NPS - National Park Service

08/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/27/2024 10:19

Shenandoah National Park issues partial closure for Dark Hollow Falls Trail repairs

News Release Date:
August 27, 2024

Contact:Allysah Fox, 540-999-3500 ext. 3487

LURAY, VA - A section of Dark Hollow Falls Trail in the central section of Shenandoah National Park will be closed for repairs for about two weeks beginning August 27, 2024. Sections of the trail have washed out and poses a fall risk for hikers.

The Dark Hollow Falls Trailhead is at mile 50.5 on Skyline Drive. The popular trail draws the attention of hikers for its scenic waterfall and proximity to Big Meadows. Rose River Trail, which features several waterfalls including Dark Hollow Falls, will not be affected by the closure. Hikers will still be able to access Rose River Trail but will not be able to ascend Dark Hollow Falls Trail. The Skyline Drive Trailhead for Rose River Trail is mile 49.4.

Shenandoah's trail crew will begin work on August 27, 2024, and hope to complete work by September 10, 2024. The washed-out sections of the trail do not allow a safe way to circumvent the area so this section of the trail will remain closed while crews work to repair the trail.

A trail closure was issued for Story of the Forest Trail, located in the Big Meadows area, August 10, 2024, following a damaging wind-rain event associated with Hurricane Debbie. A bridge on the trail has completely washed out, and trail crews are working to provide a temporary crossing so the trail can be reopened.