South River Falls
Discover the breathtaking 83-foot South River Falls in Shenandoah National Park, a rewarding hike with stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
South River Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the breathtaking 83-foot South River Falls in Shenandoah National Park, a rewarding hike with stunning views.
"The view from the base? Unreal. If you’re looking for a rewarding Shenandoah adventure, this is it!"
🚗 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
South River Falls Trail
Enjoy a serene hike through a beautiful, green forest leading to the majestic South River Falls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Smarts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
The base of the falls offers dramatic perspectives. The overlook provides a more distant, panoramic view. Experiment with different angles as you hike.
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.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the natural beauty with landscape photography. Some also experiment with film photography for a vintage aesthetic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that dogs are allowed on leash, so if you have a well-behaved canine companion, they can join the family outing. 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.
🚶 Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the South River Falls Trail
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. Sturdy hiking boots are essential due to the rocky and potentially slippery surfaces, especially after rain.
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.
The Majesty of South River Falls
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. Even in other seasons, the falls offer a unique charm, with winter hikes providing a different, serene perspective. The surrounding greenery and the sound of the rushing water contribute to an immersive natural experience.
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.


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