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Overall Run Falls

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 3.7 (29)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …Shenandoah National Park
  5. North District
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“A fairly strenuous loop hike that leads visitors to a scenic waterfall and back. ”

Larry W Brown
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6.3

Miles

10.2

KM

Lollipop

3,455' 1,053 m

High

2,178' 664 m

Low

1,348' 411 m

Up

1,348' 411 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Waterfall

Overview

This out and back route allows visitors to take in the Overall Run Falls, as well as the surrounding forest. The mostly moderate trail is good for visitors of all abilities, though there is one steep portion where some may wish to begin the return trip.

Description

This route leads visitors from just south of the Hogback Overlook to the Overall Run Falls. Starting from the parking area on the north side of Skyline Drive, visitors will take the Appalachia south initially. The trail is blazed with white, and is well marked. This first portion of the descent is fairly moderate, though you'll notice the elevation loss.

After about 0.5 miles, visitors will reach the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. The trails are similar in characteristic, though the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail is blazed with blue. Visitors will continue their descent. Shortly, visitors will pass the Tuscarora-Overall Run Access Trail, which will be a yellow-blazed trail heading off to the west. Continue along the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail.

Keep your eyes peeled after this intersection, and there will be a viewpoint to the left (west) of the trail. This small detour is worthwhile, as the views of the falls are spectacular here! Though the Overall Run Falls don't plunge straight down, the sound that the water makes as it tumbles from rock to rock is soothing and beautiful. The total drop is still an impressive 93 feet, though depending on the season, the falls might be dry.

Visitors will continue on for another 1.5 miles to reach the falls. The trail will continue to drop steadily, and there may be a few technical sections to overcome. There are many side trails in the area that lead to overlooks of the gorge. If you aren't in a hurry, take your time to admire the views that these overlooks provide!

About 3 miles into the trip, you'll be at the base of the Overall Run Falls. There is a steep portion just before the falls, as visitors will descend to and then cross a stream. The trail levels out after the stream crossing and opens up into a scenic hollow. Take some time to explore here, or begin your return journey.

Though the descent is fun and quick, remember that it will be tough work to ascend back to the parking area. Save some energy for the return!

Thanks to Larry W. Brown, for sharing this description. If you’re interested in learning more details about great hikes, weather, camping / lodging, wildlife, and scenic drives, check out the comprehensive Guide to Shenandoah National Park.

Flora & Fauna

Visitors will move through densely forested areas, where a variety of canopy and undergrowth species can be seen.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Shenandoah National Park

Shared By:

Larry W Brown
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 29 votes

#3

in North District

#991

Overall
  3.7 from 29 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
28%
2 Star
10%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in North District

#38

in Virginia

#991

Overall
15 Views Last Month
16,962 Since Apr 13, 2016
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Photos

The Overall Run upper cascades.
May 15, 2016 near Washington, VA
Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in SNP.
May 15, 2016 near Washington, VA
Overall Run Falls, as seen from the rock viewpoint on Overall Run Trail. At 93 feet, it is the largest waterfall in the park.
Jan 29, 2016 near Washington, VA
Overall Run Falls
Apr 24, 2019 near Washington, VA
Waterfall
Aug 3, 2019 near Washington, VA
Mathews Arm trail (left) crossing over headwaters of Overall Run (during dry season)
Oct 14, 2019 near Washington, VA

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 75 days ago
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Check-Ins

Oct 5, 2024
J H
Nice to see these falls with plenty of water! 6.7mi
May 10, 2024
Joe Danz
7.8mi — 3h 58m
Jul 23, 2023
Gloria Keener
We saw 2 beautiful views but had trouble seeing the falls
Oct 17, 2022
Christa Peters-Lidard
The view at the end is spectacular-not just the falls! 6.3mi
Oct 11, 2022
Stephanie T
May 29, 2022
Ed Elam
Jul 10, 2021
J H
5.6mi
Jun 11, 2021
Josh Song
6.3mi — 5h 00m

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