Recently, our family found a list of the "24 Best Hikes in Virginia". Dark Hollow Falls was one of the closest, shortest hikes on the list AND it promised a waterfall, so we set out on Memorial Day to go check it out. We enjoyed the views along the Skyline Drive, the well maintained trail, and the thrill of reaching the waterfall.
There were LOTS of cars lined up to get onto Skyline Drive. We arrived at the Thornton Gap entrance in Luray, and decided to purchase a year-long pass. (If you plan to go more than twice in a year, it's a great deal!) Follow this link to see their entrance fees. Good to know: They accept cash or cards at the park entrance. No checks. Be ready. We received a map of the park and a newspaper filled with FREE programs that take place there. Some of them looked fantastic!
Before we headed out for the day, we read the description of this hike, saying that the trail was STEEP. They weren't kidding. While the trail was well maintained, wide, and easy to get to, it was also a relatively challenging .9 miles each way. On the way down the trail, we noticed that most people coming back UP looked pretty tired. That was a little intimidating. However, there were CHILDREN on the trail, so I figured we could make it. I'm glad we toughed it out!
Dark Hollow Falls TRAIL NOTES:
1) It's EASY to get to, but you have to pay to get onto Skyline Drive
2) The trail is short, but steep. If you have bad ankles you might want to take along trekking poles or a walking stick.
3) It's a well marked, clear path with no climbing, no crossing water, no chance to get lost.
4) It is a popular trail, so there will be lots of other hikers to say "Hi" to along the path.
5) The water trickles all the way down with you. About half way down, there is a neat place to take your shoes off and splash in the water if you want to.
6) When you actually get to the waterfall, it is SLIPPERY down there. Be careful!
7) In case you're wondering if YOU can do this trail, keep in mind that I saw toddlers and preschool aged kiddos there. Some were zipping around like squirrels. But several were laying down on the path, crying. One mom told me that hers was "on strike" because he was so in love with the wading pool, he didn't ever want to leave. Then she admitted, "Also, it's hot ... it's nap time ... and this trail is kicking him in the pants. I think we're just going to wait here and eat grapes until the rest of our family gets back".
8) Take your camera. Really.
9) There is parking RIGHT at the head of the trail. If that is full, keep going to the Big Meadows parking area.
(Note to self: NEVER go to a National Park on Memorial Day. There were so many people, we circled for 15 minutes looking for a place to park. Also, there is apparently a huge bicycle event there that weekend. Don't get me wrong, cyclists have every right to enjoy the parkway. But it was nerve wracking to try to get around so many of them on the parkway because there is NO PLACE to pull over, the lanes are narrow, and often there is limited visibility to see who is coming toward you. )
Even though it was crowded, hot, and steep, this was a great hike and we are glad that we chose it! I found some amazing plants. There was a huge area FULL of columbine that probably bloomed within a few days after we were there. I'll bet they were gorgeous!
We can't wait to check MORE of the "Best Hikes in Virginia" off our list. I wonder which one will be next?
There were LOTS of cars lined up to get onto Skyline Drive. We arrived at the Thornton Gap entrance in Luray, and decided to purchase a year-long pass. (If you plan to go more than twice in a year, it's a great deal!) Follow this link to see their entrance fees. Good to know: They accept cash or cards at the park entrance. No checks. Be ready. We received a map of the park and a newspaper filled with FREE programs that take place there. Some of them looked fantastic!
Before we headed out for the day, we read the description of this hike, saying that the trail was STEEP. They weren't kidding. While the trail was well maintained, wide, and easy to get to, it was also a relatively challenging .9 miles each way. On the way down the trail, we noticed that most people coming back UP looked pretty tired. That was a little intimidating. However, there were CHILDREN on the trail, so I figured we could make it. I'm glad we toughed it out!
Dark Hollow Falls TRAIL NOTES:
1) It's EASY to get to, but you have to pay to get onto Skyline Drive
2) The trail is short, but steep. If you have bad ankles you might want to take along trekking poles or a walking stick.
3) It's a well marked, clear path with no climbing, no crossing water, no chance to get lost.
4) It is a popular trail, so there will be lots of other hikers to say "Hi" to along the path.
5) The water trickles all the way down with you. About half way down, there is a neat place to take your shoes off and splash in the water if you want to.
6) When you actually get to the waterfall, it is SLIPPERY down there. Be careful!
7) In case you're wondering if YOU can do this trail, keep in mind that I saw toddlers and preschool aged kiddos there. Some were zipping around like squirrels. But several were laying down on the path, crying. One mom told me that hers was "on strike" because he was so in love with the wading pool, he didn't ever want to leave. Then she admitted, "Also, it's hot ... it's nap time ... and this trail is kicking him in the pants. I think we're just going to wait here and eat grapes until the rest of our family gets back".
8) Take your camera. Really.
9) There is parking RIGHT at the head of the trail. If that is full, keep going to the Big Meadows parking area.
(Note to self: NEVER go to a National Park on Memorial Day. There were so many people, we circled for 15 minutes looking for a place to park. Also, there is apparently a huge bicycle event there that weekend. Don't get me wrong, cyclists have every right to enjoy the parkway. But it was nerve wracking to try to get around so many of them on the parkway because there is NO PLACE to pull over, the lanes are narrow, and often there is limited visibility to see who is coming toward you. )
Even though it was crowded, hot, and steep, this was a great hike and we are glad that we chose it! I found some amazing plants. There was a huge area FULL of columbine that probably bloomed within a few days after we were there. I'll bet they were gorgeous!
We can't wait to check MORE of the "Best Hikes in Virginia" off our list. I wonder which one will be next?