South River Falls — Local services in Elkton

South River Falls - Shenandoah National Park, 28 May 2024

I don't think this trail carries the notoriety that some of the others do, but it turned out to be one of my favorite places to visit while at the park. Located at mile marker 62.8, this trail is only marked at 3.3 miles long, but it felt felt much farther than that. Maybe it was because it was my 4th and last trail I took on for that day. Maybe it was the many switchbacks down the mountain and into the valley only to lose the trail once I reached the bottom. Maybe I was just hungry, which is pretty common 😄. At any rate, this one challenged me by the end of it, but the reward was oh so sweet. Tucked away at the bottom was probably my favorite waterfall during the whole trip. Once I found it, I just had to go for a swim, even though that water had to be around 40 degrees 🥶. In the 3rd slide is a video of the top of the waterfall as it dissappears into the lush greenery of the valley below. You'll see this just before the observation deck about halfway down the mountain. Many will stop here, take a few obscured shots of the falls at a distance, and simply leave. DONT BE THOSE PEOPLE! Trust me, the rest of the decent into the valley is well worth it. As you finally come to the creek bed at the bottom of the mountain, it seems to just stop at what appears to be a dead end. It is not. Look back over your shoulder and tucked away in the corner is another trail marker neatly hidden away by the trees with a barely noticeable path running beside it (5th slide). Follow the path for another 1/4 mile or so, and the waterfall will eventually reveal its magnificent self. It's quite a site, especially if you catch it in late spring to early summer while there's plenty of rainfall. Sit, stay awhile, and take it all in. After my swim, I even found a "coin for the ferryman" to mark the occasion, and one I'll keep till that time comes. That hike ended my longest recorded day (so far) at 32,762 steps, over 200 floors, and just shy of 14 miles. What a day!!! Certainly one to remember...

Oh, and if you read down this far, thank you. You are my kind...

I would say this is on the tougher side of moderate. The hike down to the falls wasn't too bad, but we saw people struggling on the way back. I suggest taking the alternate route back - it is much more gradual of a slope and even terrain. To do this, go just past the overlook when you get to it, and then follow the signs for the fire road to the left. The view of the falls from the main hike isn't great (unless you want to hike further), and we didn't see too much foliage, but it was enjoyable overall and only took us about 2 hours. There's a decent amount of parking at the picnic area, but I imagine it fills up on some...

The hike to the observation point is easy, but steep. The view from the observation point is not great. There is one tree that blocks 50% of the view. However, you can hike an additional .5 miles and reach the base which is spectacular. The closer you get to the base the more treacherous the trail gets with large, loose, wet rocks. It's worth it though when you are swimming in the small pond at the base. If you choose to do the loop, it connects you to a fire road. Wide and easy, but steep. More likely you will run into a bear going this way. It also adds about .7 miles...