You only need to drive one hour and 45 minutes west of Washington DC for spectacular scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Wildflower meadows, a dense forest, and dozens of waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park are easily accessible.

Many incredible views of the park are visible from overlooks on the Skyline Drive. This mountain road cuts through the length of the park from Front Royal to Afton. Unfortunately, most of the 36 waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park aren’t visible from the road.
Fortunately, there are many family-friendly hiking trails to see the thundering (or depending on the season…trickling) waterways of Shenandoah National Park! Most are more suitable for older kids, and you don’t need Appalachian Trail fitness levels to trek to these majestic natural wonders.
This guide covers all of Shenandoah’s most popular waterfall hikes ideal for families. Everything you need to know from the nearest park entrance to difficulty rating is right here.
Learn essential tips for families chasing waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park at the end!

Table of Contents
Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park: Interactive Map
Below you’ll find an interactive map that highlights each of the recommended trails to see waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park listed in this article.
Using The Map:
Click on any of the trail recommendations marked with the hiker icon in this color. A popup will open discussing the hike in greater detail.
Clicking the star next to the name of the map will save the map to your google account. To access it later on a computer or your smartphone, open google maps and select “Your Places”.
Best Family-Friendly Hikes to Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park
1. Lands Run Falls Trail
- Closest Park Entrance: Front Royal
- Trailhead/Parking: Lands Run Gap/Dickey Ridge Trailhead Parking
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.3-mile out-and-back trail (approx. 90 minutes)
Families looking for a short hike to waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park should flock to Lands Run Falls Trail. It’s pretty much the only one! Walk down an old fire road following a series of cascades that descend 80 ft into a gorge.
The total elevation climb of 325 ft is all on the return hike. The parking lot is small but not busy and you can take pets on a leash here. It’s not one of the best waterfall hikes in the dry season as it completely dries up, but perfect in spring.

2. Dark Hollow Falls Trail
- Closest Park Entrance: Thornton Gap/Swift Run Gap
- Trailhead/Parking: Dark Hollows Falls Parking Area
- Trail Difficulty: Moderately challenging
- Distance: 1.4-mile out-and-back trail (approx. 75 minutes)
Dark Hollow Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit. It’s the closest waterfall to Skyline Drive on the Hogbranch River and cascades 70 ft along the rocks in the wet season. Although it’s not pet-friendly, it’s a good option for families.

It’s a fairly easy hike (yet rocky) down to the falls, but a steep incline of 440 ft on the way back. You can park at the trailhead or the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center and follow the Story of the Forest trail to the Dark Hollow Trailhead. There are restrooms, a gas station, and the opportunity to talk to rangers from the National Park Service here.

3. Whiteoak Canyon Trail to Lower Whiteoak Falls
- Closest Park Entrance: Thornton Gap
- Trailhead/Parking: Whiteoak Canyon Falls Upper Trailhead
- Trail Difficulty: Moderately challenging
- Distance: 2.9-mile out-and-back trail (approx. 90 minutes)
Whiteoak Canyon Falls comprises six spectacular waterfalls near Old Rag Mountain. They range from 35 ft to 86 ft. But the Whiteoak Canyon Trail is one of the hardest Shenandoah waterfall hikes!

Instead, hike a shorter round-trip hike as far as the Lower Whiteoak Falls. Don’t feel like you’re missing out on a better view, because you can still see all six waterfalls from the bottom. Plus, you can avoid climbing the higher elevation of 1,000 ft+, as this hike is only a 419 ft climb.
You’ll need to cross mountain streams, so wear good rain boots. Dogs are welcome on leads.

4. Rose River Falls Trail
- Closest Park Entrance: Thornton Gap/Swift Run Gap
- Trailhead/Parking: Rose River Falls Loop Trail Parking Lot
- Trail Difficulty: Moderately challenging
- Distance: 2.6-mile loop hike (approx. two hours)
Rose River Loop Trail takes you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park. In rainy weather, Rose River Falls is 67 ft-tall with four cascades and a crystal-clear swimming hole at the base of the falls.

Yes, swimming is allowed but the falls can be powerful and cold. Maybe your kids will be content just dipping their feet in! While Rose River Trail is pet-friendly, the elevation gain is 720 ft with rocky terrain through the forest. Pack snacks and take breaks to tackle this trail with younger kids.

5. Lewis Falls Trail
- Closest Park Entrance: Thornton Gap/Swift Run Gap
- Trailhead/Parking: Big Meadows Lodge Parking Lot
- Trail Difficulty: Moderately challenging
- Distance: 2.5-mile out-and-back trail (approx. one hour and 45 minutes)
There are two versions of this trail to Lewis Spring Falls, and this one is the shortest. Both include visiting an overlook of the incredible 81 ft waterfall and are pet-friendly. They have the same trailhead at the Big Meadows Campground.

You can see not only the waterfall but across the Alleghany Mountains! There’s a small stone wall at the overlook, so there’s a barrier, but it’s not very high.
This shorter version has an elevation climb of 795 ft. Although it’s a rocky descent, it’s less treacherous than the scenic trails closer to slippy creeks. If your kids find the trail to the overlook easy, why not continue the loop? It’s 3.3 miles of trail including a short section of the Appalachian Trail.

6. Mill Prong Trail to Big Rock Falls and Rapidan Camp
- Closest Park Entrance: Thornton Gap/Swift Run Gap
- Trailhead/Parking: Milam Gap Parking
- Trail Difficulty: Moderately challenging
- Distance: 3.7-mile out-and-back hike (approx. one hour and 45 minutes)
Okay, so Big Rock Falls is one of the smaller waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park (around 6 ft!). But if you look at a trail map, you’ll see other reasons to visit this area.
You can reach Big Rock Falls along Mill Prong Trail. It’s a moderate hike with a 748 ft elevation gain through woodland and crosses a stream.
Hiking as far as Big Rock Falls before turning back will shorten this route, but you’ll want to hike as far as Rapidan Camp. It was President Hoover’s Shenandoah Valley getaway cabin! Two other cabins are in the area from a similar time. There are also public bathrooms here.

7. South River Falls Trail
- Closest Park Entrance: Swift Run Gap
- Trailhead/Parking: South River Picnic Area
- Trail Difficulty: Moderately challenging
- Distance: 3.3-mile loop trail (approx. two hours)
Start your three-and-a-quarter-mile hike at the South River Picnic Ground (it has public bathrooms). South River Falls is worth the steep descent and ascent because, at 83 ft, it’s the third-tallest of all waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park! It is also a pet-friendly trail.
It’s a tough 850 ft-climb if you hike the whole trail, but you don’t have to. You could walk out and back to the observation point without continuing the loop. This is a much easier hike along an unpaved forest path.

Hikes to Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park Not for (Most) Kids
Most hikes to waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park have challenges. From crossing shallow streams to rocky paths and steep declines and inclines. Unless you’re an experienced hiker able to pop your infant in a carrier, it’s not an ideal national park for younger kids.
These hikes to waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park listed below are more strenuous and not top choices for most kids. However, I’ve included them because they are incredible waterfalls. One is even the tallest in the park!
Plus, you might’ve heard about the trails and are curious if they suit your trip. Having this information will allow you to make an informed decision based on the age and abilities of your kids. These trails will be a breeze if you hike a lot and have older teens!
8. Jones Run Falls Trail
- Closest Park Entrance: Swift Run Gap/Rockfish Gap
- Trailhead/Parking: Jones Run Falls Trailhead
- Trail Difficulty: Moderately challenging
- Distance: 4.7-mile out-and-back trail (approx. two hours and 30 minutes)
Jones Run Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park. At 42 ft, it’s not one of the most impressive waterfalls but it is in a beautiful hidden forest setting. The trail is also pet-friendly.
However, Jones Run Falls Trail is not for the faint of heart! It involves a 1,276 ft elevation gain and a stream crossing. If you somehow reach the falls and everyone has tons of energy left, you could always continue the longer loop hike to include Doyles River Falls.

9. Doyles River Falls Trail
- Closest Park Entrance: Swift Run Gap
- Trailhead/Parking: Doyles River Falls Trailhead/Loft Mountain Campground
- Trail Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
- Distance: 3.4-mile out-and-back trail (approx. two hours and 15 minutes)
Speaking of Doyles River Falls, it’s one of the most majestic Shenandoah National Park waterfalls. It has not one, but two unique waterfalls. Upper Falls is 28 ft-tall and Lower Falls is 63 ft.
However, Doyles River Falls Trail is no joke and involves a 1,184 ft elevation gain. Its saving graces are that it’s pet-friendly and you (probably) won’t get your feet wet as there are no stream crossings.

10. Hazel Mountain Trail to Hazel Falls and Caves
- Closest Park Entrance: Thornton Gap
- Trailhead/Parking: Meadow Spring Parking Area
- Trail Difficulty: Moderately challenging
- Distance: 5.1-mile out-and-back trail (approx. two hours and 30 minutes)
Meadow Spring parking area is on Skyline Drive, so it’s a more convenient starting point for the Hazel Mountain Trail than the trailhead. Plus, you don’t want to hike to the trailhead and back as this will take five or six hours! Just to Hazel Falls.
Hazel Falls is one of the more secluded and less-visited waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park so it’s a great place to escape the crowds. The waterfall cascades over a cave into a rock pool and, while it’s only a 30 ft waterfall, it’s a beautiful picture.
You will have to battle 1,004 ft of elevation gain to get there, but it’s worth it!
11. Tuscarora Overall Run Falls Trail
- Closest Park Entrance: Front Royal/Thornton Gap
- Trailhead/Parking: Overall Run Trailhead Parking
- Trail Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
- Distance: 6.5-mile trail (approx. three hours and 30 minutes)
I ummed and ahhed about including Overall Run Falls on this list as it is pretty strenuous. But at 93 ft, Overall Run Falls is the highest waterfall in the park! It’s a can’t-miss if you’re chasing waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park with older teenage kids who are experienced hikers.
This challenging trail has a total climb of 1,850 ft and is six and a half miles. But before you start pounding the trail, check at the local visitor center if water is flowing first. *It’s prone to running dry, and it would be a bummer to walk this tough trail with no reward.*
The perfect time to check out Overall Run Falls in all its glory is before June during the rainiest season.

Top Tips for Chasing Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park With Kids
- Visit in Spring/Early Summer – The best time to chase waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park is after heavy rains. The water flow will be stronger and the falls will look epic! It’s the only time you’ll wish for rainy days. Since fall is the peak season for Shenandoah, a better time of year to visit is March, April, May, or June for the waterfalls and wildflowers. International Waterfall Day is June 16th, so it’s perfect.
- Wear Appropriate Gear – Unsurprisingly, chasing waterfalls means you might get a little wet! Pack raincoats even if it’s not raining. Wear rain boots or waterproof hiking boots just in case you need to wade through a shallow stream. You’ll want shoes with good traction and maybe even hiking poles so no one slips!
- Watch out for Wildlife – Rivers and ponds attract birds and you could see ducks, cormorants, and red-winged blackbirds. If you’re lucky, you might spot beavers, raccoons, muskrats, and white-tailed deer. Black bears and cubs usually emerge from their winter hibernation in April or May.
Looking for more information about Shenandoah NP, or waterfall chasing and family-friendly hikes in more amazing US national parks? Be sure to check out these articles, too:
- 8 Top Shenandoah National Park Things to Do [for Families]
- 11 Best Hikes Shenandoah National Park (For Families)
- Where To Stay in Shenandoah National Park [For Families]
- 10 Can’t-Miss Great Smoky Mountains National Park Waterfalls
- 13 BEST Yellowstone National Park Waterfalls To See
- Hiking in Glacier National Park: 19 BEST Family-Friendly Trails
- Everglades National Park Hiking: 11 Best Family Treks
- 14 Best Arches National Park Hiking Trails for Families
- 17 Best Hikes in Saguaro National Park for Families
- Acadia National Park Easy Hikes: 12 Best for Families
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This post brings back memories! We were in Shenandoah a few years and chose waterfall hikes over views hikes because you can get the views on the drive and scenic pull overs. But yes, most of their waterfall hikes are challenging. Because the whole park is on top of a bluff, every hike requires climbing down then up again to see a waterfall. But they are gorgeous! Visiting from Funtastic Friday.
Stunning just stunning. I love virtually traveling with you guys.
Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.