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South River Falls

4.7
·47 reviews·, United States

Discover the breathtaking 83-foot South River Falls in Shenandoah National Park, a rewarding hike with stunning views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
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South River Falls - Image 1

South River Falls

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the breathtaking 83-foot South River Falls in Shenandoah National Park, a rewarding hike with stunning views.

4.7
(47 reviews)

"The view from the base? Unreal. If you’re looking for a rewarding Shenandoah adventure, this is it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early, especially on weekends. The main lot fills up quickly! :car:

🥾 Footwear is Key

Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the rocky and sometimes slippery trail. :athletic_shoe:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

South River Falls

South River Falls

Shenandoah National Park

A stunning 83-foot waterfall cascading into a lush valley. The view from the base is breathtaking!

The Descent to the Base

The Descent to the Base

Trail to the bottom of the falls

Don't stop at the overlook! The path to the creek bed reveals the waterfall's full magnificence.

Peaceful Forest Trail

Peaceful Forest Trail

South River Falls Trail

Enjoy a serene hike through a beautiful, green forest leading to the majestic South River Falls.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Arrive early to snag parking, especially on weekends. The main lot fills fast! Consider weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful hike to South River Falls.

Trail Smarts

The hike down is scenic, but the return uphill can be challenging. Opt for the fire road route back for a more gradual ascent. Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky terrain.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better parking
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday early AM
Why
Beat the midday rush
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Spring/Early Summer
Why
Peak waterfall flow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This hike has waterfalls, cliff jumps, and natural slides—all in one place. White Oak Canyon is located inside Shenandoah National Park (Syria entrance), and it offers swimming holes just 1 mile into the trail. 🥾💦 🎟 Entry is $30 per vehicle unless you have a valid National Park Pass. The main lot is free with a pass, but it fills up fast. If you arrive late and have to park in the overflow lot, it...
@jefreytravels
30.5K likes • 588.8K views

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early, especially on weekends. The main lot fills up quickly! :car:

🥾 Footwear is Key

Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the rocky and sometimes slippery trail. :athletic_shoe:

Was a difficult path to get to this warerfall but worth it! @travelandleisuremag #travel #iamatraveler #wanderwomeninc #condenasttraveller #tlpicks #voyaged #wonderful_places #allaboutadventures #stayandwander #discoverearth #beautifuldestinations #nature #wanderlust #lonelyplanet #earthofficial #earthpix #sheisnotlost #girlsthatwander #sheadventures #sheexplores #adventurenthusiasts #dametraveler...
@coastingwithcas
27.6K likes • 1.6M views
Waterfall hike in Virginia ✨ tag your adventure partner ☺️ 📌Shenandoah National Park 📍South River Falls 🥾2.4 miles (out & back) trail ends at a viewpoint overlooking a beautiful 83-foot waterfall. 🥾 3.3 miles (out & back) if you want to see the waterfall up close, you’ll need to go all the way down to the base of the falls. 🐶 Must be on a leash ⛔️ PLEASE REMEMBER WHEN EXPLORING OUTDOORS: - DIS...
withsunshinesol
13.1K likes • 354.6K views

⬆️ The Uphill Challenge

The hike back up can be tough. Consider the fire road for a more gradual return. :muscle:

📍 Don't Miss the Base!

The overlook view is okay, but the real magic is at the bottom of the falls. :sparkles:

south river falls with friends on film. ___________________________________ • • • • • #reels #reelsinstagram #35mm #filmphotography #filmisnotdead #ishootfilm #analog #believeinfilm #filmcamera #film #filmcommunity #filmdiscovered #staybrokeshootfilm #analogphotography #shootfilm #aboxofgrain #thefilmstead #filmphotographic #istillshootfilm #grainisgood #shootfilmmag #filmwave #staybrokeshootfilm ...
filmsbyroche
711 likes • 11.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early, especially on weekends. The main lot fills up quickly! :car:

🥾 Footwear is Key

Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the rocky and sometimes slippery trail. :athletic_shoe:

⬆️ The Uphill Challenge

The hike back up can be tough. Consider the fire road for a more gradual return. :muscle:

📍 Don't Miss the Base!

The overlook view is okay, but the real magic is at the bottom of the falls. :sparkles:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail

Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome on this trail. :dog:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(47 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise South River Falls for its stunning 83-foot cascade and the rewarding hike to its base, describing it as a hidden gem. While the descent is enjoyable, the uphill return can be challenging, and some find the overlook view underwhelming compared to the base. Parking can be limited on busy weekends.

"The hike overall is not too difficult, the trek back uphill is the worse part. The view of the falls from the overview is disappointing and we could not find an accessible trail to the bottom of the falls. There is plenty of parking but Saturday, middle of the day, it was pretty crowded and parking was very limited."

Allison Ashley

"This hike was so worth the effort—lush forest, peaceful trail, and a stunning 83-ft waterfall at the end. The view from the base? Unreal. If you’re looking for a rewarding Shenandoah adventure, this is it!"

Jonathan Lamb

"South River Falls Trail - Shenandoah National Park, October 2024

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 3.3. We hiked to the base of the falls and returned to the trailhead via the top side - my phone said 4.78

Time: 3 hours of active movement. We sat at the base for a while."

Aujiné Burt

What People Like

Stunning 83-foot waterfall
Rewarding hike to the base
Peaceful forest trail

What People Dislike

Challenging uphill return
Underwhelming overlook view
Crowded parking on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

South River Falls is located at mile marker 62.8 on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Access is typically via the South River Falls Trailhead, which has a parking area. Remember that Shenandoah National Park has an entrance fee unless you have a National Park Pass. TikTok

Yes, the trailhead for South River Falls is accessible by car via Skyline Drive. There is a parking area available, though it can fill up quickly on busy days. Reddit

The most common way to reach the waterfall is by hiking the South River Falls Trail. There are different routes, including one that leads to an overlook and another that descends to the base of the falls. Instagram

Currently, there are no specific shuttle services directly to the South River Falls trailhead. Visitors typically drive their own vehicles or use ride-sharing services to reach the park and then hike to the falls. Reddit

From the park entrance, drive along Skyline Drive until you reach mile marker 62.8. The South River Falls parking area will be on your right. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, you need to pay an entrance fee to enter Shenandoah National Park, where South River Falls is located. The fee is per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. Having a National Park Pass waives this fee. TikTok

The entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park is typically around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, but it's always best to check the official National Park Service website for the most current pricing. TikTok

Absolutely! If you have a valid National Park Pass, it will cover your entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park, including access to South River Falls. TikTok

South River Falls is located within Shenandoah National Park, which is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, Skyline Drive may have seasonal closures or reduced hours during winter months. The trailhead and falls are accessible during daylight hours. Reddit

You cannot book specific tickets for South River Falls itself, as it's part of the national park. You pay the park entrance fee upon arrival or use your National Park Pass. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike is generally considered moderate. The descent to the falls is manageable, but the return hike uphill can be strenuous for some. The trail to the base is more challenging than the overlook trail. InstagramReddit

The trail to the base of the falls is approximately 3.3 miles roundtrip. Some visitors report longer distances depending on their exact route and exploration. InstagramReddit

While there's an overlook partway down, many visitors find the view from the base of the falls to be the most rewarding and spectacular. It requires descending further down the trail. TikTokReddit

Some brave visitors have reported swimming in the creek at the bottom of the falls, but the water is very cold, even in warmer months. Be cautious of slippery rocks and strong currents. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at the South River Falls picnic area, which is adjacent to the trailhead. It's always a good idea to confirm availability with the park service. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for photography, offering softer light and fewer harsh shadows. Midday can be challenging due to direct sunlight. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth out the water. Instagram

The base of the falls offers dramatic perspectives. The overlook provides a more distant, panoramic view. Experiment with different angles as you hike. Reddit

Absolutely! Modern smartphones can capture stunning photos and videos of South River Falls. Consider using portrait mode for dramatic shots or video for capturing the movement of the water. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy capturing the natural beauty with landscape photography. Some also experiment with film photography for a vintage aesthetic. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The South River Falls trail can be a great adventure for families, but it's important to manage expectations. The hike down is generally manageable for children, but the uphill return can be tiring. Consider taking the fire road route back for a gentler climb. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and water, and encourage kids to explore the natural surroundings. The overlook offers a good view without requiring the full descent, which might be preferable for very young children or those with limited stamina. Instagram

Remember that dogs are allowed on leash, so if you have a well-behaved canine companion, they can join the family outing. TikTok The natural beauty and the excitement of reaching a waterfall can make this a memorable experience for children, provided they are prepared for the hike's demands. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

South River Falls is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers as it's located within Shenandoah National Park, which has a reasonable entrance fee for a 7-day pass. TikTok If you have a National Park Pass, access is free. TikTok The hike itself is free once you're inside the park. Pack your own food and drinks to avoid purchasing expensive concessions within the park. Reddit

This destination offers a significant natural attraction without the cost of paid tours or attractions. The primary expenses are park entry and transportation. By planning ahead and bringing your own supplies, you can have a fulfilling and affordable day trip or overnight stay in the area. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the South River Falls Trail

The South River Falls Trail offers a rewarding experience, but it's important to be prepared. The trail is approximately 3.3 miles roundtrip and is generally rated as moderate. The initial descent into the valley is scenic, winding through lush forest and offering glimpses of the natural beauty of Shenandoah National Park. InstagramReddit

However, the return journey uphill can be quite challenging. Many visitors recommend taking the alternate route back via the fire road. This path offers a more gradual incline and more even terrain, making the ascent less strenuous. Look for signs directing you to the fire road just past the main overlook. Reddit Sturdy hiking boots are essential due to the rocky and potentially slippery surfaces, especially after rain. Reddit

For those seeking the most dramatic views, pushing on to the base of the falls is highly recommended. While the overlook provides a decent perspective, the true magnificence of the 83-foot waterfall is best appreciated up close. Be prepared for a bit more scrambling and careful footing as you approach the creek bed. TikTokReddit

The Majesty of South River Falls

South River Falls is a spectacular natural wonder within Shenandoah National Park, boasting an impressive 83-foot drop. The waterfall is a highlight for many visitors, offering a sense of peace and tranquility amidst the natural landscape. TikTok The sheer power and beauty of the water cascading down into the valley below create a mesmerizing sight. Reddit

During late spring and early summer, the falls are often at their most powerful due to increased rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit for those seeking a dramatic display. Reddit Even in other seasons, the falls offer a unique charm, with winter hikes providing a different, serene perspective. TikTok The surrounding greenery and the sound of the rushing water contribute to an immersive natural experience. Reddit

While the overlook offers a glimpse, the true reward lies in reaching the base. This allows for a more intimate encounter with the waterfall, where you can feel the mist and appreciate its full scale. It's a place that inspires awe and offers a profound connection with nature. Reddit

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