You don’t have to be a hardcore trekker to enjoy the best day hikes in Shenandoah National Park. After the vista point, the trail hugs the base of sheer cliffs on the right, with the jagged peak of Blackrock above. It took us just under 2 hours to complete the hike down, spend several minutes at the waterfall, and return UP the trail back to our car. To the left of the small outdoor amphitheater, look for a sign marking the way to the Lewis Falls and Appalachian Trails. As the trail briefly levels off, a set of outcrops on the left offer excellent views to the west, spanning Shenandoah Valley and extending to the miles-long ridges of Massanutten Mountain and Great North Mountain beyond. An incomplete guide to hiking Utah, Colorado, Virginia, and beyond, Millers Head Trail (Shenandoah National Park, VA), Lewis Falls Trail Loop (Shenandoah National Park, VA), Millers Head Trail (Shenandoah National Park, VA) | Live and Let Hike, Steep Ravine - Matt Davis Trail Loop (Mount Tamalpais State Park, CA), White Rock Canyon - Arizona Hot Spring Canyon Trail Loop (Lake Mead National Recreation Area, AZ), Top 10 Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park's "Frontcountry", Falls Trail Loop (Mount Diablo State Park, CA), Appalachian Trail - Maryland Section 1: Pen Mar to Raven Rock Hollow, including High Rock & Devil's Racecourse (South Mountain State Park, MD), Follow Live and Let Hike on WordPress.com, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Dinosaur Hill Trail (McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, CO), Otto’s Trail (Colorado National Monument, CO), Browns Creek Falls (San Isabel National Forest, CO). There is also an option of shortening the distance, and vertical gain, by opting out of the Lewis Spring Falls section for … Bear to left, continuing on the Lewis Peak Trail. Milam Gap and Lewis Falls Loop is a 6.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Syria, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The Dark Hollow Falls Trail is the most popular hiking trail at the Shenandoah National Park. As the path bends southward, the track becomes rockier and more difficult to navigate, requiring careful attention. Descend for 0.6 mile to a trail junction; take the side trail to the left, and go 50 yards to a wide, flat viewpoint above the falls. This is not a difficult crossing but you do need to be mindful as you step from rock to rock to get across. It is this transition that makes the high cliffs—and thus the vertical drop of the falls—possible. Take the Rapidan Fire Road north to connect with the Lewis Spring Falls Trail to the falls. At ¼ mile, a rocky perch on the right offers a limited vista; another stony outcrop minutes later also provides a similar view. more, Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Shenandoah National Park, Popular Shenandoah National Park Categories, Commonly searched for in Shenandoah National Park. Hiking in Shenandoah National Park – Rose River Falls, Dark Hallow Falls and Lewis Falls Trail Van Camping in Shenandoah National Park. Atop a ridgeline, the Lewis Spring Falls Trail passes a large rock outcrop on the right at 1.8 miles, and one can hear and view the stream again for a brief period. Blue Ridge Mountains extend westward into Shenandoah Valley. United States ; Virginia (VA) ... leads to Big Meadows Picnic Grounds but turning off on the trail leading to the junction of the Appalachian Trail and Lewis Falls Trail. But a surprise waits for you before reaching Taitnapum; about a quarter mile beyond the lower viewpoint is another viewpoint of the Upper Lewis River Falls. ( Log Out /  At this point, there is an overlook with your first unobstructed view over Shenandoah Valley. From here it is a gradual uphill along the AT back to the original pair of trail junctions. Drive from Big Meadows to Trailhead – 24 min ; Drive from Skyland to Trailhead – 38 min; Drive from Lewis Mountain Cabins to Trailhead - 12 min; Skyline Drive Mile: 62.8; Waterfall Height: 83 ft ; Hike Difficulty: Moderate; This hike will take you to the 3rd tallest waterfall in Shenandoah. Although the falls are still not quite visible, one can sense by this time that they are very near. 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Lewis Falls Trail Leaving from Big Meadows amphitheater, this hike leads to an observation point over a beautiful 81 foot waterfall. Trails I've Hiked: Lewis Falls Trail In Shenandoah National Park By Kurt Repanshek - September 16th, 2014 12:31pm Lewis Falls is not in its full, raging glory, in autumn, but it's still a worthwhile destination for a dayhike near Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park. Around 2/3 mile into the hike, a 30- to 40-foot cliff towers over hikers on the left, ushering in a steep but brief descent. The trail wasn't as crowded so it was peaceful. If you are in the South District you may want to check out Doyles River Falls, mile 81.1. The falls are situated at the fault line between rock belonging to the hard Catoctin Formation above and more eroded monzodiorite below, with loose, unconsolidated colluvium deposits scattered at the base of the falls. Lewis Falls Lewis Falls. 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