Doyles River Falls
Discover the cascading beauty of Doyles River Falls, a moderate hike in Shenandoah National Park with refreshing swimming spots and scenic trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Doyles River Falls
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the cascading beauty of Doyles River Falls, a moderate hike in Shenandoah National Park with refreshing swimming spots and scenic trails.
"Enjoyed everything about this hike: impressive waterfalls, cascading creek, and a strenuous ascent back up."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The Doyles River Falls trailhead parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 9 AM!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is downhill to the falls and uphill back. Hiking boots and walking sticks are recommended for stability.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upper & Lower Doyles River Falls
Doyles River Trail
Two stunning waterfalls cascading down rocks, offering a refreshing sight and sound. Perfect for a dip on a warm day!
Cascading Creek Views
Along Doyles River Trail
The trail follows the Doyles River, providing constant views of a beautiful, cascading creek. A truly serene experience.
Wildlife Sightings
Throughout the trail
Keep an eye out for local wildlife! Many visitors report seeing various critters along the path, adding to the adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The Doyles River Falls trailhead parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 9 AM!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is downhill to the falls and uphill back. Hiking boots and walking sticks are recommended for stability.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This moderate hike can be strenuous, especially the return trip. Carry more water than you think you'll need.
🏊♀️ Cool Off in the Falls
The water is refreshingly cold on a hot day. Don't hesitate to splash around or even swim if conditions permit!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The Doyles River Falls trailhead parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 9 AM!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail is downhill to the falls and uphill back. Hiking boots and walking sticks are recommended for stability.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This moderate hike can be strenuous, especially the return trip. Carry more water than you think you'll need.
🏊♀️ Cool Off in the Falls
The water is refreshingly cold on a hot day. Don't hesitate to splash around or even swim if conditions permit!
📸 Capture Long Exposures
Experiment with shutter speeds to get that silky smooth waterfall effect in your photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the beauty of the Doyles River Falls, highlighting the refreshing water and the scenic trail that follows the cascading creek. Many enjoy the moderate challenge and the opportunity to see wildlife. Some note that the uphill return can be strenuous and parking is limited.
"We took an 8 mile loop that was moderate in difficulty, much of it uphill. It was a really beautiful hike and we thoroughly enjoyed the waterfalls. Enjoyed the wildlife and native plants."
Amanda Lentz-Ronning
"After monsoon-like rainfall in RVA this past weekend, I wanted to hike a waterfall trail w some length. The day was ideal in the low 80s w a light breeze and sunshine peeking thru the forest canopy. I decided to hike the AT to the downhill Doyles River Trail, back up the Jones Run Trail and circle back on the AT. I enjoyed everything about this hike. The narrow, level footpaths of the AT, several impressive waterfalls, the cascading creek alongside Doyle's River Trail, and the gradual & strenuous ascent back up the Jones Run Trail. 8.9 miles R/T"
Gordon Shaffer
"So round trip from Brown’s gap parking lot to both falls we just under 6 miles. The path down from Brown’s Gap parking area to the river is actually a fire road so easy to walk and pretty clear. Once you hit the river and walk along it the trail becomes more difficult but my dog and boys (9 and 11) had no problems with it. Very nice waterfalls!"
John Toler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Doyles River Falls Trailhead is located at Milepost 81 on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. 
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead. However, it is known to fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Yes, the Doyles River Trail interconnects with the Jones Run Trail, allowing for longer loop hikes. Some visitors combine it with the Appalachian Trail for an extended adventure.
The most common way to access Shenandoah National Park is by driving along Skyline Drive. There are multiple entrances along the drive, with the Doyles River Falls trailhead accessible from the central section.
Yes, there's an overlook before you reach the upper and lower falls that offers a great vantage point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Doyles River Falls is located within Shenandoah National Park, which requires an entrance fee. The fee is typically $30 per vehicle, but a valid National Park Pass will grant you entry.
Shenandoah National Park is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, individual trails and facilities may have specific hours or seasonal closures. It's always best to check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, a valid National Park Pass covers the entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park, including access to Doyles River Falls.
Discounts may be available for seniors, military personnel, and individuals with disabilities. Check the National Park Service website for details on passes and discounts.
No, Doyles River Falls is located within Shenandoah National Park, and an entrance fee is required for all visitors who do not possess a valid National Park Pass.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Doyles River Falls hike is generally considered moderate. It involves a downhill trek to the falls and a more strenuous uphill climb back to the trailhead.
The round trip hike to both the upper and lower falls is approximately 3.3 to 3.5 miles.
Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended due to the terrain. Comfortable athletic clothing is suitable. Consider bringing a swimsuit if you plan to swim in the falls.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails in Shenandoah National Park, including Doyles River Falls, as long as they are kept on a leash.
Yes, swimming is permitted in the pools at the base of the falls, and many visitors find it refreshing on a warm day. Be cautious of slippery rocks.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light, ideal for waterfall photography. Overcast days can also provide diffused light, reducing harsh shadows.
For silky smooth water, use a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/2 second or longer) and a tripod to prevent camera shake. An ND filter can help achieve this in brighter conditions.
The trail itself offers numerous viewpoints along the river and at the base of both the upper and lower falls. The overlook before the falls is also a great spot.
You can capture stunning shots of cascading water, lush forest scenery, and potentially wildlife. The trail provides varied perspectives of the river and falls.
The moderate difficulty of the hike means carrying gear is manageable for most. A comfortable backpack is recommended for camera equipment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as the hike can take a couple of hours. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail; spotting squirrels, birds, or other critters can add an extra layer of excitement for younger hikers.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
+1 You can enjoy the tranquility of the forest and the soothing sounds of the cascading water at your own pace. The moderate difficulty means you can focus on enjoying the surroundings without extreme exertion. Solo hikers often appreciate the opportunity for photography and quiet contemplation. The trail's well-defined path and clear signage make it easy to navigate independently.
While the trailhead parking can fill up, visiting on a weekday or arriving early on a weekend can ensure a more solitary experience. Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and carry essentials like water and a basic first-aid kit for safety. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Doyles River Falls Trail Experience
+2 The journey begins with a descent, making the initial part of the hike relatively easy, but be prepared for a more strenuous uphill climb on your return to the trailhead at Milepost 81 on Skyline Drive. +1As you hike, the trail closely follows the Doyles River, providing continuous scenic views of the water cascading over rocks and through the lush forest.
For those looking to extend their adventure, the Doyles River Trail connects with other trails like the Jones Run Trail and the Appalachian Trail, allowing for longer loop hikes that can encompass multiple waterfalls and offer a more challenging experience.
+1Photography Tips for Doyles River Falls
This means using a tripod to keep your camera steady, especially if you're shooting in lower light conditions common in the forest. Experimenting with shutter speeds from 1/2 second to several seconds can yield dramatic results. Consider using an ND (Neutral Density) filter if you're visiting on a bright, sunny day. This filter reduces the amount of light entering your lens, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds even in daylight without overexposing your image.
The trail itself offers various perspectives, from wider shots of the cascades to more intimate details of the water flowing over moss-covered rocks. Don't forget to look for interesting compositions and angles. +1Beyond the falls themselves, the surrounding forest scenery provides ample opportunities for photography. Look for sunbeams filtering through the canopy, interesting textures on tree bark, or delicate wildflowers.
The best times for photography are generally during the golden hours – early morning and late afternoon – when the light is softer and more flattering. Overcast days can also be excellent for waterfall photography due to the diffused light. 
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