South River Falls Circuit
A forest circuit to the base of an 83-foot waterfall with a stream crossing and a fire-road return.
Route overview
South River Falls Circuit in Virginia.
The route descends South River Falls Trail past the observation point, continues to the base, then returns by South River Falls Road, South River Fire Road, and the Appalachian Trail.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Virginia
- Distance
- 5.31 km
- Typical duration
- 135-180 minutes
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- 277 m
- Best season
- Check current official seasonal access and conditions
- Trail type
- circuit
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Entrance pass required; no separate ordinary day-hike reservation.
Safety context
Assess the stream crossing, stay off wet waterfall rock, and prepare for a long climb back to Skyline Drive. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Assess the stream crossing, stay off wet waterfall rock, and prepare for a long climb back to Skyline Drive.
Highlights
South River Falls, waterfall, stream crossing, circuit, Virginia
Why find a buddy
Match on stream-crossing confidence, waterfall-base objective, and return-climb pace.
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.