As a child, I traveled with my parents once per year from Florida to Virginia to visit family. Each time, my mom and dad made a point of traveling along the Skyline Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. When I was younger, I never realized the fascination they had with the drive. My mom would be a nervous wreck each time we found a stretch of twisting road that revealed nothing but a view of a gorge below and repeatedly remind my dad where the lines on the road were. My ears would pop from the altitude. I never really understood why we had to go that way every time we made the trip.
Now, as an adult, I have made the trip to the mountain drive and the attraction is now quite clear. Not long ago, I traveled to the twisty road atop the Blue Ridge Mountains with a close friend and experienced all that the trip had to offer. There were mountain overlooks that revealed angelic valleys where bald eagles soared without a care, thick forest trails that seemed to go on forever, tucked-away picnic areas that warn of wild bears, but best of all, there are incredible waterfalls.
Skyline Drive covers approximately 105 miles of highway and there are three notable pull-off areas where waterfalls can be experienced: Dark Hollow Falls, Lewis Falls, and Jones Run Falls. Each of the falls locations is unique unto themselves and worthy of the treks required to reach all three spots.
Dark Hollow Falls – This is notably one most picturesque waterfall of the three. The hiking distance is relatively short, approximately 1.4 miles round trip and the trail is well marked due to the high traffic to the spot. You will find that this waterfall will be one of the most crowded due to the short walking distance and there will not be too many spots that you can claim as your own because of its popularity. The view from the bottom of the falls is absolutely breathtaking. For the more adventurous of hikers, you can move out onto the rocks and fallen trees for a more unique view. Regardless of whether you step out into the natural side or keep close to the trail, this is a must-see place to go. The waterfall towers approximately 70 feet and begins at mile post 51.
Jones Run Falls – The trail to this site is one of the longest with a 3.4 mile round trip distance and it takes approximately three hours to make the trip. The good news is, it is well worth the time. The trail to the falls can be steep so be sure to wear suitable shoes. The trail does become rocky at some points. I slipped on a wet rock at one point and skinned my knee. It is common to find non-poisonous snakes sunning themselves near the trail or occasionally just trying to make their way across the path. We saw two on our trip down. After walking for over an hour to see the water cascading over the rocks, you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find. The waterfall spans approximately 42 feet into a pool of water that visitors can wade in. This is a good spot to take a lunch break and simply take in the scenery. After all, you have walked all this distance so you might as well enjoy it for a bit. The trail can be located at mile post 84.
Lewis Falls – About a mile from Dark Hollow Falls is this amazing waterfall. You will find yourself gazing at cascading white water from an overlook that was constructed in the 1930’s. This waterfall is beautifully framed by hardwood trees and abundant foliage. The trail to the bottom of this spot begins at the Big Meadows Amphitheater and is near mile post 52. You should find that this tucked-away waterfall is generally less crowded than the Dark Hollow spot. The waterfall is just over 80 tall and simply enchanting.
My parents were certainly onto something years ago but I found what they really missed all those years; the hidden treasures that the Blue Ridge Parkway really holds. There are a lot of outdoor activities, campsites and lodges all along the Parkway, but it is the scattered trails throughout the area that hold the true beauty to the Shenandoah National park.
