Doyles Falls

Doyles River Falls Trailhead
4.9
7 Reviews
Doyles Falls
View all photos

Details

Distance
2.97 miles
Elevation Gain
928 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Wildflowers
Waterfall
River
Forest
Easy Parking
Wildlife
See all 7 tags
Download
Directions
Check-in
Track

About this place

Added by Elyse Clark

Doyles Falls is reached by a 3.0 mile, strenuous round trip hike to two beautiful waterfalls in the South District of Shenandoah National Park.

From the parking lot at MP 81.1 on the Skyline Drive, take the trailhead to the left of the sign with the trail map. Immediately you'll cross over the Appalachian Trail-stay straight on the blue-blazed trail to Doyles Falls.

The trail will descend rapidly for 1.3 miles to Upper Doyles Falls (28' waterfall), then another 0.3 miles to Lower Doyles Falls (63' waterfall).

Both of these waterfalls are beautiful and well-worth the effort. Keep in mind that water levels will be lower in the summer, and trees will block some of the view of the falls. Therefore, for the best flow conditions and views of the falls, winter months are the ideal time to visit, though these falls are beautiful in all seasons.

Once finished viewing the falls, simply retrace your steps the 1.6 miles and ~1200 foot ascent back to the parking lot, making sure to stay straight at the trail junction with the Appalachian Trail.

Show more
Suggest an edit

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
Photos
Check-ins
Taylor Minnick
9/17/2022
Fun and challenging
Loved doing this hike. The way back up from the main falls was challenging in elevation but a great workout and overall fun hike!
Report
Stephen Catalano
8/10/2020
Wait for lots of rain
The falls really pop after a lot of rain, so wait to go until you see that in the forecast! They're really pretty. Also ...
Show more
Report
Jenn Gonzalez
10/24/2017
Gorgeous Hike
I really loved this hike. I thought it was beautiful and when I went there were butterflies everywhere. Sometimes in groups of 6 or ...
Show more
Report
Nick Palastro
5/27/2017
Photogenic Falls
The hike down is nice and easy, all down hill! You'll have plenty of energy to take some pictures. The lower falls is pretty ...
Show more
Report
Jeremy Meek
3/5/2017
Great Hike! Watch Out For Bears!
This was a fun, early summer hike. It was quite busy, but still managed to find a parking space. About 500' into the hike, ...
Show more
Report
Brandon Dewey
12/31/2016
Amazing waterfall
This is my favorite waterfall in the the park. The hike down to the fall is very beautiful and is great for families. ...
Show more
Report
Jess Fischer
7/4/2016
Beautiful waterfalls
Great review! I always start at the Browns Gap parking area, hike down around to both of the Doyle's Falls then continue hiking around ...
Show more
Report