Load up with water, wear good walking shoes and head along this trail in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to find lovely Doyles River Falls. After walking 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) from the parking area, you’ll come across the first upper falls roaring or trickling, depending on the season, over a 28-foot (8.5-meter) cliff face. Doyles River Falls Trail is well maintained but fallen leaves can make the path slippery in places, especially in autumn after rain.
The lower falls is another 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometers) and definitely worth traveling the extra distance for their beautiful scenery and larger size of 63 feet (19 meters). Take your camera, as these falls are very picturesque.
Allow extra time on your walk to absorb the soothing environment created by the sight and sounds of the water and peaceful woodlands. At this point, your descent from the parking area has been nearly 1,200 feet (360 meters).
This trail provides an option of seeing two falls and then returning uphill the way you came. Alternatively, do a complete loop by joining the Jones Run Trail and seeing yet another large falls of 42 feet (13 meters). The first hike is a 3.4-mile (5.5-kilometer) round-trip journey and the alternative is 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers), with the last several miles relatively flat.
Remember that getting to the falls downhill is not too difficult, but going back is a rather steep ascent and could be a challenge, although there are many places to stop and rest. Consider taking hiking poles or locate a stick to provide assistance.
Find Doyles River Falls Trail off Skyline Drive near the Appalachian Trail in the southern half of Shenandoah National Park. Alternatively start at Jones Run Trail and do the upward trek first to Doyles River Falls, a return distance of 6 miles (10 kilometers).
If you do decide to walk the loop, remember to take food with you. Set out early enough in the day so you have a minimum of 4 hours before dark to complete the journey.
