Shenandoah National Park, Va., has an abundance of waterfall hikes. (Compass Points Media / flickr) http://www.flickr.com/photos/compasspointsmedia/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
Every where, it seems, people here chat endlessly about a much-fear snow storm that’s suppose to hit the east coast this Sunday because that’s what the Farmer’s Almanac says will happen.
Bull. Forecast right now calls for sun and 50s.
Snow or no snow, the sun will warm and melt what remains in the mountains. The melted snow will find its way into the mountain streams and rivers, and that means gushing waterfalls which roar with life come spring.
Few better places exist to capture that great waterfall photo and enjoy the mists on your face than Shenandoah National Park, Va. Here’s a list of a few of my favorite waterfall hikes in Shenandoah to check out:
Water cascades down the Doyles River gorge in the southern district of Shenandoah National Park, Va. (Compass Points Media / flickr) http://www.flickr.com/photos/compasspointsmedia/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
Doyles River Falls and Jones Run: The southern district of Shenandoah sees fewer visitors than the park’s northern portions, which means trails see less traffic. This 7.8-mile loop starts from the Doyles River Trail and drops just over 1,000 feet in two miles, taking in a pair of waterfalls in a soothing, shadowy gorges. Meet the Jones Run Trail, and find the 42-foot high Jones Run Falls after 2.8 miles. Climb out of the Jones Run gorge about 1.5 miles after the Jones Run Falls, and follow the Appalachian Trail to several views west of mountain folds and stream-cut valleys. The A.T. returns you to your car.
Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park, Va., provides excellent hiking and waterfall views. (Compass Points Media / flickr) http://www.flickr.com/photos/compasspointsmedia/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
Whiteoak Canyon-Cedar Run: Get your camera and leg muscles ready for this strenuous 8.8-mile loop in Shenandoah National Park, Va., taking in two gorges cut into the eastern side of the Blue Ridge mountains. Start by descending the Cedar Run Trail (where I once came within 20 feet of a startled black bear), and hook up with the Cedar Run Link Trail. Turn left to the Whiteoak Canyon Trail and steeply ascend 2,000 feet, passing three outstanding waterfalls before hooking up with the Whiteoak Fire Road. The fire road takes you to a horse trail that leads back to your car.
Overall Run in Shenandoah National Park, Va., slips through a section of the park's northern district. (Compass Points Media / flickr) http://www.flickr.com/photos/compasspointsmedia/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail Loop: Slip into a quieter portion of Shenandoah on this 9.7-mile loop into a remote section of the northern district. Look for white-tail deer and black bears as you start from the Matthews Arm Campground and descend along the Traces and Tuscarora trails for 2,000 feet over three miles, taking in cascades and turquoise-colored swimming pools formed by Overall Run. Return to your car by linking the Overall run, Overall-Beecher Connector, Heiskell Hollow trails back to the campground and your car.
NOTE: All the hikes listed above start from Skyline Drive, and as of Tuesday, March 2, the southern and northern portions of Skyline Drive remain closed due to snow and ice. The central district remained open between Thornton and Swift Run gaps. Check with the park service to learn when Skyline Drive will open for car traffic.
