About
Length (round trip)2.6 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain590 ft up
Typical time1 hr 30 min
TrailheadSouth River Picnic Area, Skyline Drive mile 62.8
SurfaceRocky 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🌄 Big views

From South River Picnic Grounds, this hike leads you through a verdant forest alive with a wide variety of plant and animal life to a stone-walled observation point overlooking an 83 foot waterfall. Be prepared for one stream crossing. Distance: 2.6-mile round trip hike Difficulty: Moderate (explanation of our hiking difficulty scale ) Hiking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Elevation Gain: 850 feet Hike Description 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. You can continue to the base of the falls from here if you wish, adding a steep and rocky 1.5-miles to your hike. Retrace your steps to return to your starting point.

Tips
Half the climb of the full route and most of the view. Good with children.
Location

South River Picnic Area, Skyline Drive mile 62.8

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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