Overall Run Falls
A wilderness descent to a view of Shenandoah's highest waterfall, which can run nearly dry in low-rain periods.
Route overview
Overall Run Falls in Virginia.
The route uses Traces Trail, Mathews Arm Road and Trail, and Tuscarora–Overall Run Trail to reach the viewpoint before retracing the approach.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Virginia
- Distance
- 8.21 km
- Typical duration
- 240-300 minutes
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- 394 m
- Best season
- Check current official seasonal access and conditions
- Trail type
- out-and-back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Entrance pass required; no separate ordinary day-hike reservation. Mathews Arm seasonal operations must be rechecked.
Safety context
Expect a substantial climb out, wilderness conditions, heat, limited water reliability, and protected outcrop closures. Never leave the maintained viewpoint alignment. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Expect a substantial climb out, wilderness conditions, heat, limited water reliability, and protected outcrop closures. Never leave the maintained viewpoint alignment.
Highlights
Overall Run Falls, highest waterfall, wilderness, Mathews Arm, strenuous hike
Why find a buddy
Match on four-to-five-hour endurance, seasonal-flow expectations, water carrying, and strict ecological-closure compliance.
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.