Overall Run Falls

Overall Run Falls is one of the most spectacular sights within the Shenandoah National Park. The falls cascade 93 feet to a pool below. While best viewed in spring or summer, these falls are also a sight in the winter as ice adds a new dimension to their beauty. There are a few ways to complete this hike. Mathews Arm Campground is closed until September 2017, so some extra steps must be taken. From the Piney Ridge Parking Lot, cross the street to the Mathews Arm Campground entrance and follow the road to the parking lots. This is segment is about a mile, and it loses approximately 300 feet in elevation. Once you reach the parking lot, there are a few options for your choice of trail. The Traces Trail takes you around the campground before looping back to the parking lot. This trail meets up with the Overall Run Trail about 0.7 miles into the walk. You can also walk through the campground, a pleasant stroll in the offseason, to an old fire road that is 2 miles from the beginning of the falls. This trail is well-cleared and easy to follow, with numerous markers along the way. A series of falls precedes the main falls. Twin Falls splits before the edge of a cliff and majestically falls into a large pool. Cascade Falls flows more slowly down a slope but is impressive in their own right. Walking past these leads to Overall Run Falls, the main attraction, and a viewpoint over the park. There are numerous paths to scramble down to the water, but all are steep and much harder to come back up, so use caution! Retrace your steps, finally gaining elevation, and grind out the trail. From here, return to your car. Be careful as you go back up the road toward Piney Ridge, as construction vehicles can be more active in the afternoon.