Shenandoah National Park's 'Dark Hollow Falls' Trail to Close for Repairs

Dark Hollow FallsPhoto byLara Ellis Photography via Fine Art America

LURAY, Va. – A popular Shenandoah National Park (SNP) trail will soon close to repair damage associated with Hurricane Debby.

According to an emailed media release from SNP Visual Information Specialist Allysah Fox, a section of Dark Hollow Falls Trail will be closed beginning August 27, 2024.

Sections of the trail that lead to a waterfall have washed out and pose a fall risk for hikers.

The hike’s trailhead and parking area are located at mile 50.5 on Skyline Drive, near Big Meadows. The nearby Rose River Trail, which features several waterfalls including Dark Hollow Falls, will not be affected by the closure. The Rose River Trail milepost 49.4, with parking at Fisher’s Gap Overlook.

Big Meadows / Dark Hollow Falls area trail mapPhoto byShenandoah National Park

Another Big-Meadows-area trail closure was issued for Story of the Forest Trail on August 10, following a damaging wind-rain event. A bridge on the trail completely washed out, and crews are working to provide a temporary crossing so the trail can be reopened. An anticipated date has yet to be announced.

Crews hope to complete work on the Dark Hollow Falls trail by September 10, 2024.

Consisting of nearly 197,000 acres, including 80,000 acres of congressionally designated wilderness, the Shenandoah National Park encompasses portions of eight counties.

Each year, millions visit the area, which includes the 105-mile Skyline Drive and 75 designated scenic overlooks. The park also includes established campgrounds and 101 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail, on which visitors hike and often overnight camp.

Luray, Virginia is home to Shenandoah National Park Headquarters.