Dark Hollow Falls
Dark Hollow Falls
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
569 reviews
Excellent
359
Very good
165
Average
36
Poor
6
Terrible
3
The_Wanderer1992
Columbia, MD1,824 contributions
Jul 2020
My husband and I took this hike while visiting Shenandoah. There was a lot of cars around it, but I did not think it would be as crowded as it was. Some were wearing masks, but there was minimal social distancing. The waterfalls were nice, but it was hard to get good pictures without people in them. The walk down was fairly easy, though I did slip on a rock once. The hike up, as they do warn, is challenging.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vonda J
35 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Although our long awaited and thoroughly planned trip ended with rainy days plus low lying fog that allowed no viewing of overlooks, this hike was bountifully blessed from all the water and overflowed. It was beautiful. The hike is all down hill going and uphill return. Not for beginners. Seems to attract a lot of visitors. Small amount of parking. Worth the hike.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alacrout
Los Angeles, CA160 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
The hike is relatively short, but it may be difficult for some people.
The entire way to the falls is downhill. So the entire way back to the parking lot is uphill.
If you’re a relatively experienced hiker—and I just mean you’ve done a handful—then you’ll have no problem with this.
But if you’re somewhat out of shape, well... This hike is a good place to start changing that!
Shenandoah National Park as a whole is a beautiful place with scenic views all around. This hike to Dark Hollow Falls is a great spot to slow down and take in the scenery.
It is one of the more popular stops though. There were quite a few people on the trail when we were there.
The entire way to the falls is downhill. So the entire way back to the parking lot is uphill.
If you’re a relatively experienced hiker—and I just mean you’ve done a handful—then you’ll have no problem with this.
But if you’re somewhat out of shape, well... This hike is a good place to start changing that!
Shenandoah National Park as a whole is a beautiful place with scenic views all around. This hike to Dark Hollow Falls is a great spot to slow down and take in the scenery.
It is one of the more popular stops though. There were quite a few people on the trail when we were there.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawn H
Washington DC, DC413 contributions
Aug 2020
This was our favorite hike while we were at Shenandoah, as the trail offered many opportunities to sit next to a calming brook as it descended the mountain and eventually went over a stunning set of falls in the forest. The hike was enough to break a sweat, and you should be careful not to lose your footing on the sometimes slippery rocks, but the payoff at the falls was worth the hike down and back up.
That said, this was also the most crowded trail when we were there on a Saturday. Having been in the park for a couple days, we were surprised to see how busy things got on the weekend, with every parking lot overflowing. To get down to the Dark Hollows Trail, we had to park at the Big Meadows lodge and take the Story of the Forest Trail to the trail head for Dark Hollows, given the lack of parking. I'd love to go back at a quieter time and spend more time in peaceful meditation by the stream.
That said, this was also the most crowded trail when we were there on a Saturday. Having been in the park for a couple days, we were surprised to see how busy things got on the weekend, with every parking lot overflowing. To get down to the Dark Hollows Trail, we had to park at the Big Meadows lodge and take the Story of the Forest Trail to the trail head for Dark Hollows, given the lack of parking. I'd love to go back at a quieter time and spend more time in peaceful meditation by the stream.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chitranganie M
Colombo, Sri Lanka220 contributions
Aug 2020
Was a lovely trail all the way. We had two kids 6 and 3. Having read some of the reviews I was concerned that the hike back up was going to be challenging with the three year old but it was not. You just need to go easy and carry just the minimum essentials. The kids enjoyed dipping gather feet in the icy water, sitting on the rocks watching the waters cascading down. There are quite a few places where you can actually get into knee deep water. Some sections of the trail are wet and slippery so good footwear is a must. Those were the only sections over which we had to carry out 3 year old.
Parking was a bit tight around mid day but if you hang around a while you can get a spot. By late afternoon there were quite a few free spots available.
Parking was a bit tight around mid day but if you hang around a while you can get a spot. By late afternoon there were quite a few free spots available.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mom22militarymen
Baltimore, MD152 contributions
Oct 2021
Busy trail with a parking lot that fills up. The description of this trail lists it as easy but with a very challenging return uphill.
Believe it. It is steep and there’s a lot of loose rocks.
It’s a good hike though and you’ll meet lots of people.
Take your time and bring water.
The falls are nice but my big takeaway from the hike is this:
Wear appropriate footwear for this trail!!
For any really. But I was amazed and dismayed at the footwear I saw.
A woman was starting down the trail in heels!!!
I tried to communicate to her in my broken Spanish that it was going to be dangerous. Her husband said thanks and they kept going.
Others had sandals, or slip ons and I did wonder if they made it down and back up.
Walking sticks to help.
Believe it. It is steep and there’s a lot of loose rocks.
It’s a good hike though and you’ll meet lots of people.
Take your time and bring water.
The falls are nice but my big takeaway from the hike is this:
Wear appropriate footwear for this trail!!
For any really. But I was amazed and dismayed at the footwear I saw.
A woman was starting down the trail in heels!!!
I tried to communicate to her in my broken Spanish that it was going to be dangerous. Her husband said thanks and they kept going.
Others had sandals, or slip ons and I did wonder if they made it down and back up.
Walking sticks to help.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy C
Finger Lakes, NY873 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We did Dark Hollow, Rose River, Lewis Falls, and Whiteoak Canyon. Dark Hollow is the best one. The path is steep in places. Wear good shoes, not sandals. Water and a snack are also good to bring along. If you've got the time, do the whole trail. Many people stopped at the first waterfall and then went back to the parking area. All three cascades are lovely. The walk back is uphill but if you take your time, it's doable.
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carina C
Washington DC, DC5 contributions
Aug 2020
This is not a super easy hike to a waterfall. It’s quite a ways down, we drank a full 16 ounces of water and a 12 ounce gatorade. Lots of folks with not good shoes, wear hikers or at least sneakers. Flip flops, crocs, tiny dogs in purses and toddlers in flip flops or crocs (or stroller!) will have a very hard to impossible time on this trail. It was muddy, slippery and very rocky in places with a steep incline. We passed a couple of skinned up knees and elbows and inhappy tears.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danuza
Cambridge, MA950 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We enjoyed the trail. It was hard to go back because it was up hill on the way back, but it was beautiful and easy to walk. Not too crowded when we went because it rained for a bit that day. Easy to find parking, since the park is organized and has parking and areas to stop for pictures. The waterfall itself was gorgeous and totally worth the 20 min walk each way. Some people were even bathing. We had young kids and we had to carry them on the way back, so if a parent can’t carry their kid, It will probably take more then 20 min to go back.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael A
Chesapeake, VA1,099 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Dark Hallow Falls is a beautiful hike to a really nice water fall. It's about a mile and a half hike downhill to the falls. (And uphill on the way back). It can be pretty crowded on weekends. Parking can be a problem. Also the trail is wet and sections can be muddy and slippery.
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelingmontez
Plano, TX3 contributions
What is the easiest hike to a waterfall in this park?
Chitranganie M
Colombo, Sri Lanka220 contributions
Hi! You think this is something manageable with 2 kids - 3 and 6? We are 2 adults and 2 kids. Can you avoid the crowds by making an early start? Or late evening? Is there a time of day which is less crowded?
Carina C
Washington DC, DC5 contributions
I would not suggest for a 3 year old. Maybe 6 year old. Must wear proper shoes, not sandals or crocs.
Joshika
Alexandria, VA57 contributions
Can you swim here?
worktotravel14
Trenton, NJ2,310 contributions
No, there isn't really anywhere to swim, but you can dip your toes in. For swimming try Rose River trail.
HoneyS
New York City, NY13 contributions
Are there any waterfall hikes for beginners and the elderly? I'm planning to take my in laws who are 70 yrs old. Any suggestions?
lindaRCHebron_Md
hebron, md7 contributions
Can I walk my dog on this trail
Jonathan Ehrlich
Atlanta, GA70 contributions
Yes. According to Barkpost, Shenandoah is one of a few national parks that allow dogs. They must be leashed. This is second hand so you may want to check with that site or with the park itself.
Emmy L
1 contribution
Is this recommended for families with young children? 3 year old and 6 year old.
Travelgirl77710
New Jersey141 contributions
My 6 year old had no problems with minimal help, but your 3 yr old might. It depends how used to hiking they are, especially steep and Rocky terrain.
shutterbug600
Shenandoah Valley, VA3 contributions
My daughter has mobility problems and walks with a cane. Would you suggest this hike for her?
anita p
Richmond, VA186 contributions
I would not advise it
Deborah C
Culpeper, VA155 contributions
You did the Rose River/Dark Hollow Falls Loop. The hike down Dark Hollow Falls and retracing your steps to the top is 1.4 miles.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dark Hollow Falls
- Hotels near Dark Hollow Falls:
- (0.29 mi) 1 bedroom accommodation in Luray
- (3.83 mi) Piney Hill Bed & Breakfast
- (4.40 mi) South Court Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (4.97 mi) The Inn of the Shenandoah
- (1.08 mi) Luray Rv Resort & Campground On Shenandoah River
- Restaurants near Dark Hollow Falls:
- (3.03 mi) Triple Crown BBQ
- (4.59 mi) West Main Market
- (4.82 mi) Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Cafe
- (0.81 mi) Daisy's Diner at Cooter's Luray
- (3.06 mi) Flotzie's