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Waterfall · Luray, Virginia
Dark Hollow Falls and Big Meadows
A waterfall of about 21 meters, reached by a short, steep trail from Big Meadows, the park’s central area with a visitor center and open fields.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Dark Hollow Falls and Big Meadows
Big Meadows is in the middle of Skyline Drive, in one of the park’s higher sections. It’s a large open meadow area surrounded by forest where deer often graze, and it houses the Harry F. Byrd visitor center, a lodge, a campground, and snack stands. The visitor center has exhibits about the families who lived in the mountains before the park.
Nearby the Dark Hollow Falls trail begins, one of the park’s most popular. The trail, about 2.3 km round trip, descends through the forest beside a stream to the waterfall, which drops about 21 meters over rocky ledges.
The descent is easy, but the return is all uphill and requires stamina. The waterfall usually has more water in spring and after rain.
Other trails also start in the Big Meadows area, such as Lewis Falls and Blackrock Summit, and the open meadow is used for stargazing on clear nights.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours for the trail; half a day including Big Meadows.
Best time
Spring and early summer, when the waterfall usually has more water; autumn for the colors. On weekends, arrive early.
How to get there
The trail parking is on Skyline Drive, near milepost 50, about 1.5 km from Big Meadows and about 40 km from Luray via the Thornton Gap entrance.
Tip
Bring water and trail shoes. Do not enter the water at the top of the waterfall: the rocks are slippery.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Dark Hollow Falls and Big Meadows
Is the Dark Hollow Falls trail difficult?
It’s short, about 2.3 km round trip, but the return is all uphill and steep.
Where is Dark Hollow Falls?
On Skyline Drive, near Big Meadows, in the center of Shenandoah National Park, about 40 km from Luray.
What is at Big Meadows?
Open meadows with deer, the Byrd visitor center, lodging, a campground and several trails.