Trail Run Project Logo

A moderately easy, out-and-back run down to the scenic South River Falls.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

79%

Runnable

2,945' 898 m

High

1,976' 602 m

Low

1,165' 355 m

Up

1,165' 355 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (5°)

26%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Dropping nearly 800 feet in just under a mile and a half, this run descends from the picnic area at the South River Trailhead, following along the South River until it cascades through the canyon. Like most of the runs off of Skyline Drive, this one provides a fairly strenuous climb back to the start. Keep an eye out for old stone walls that were built as dividing lines when these woods were cleared a number of years ago.

Need to Know

Pit toilets at South River picnic area near the trailhead.

Description

Begin this run on the South River Falls Trail that heads past the drinking fountain at the South River picnic area. The trail begins by descending across the white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT) and continuing downhill along a straight, drawn-out stretch. The trail bends to the left, drops along several switchbacks, and then straightens out as the South River merges from the right (south).

Head across the tributary stream, which can be hard to spot in places, but can be heard fairly clearly when there is water flowing. After around a third of a mile, the trail will cross another stream. Soon after, the edge of the falls should start to come into view on the right as the trees thin out, revealing views of the park beyond.

Follow the trail for another hundred yards or so, passing by a path on the right. This path dives very steeply toward the head of the falls and provides a number of slipping hazards to avoid. Stay straight on the South River Falls Trail as it leads to an observation point down on the right, toward the falls. Look for the ledge surrounded by a constructed guard wall.

From here, especially during the winter months, you'll find the best views of the falls, out toward the gorge, and the northeast ridge of Saddleback Mountain beyond. During the summer months one can get a glimpse of the falls through the trees at the observation point, but it's not too satisfying because of the overgrowth. At this point you have the option to turn around and return the way you came on South River Falls Trail, for a total mileage of 2.9 as reported by Larry Brown.

If you'd like to extend your hike and see the falls up close, continue past the observation point to the post at the end of South River Falls Trail and turn right on South River Falls Road. Follow the road down around to the right, arriving at a post below the falls, with the South River now on your left.

At this point you cannot yet see the falls but can reach the base of the falls by following the blue-blazed trail upstream a few hundred feet. This is a moderately difficult trail up and down stone stairs and rocks, all of which can be slippery. Please be careful, it's much more challenging than the rest of the hike. But the reward is a beautiful view of the falls from the pool at the base. Return the way you came via South River Falls Trail for total round-trip of 4.8 miles.

Optionally, add even more mileage by taking the South River Falls Road back all the way up to the AT. Turn left on the AT to return in a loop to the junction near the starting point, turning right on the South River Falls Trail towards the parking lot.

Thanks to Larry W. Brown, for sharing this description. If you're interested in learning more details about great runs, weather, camping / lodging, wildlife, and scenic drives, check out snp.guide/.

Flora & Fauna

Look for Oxalis europea, yellow wood sorrel, and the less frequently spotted, Euphorbia corolata, flowering spurge.

Contacts

Shared By:

Larry W Brown with improvements by J H

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 15 votes

#2735

Overall
  4.0 from 15 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#77

in Virginia

#2,735

Overall
17 Views Last Month
3,673 Since Apr 14, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
29%
14%
57%
0%

Photos

Some of the smaller falls along the stream that parallels the South River Falls Trail.
Jun 17, 2021 near Elkton, VA
View from the base of South River Falls.
May 12, 2016 near Elkton, VA
The scenic South River.
Apr 15, 2016 near Elkton, VA
One of the many scenic views of the stream that runs along the South River Trail.
Jun 17, 2021 near Elkton, VA
Moss on the boulders along the South River Falls Loop.
Jun 17, 2021 near Elkton, VA
South river cascades.
Apr 15, 2016 near Elkton, VA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.