One of the best parts about living in Virginia is enjoying the proximity to truly amazing natural attractions. It’s no wonder why hiking is such a beloved pastime around here. And if you’ve got a thing for waterfalls, there’s a trail near Luray that promises not just one but two incredible falls. Located along Skyline Drive, Doyles River is a popular trek that leads hikers near the famed Appalachian Trail. Amidst gorgeous scenery and mountain views, hikers will pass two distinctive cascades that add to the allure of this beautiful landscape. The out-and-back trip lasts a little over three miles and is ranked as moderate. The next time you pay a visit to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, you must check out this hike!
Doyles River Falls Trail is located in the southern section of the iconic Shenandoah National Park.
Google Maps Hikers will want to park in the Doyles River Falls parking area at mile 81.1 along the Parkway.
While the hike is only 3.3 miles round-trip, those interested in a longer excursion can opt for the entire 7.7-mile Doyles River/Jones Run Loop.
Brooke Shafer/AllTrails Be sure to check out the trail map at the parking area to plan your exact route.
Those interested in cutting to the chase and admiring the gorgeous waterfalls will want to follow Doyles River Trail.
Brooke Shafer/TripAdvisor As you continue towards the water, you’ll pass the access trails for Doyles River Cabin and Browns Gap Road.
Before long, you’ll stumble upon the trail’s first set of falls: Upper Doyles River Falls.
Kate Kogge/TripAdvisor
This gorgeous, gentle cascade is approximately 28 feet tall.
Mark Levisay/flickr You’ll want to take a minute to admire the sound of the falls as it splashes into this peacefully flowing forest stream. Look closely and you may even spot the lively brook trout that are native to the area.
Continuing along the path, you’ll discover Lower Doyles Falls shortly after.
Mark Levisay/flickr The larger of the two cascades, Lower Doyles Falls measures 63 feet in length. On a particularly warm day, visitors can splash around in the swimming hole below. Just make sure to be mindful of slippery rocks!
While waterfall hikes are often associated with summer, there’s no denying the beauty of these frozen falls in the winter.
Shona Freeman/AllTrails
After spending time at Lower Doyles, hikers can retract their steps to return back to the parking lot or continue onward.
Jonathan Cohen/AllTrails
Though the hike becomes more challenging later in the loop, there are plenty of rewards that await…
Jeff Greendyk/AllTrails
…including a third waterfall! Jones Run Falls is the third cascades along the loop and its just as beautiful as the first two.
Mark Levisay/flickr This picturesque waterfall measures about 42 feet.
So whether you’re an avid waterfall fan or simply looking for a gorgeous section in Shenandoah National Park, you’ll love spending time near Doyles River.
For more information about Doyles River Falls, including a detailed map and directions to the sites at this national park in Virginia, you can visit AllTrails. If you love Virginia’s waterfalls, you’ll want to read about The Ultimate Virginia Waterfalls Road Trip.
Google Maps
Hikers will want to park in the Doyles River Falls parking area at mile 81.1 along the Parkway.
Brooke Shafer/AllTrails
Be sure to check out the trail map at the parking area to plan your exact route.
Brooke Shafer/TripAdvisor
As you continue towards the water, you’ll pass the access trails for Doyles River Cabin and Browns Gap Road.
Kate Kogge/TripAdvisor
Mark Levisay/flickr
You’ll want to take a minute to admire the sound of the falls as it splashes into this peacefully flowing forest stream. Look closely and you may even spot the lively brook trout that are native to the area.
The larger of the two cascades, Lower Doyles Falls measures 63 feet in length. On a particularly warm day, visitors can splash around in the swimming hole below. Just make sure to be mindful of slippery rocks!
Shona Freeman/AllTrails
Jonathan Cohen/AllTrails
Jeff Greendyk/AllTrails
This picturesque waterfall measures about 42 feet.
So whether you’re an avid waterfall fan or simply looking for a gorgeous section in Shenandoah National Park, you’ll love spending time near Doyles River.
What are your favorite waterfalls to visit at this national park in Virginia? Sound off in the comments below!
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Address: Doyles River Falls, Virginia 22932, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls near me February 26, 2022 Sarah M. What sets Shenandoah National Park in Virginia apart from other national parks? The western region of the U.S. is known for its bucket-list-worthy wonders, but you don’t have to head west to find remarkable scenery. This notion is how, in 1935, Shenandoah National Park came to be. A bucket-list destination for so many, few places in the country are as breathtakingly beautiful as Shenandoah National Park. This scenic expanse of the Southern Appalachian mountains in Virginia is 200,000 acres of pastoral perfection. Photographers love Shenandoah National Park for its picture-perfect panoramas, but this national park is so much more than just a quick photo stop. With stunning and radiant scenery, Shenandoah National Park offers some of the very best outdoor recreation opportunities in the U.S., stellar hiking trails (including access to the world-famous Appalachian Trail), extraordinary camping, an abundance of wildlife, beautiful waterfalls, and, yes, some of the most jaw-dropping views in the country. Shenandoah is a true national treasure; a place that belongs on everyone’s bucket list. Are there any places to camp in Shenandoah National Park? To take your visit to this national park in Virginia to the next level, nothing beats camping. Camping is one of those activities that reconnects us with nature in the most memorable way. The opportunity to fall asleep under a blanket of stars and awaken with the sunrise is both rare and cherished. Fortunately, Virginia is positively brimming with beautiful campsites – including a beautiful campground right in Shenandoah National Park! Loft Mountain Campground is located along Skyline Drive and offers campers a chance to reconnect with the natural landscape. In short, we think you’ll love it! The next time you’re looking to visit this national park in Virginia, definitely head to Loft Mountain Campground to pitch your tent — we promise, it will take your Shenandoah experience to the next level.
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls near me
February 26, 2022
Sarah M.
What sets Shenandoah National Park in Virginia apart from other national parks? The western region of the U.S. is known for its bucket-list-worthy wonders, but you don’t have to head west to find remarkable scenery. This notion is how, in 1935, Shenandoah National Park came to be. A bucket-list destination for so many, few places in the country are as breathtakingly beautiful as Shenandoah National Park. This scenic expanse of the Southern Appalachian mountains in Virginia is 200,000 acres of pastoral perfection. Photographers love Shenandoah National Park for its picture-perfect panoramas, but this national park is so much more than just a quick photo stop. With stunning and radiant scenery, Shenandoah National Park offers some of the very best outdoor recreation opportunities in the U.S., stellar hiking trails (including access to the world-famous Appalachian Trail), extraordinary camping, an abundance of wildlife, beautiful waterfalls, and, yes, some of the most jaw-dropping views in the country. Shenandoah is a true national treasure; a place that belongs on everyone’s bucket list. Are there any places to camp in Shenandoah National Park? To take your visit to this national park in Virginia to the next level, nothing beats camping. Camping is one of those activities that reconnects us with nature in the most memorable way. The opportunity to fall asleep under a blanket of stars and awaken with the sunrise is both rare and cherished. Fortunately, Virginia is positively brimming with beautiful campsites – including a beautiful campground right in Shenandoah National Park! Loft Mountain Campground is located along Skyline Drive and offers campers a chance to reconnect with the natural landscape. In short, we think you’ll love it! The next time you’re looking to visit this national park in Virginia, definitely head to Loft Mountain Campground to pitch your tent — we promise, it will take your Shenandoah experience to the next level.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The western region of the U.S. is known for its bucket-list-worthy wonders, but you don’t have to head west to find remarkable scenery. This notion is how, in 1935, Shenandoah National Park came to be. A bucket-list destination for so many, few places in the country are as breathtakingly beautiful as Shenandoah National Park. This scenic expanse of the Southern Appalachian mountains in Virginia is 200,000 acres of pastoral perfection. Photographers love Shenandoah National Park for its picture-perfect panoramas, but this national park is so much more than just a quick photo stop. With stunning and radiant scenery, Shenandoah National Park offers some of the very best outdoor recreation opportunities in the U.S., stellar hiking trails (including access to the world-famous Appalachian Trail), extraordinary camping, an abundance of wildlife, beautiful waterfalls, and, yes, some of the most jaw-dropping views in the country. Shenandoah is a true national treasure; a place that belongs on everyone’s bucket list.
Are there any places to camp in Shenandoah National Park?
To take your visit to this national park in Virginia to the next level, nothing beats camping. Camping is one of those activities that reconnects us with nature in the most memorable way. The opportunity to fall asleep under a blanket of stars and awaken with the sunrise is both rare and cherished. Fortunately, Virginia is positively brimming with beautiful campsites – including a beautiful campground right in Shenandoah National Park! Loft Mountain Campground is located along Skyline Drive and offers campers a chance to reconnect with the natural landscape. In short, we think you’ll love it! The next time you’re looking to visit this national park in Virginia, definitely head to Loft Mountain Campground to pitch your tent — we promise, it will take your Shenandoah experience to the next level.
