Overall Run Falls [Suggest Edits]

Description

Shenandoah is a land of pristine forests and beautiful waterfalls. Overall Run Falls is the tallest waterfall in the park, and visitors will delight in this peaceful area. Located at the end of the Mathews Arm Trail, visitors will need to continue a little way along the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail to see the falls.

The journey out to the falls is part of what makes this area so special. Heading along the Mathews Arm Trail is serene and is not overly strenuous. The nature of the trail makes it easy to take in sweeping vistas, dense forests, and beautiful colors. Depending on the time of year that you’re visiting, you may have to cross a few small creeks, but the water is more of a relaxing babble than an obstacle. The Beecher Ridge is prime black bear habitat, and visitors along the trail are more likely to see these shy mammals here than most other places in the park. Moving along the trail helps visitors to leave the modern world behind, and makes Overall Run Falls appear even more spectacular.

When visitors reach the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail, the going will get a little tougher, though the falls appear shortly after the trail junction. Coming up the trail, the falls will appear across a small valley. Tumbling over an exposed rock face, the falls appear to slide out of the surrounding woodland in into the serene pool at the bottom. The falls are fed by a small creek, which may be low later in the summer. Even if you’re visiting when the falls are dry, the views across the valley are still breathtaking, and this is a great place for a short snack or a picnic.

Short Hike: Work your way up about 2.5 miles of trail to reach this secluded gem.

Family Friendly: Though the trail out is a bit long for younger kids, many will enjoy a chance to practice navigation or just stretch the legs on the way to a great viewpoint.

Gem Type: Waterfall