About
Length (round trip)4.5 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain915 ft up
Typical time2 hr 30 min
TrailheadSouth River Picnic Area, Skyline Drive mile 62.8
SurfaceRocky stream trail
Best seasonApril to early June for wildflowers and waterfalls; mid-October for fall colour. Skyline Drive closes in ice and snow.
DogsLeashed / limited stretches
AccessibilityThis trail does not meet ADA accessibility guidelines.
What you'll see 💧 Waterfall🌊 River or creek

From the South River Picnic Grounds, this route is a circuit hike that takes you to the base of a 83' waterfall. A great hike for wildflower and bird enthusiasts, alike! This hike has one stream crossing. Distance: 3.3-mile circuit hike Difficulty: Moderate (explanation of our hiking difficulty scale ) Hiking Time: 2 hour 15 minutes Elevation Gain: 910 feet Hike Description From the trailhead just below the South River Picnic Grounds comfort station (mile 62.7), take the blue-blazed South River Falls Trail. You'll cross the Appalachian Trail, but stay on the South River Falls Trail to the stone-walled observation point. From the observation point, continue on the South River Falls Trail to the trailpost. Go left onto the yellow-blazed South River Falls Road. The trail joins the South River Fire Road. Continue on the fire road to its intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Turn left and follow the A.T. (white-blazed) to its intersection with the South River Falls Trail. Go right to return to your starting point.

Tips
The observation point at 2.6 miles round trip is a much easier turnaround. Continuing to the base adds a steep mile each way.
Location

South River Picnic Area, Skyline Drive mile 62.8

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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