62.8 on Skyline Drive the park’s Central District. The trailhead is at the back of the parking lot for the South River Picnic Area.
The picnic area is quite large and shady with plenty of picnic tables. It’s a great spot to revel in a hike well-done once you return from South River Falls.
The trailhead is adjacent to a large trail kiosk. From here, the hiking trail descends into the forest, mostly alongside the refreshingly lovely South River.
Once you pass the trail kiosk, you will reach a four-way intersection. The blue-blazed South River Falls Trail crosses over the white-blazed Appalachian Trail.
Follow the blue blazes past the concrete trail marker at the intersection. You’ll soon reach a few switchbacks and steps built into the trail to ease the decline.
By the .7-mile mark, the trail nearly rubs up against the South River as it comes up on the right. The gentle cascades are very relaxing and spectacularly scenic.
You will arrive at the waterfall overlook at the 1.4-mile mark. Here, the views are rather nice, but better views of the beautiful waterfalls are still ahead.
By now, you will have descended 800 feet, so take a break at the stone observation point overlook before proceeding on to the base of South River Falls.
You will now begin walking away from the water. At the 1.6-mile mark, the South River Falls Trail meets the yellow-blazed South River Fire Road.
Turn right here to stay on the South River Falls Trail to the tumbling falls along a mostly forested trail. You will re-approach the river near the 2.1-mile mark.
At the 2.2-mile mark, you may think you’re at the end of the trail. You can see South River Falls, but it is not close. Look right for rocky steps and a blue blaze.
South River Falls
From here the now-rocky trail narrows as you sidle alongside the South River until you reach the base of the park’s third highest waterfall in another .1-mile.
There are lots of rocks to take a seat at the base of the falls to enjoy views of South River Falls. There’s even a lovely watering hole at the base.
Once you’ve finished up at the falls, re-trace your steps, but at the 3.2-mile mark, stay right to proceed along the South River Fire Road.
South River Fire Road
As are most fire roads, the hike up is pretty meh, but easier than hiking back up by way of the South River Falls Trail. Though it would be more scenic.
At the 4.5-mile mark, keep your eyes open for a trail marker. At the trail marker, stay left for the Appalachian Trail. This narrow trail leads to the picnic area.
If you were to continue straight at the marker, you would go to the South River Overlook, which is not where you parked your car. At least as far as I know.
At the 5.0-mile mark, turn right onto the blue-blazed trail. From here, you’re just a few steps away from the picnic grounds and parking area. Also, restrooms.
Wrap-Up Notes
From the parking area, my hiking time to one of the most popular waterfalls at Shenandoah National Park was 2 hours, 15 minutes.
For post-hike snacks and sips, drive a quick 12 miles north to Big Meadows Wayside. Here you’ll find grab-and-go sandwiches, sodas and souvenirs.
Like waterfall hikes? Shenandoah National Park has more than a few, including Lewis Falls, Rose River Falls and White Oak Falls.
Erin Gifford has completed more than 300 hikes in Virginia. She is also the author of three hiking guidebooks from Falcon Guides. Need help finding a hike? Check out the Trail Finder feature or send Erin an email at [email protected].
