WaterfallNear Me

Lower Doyles River Falls

Albemarle County, Virginia

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
62 ft (19 m)
Location
Albemarle County, Virginia
Access status
National park trail from a Skyline Drive parking area; entrance fee
The walk
Go Hike Virginia reached the Lower Falls at its 1.8-mile mark; the NPS gives 3.3 miles round trip for both falls
Ground & access
Descending forest trail with a stream crossing; the return climbs. The NPS says the trail does not meet ADA accessibility guidelines.

Lower Doyles River Falls is the 63-foot lower drop on the Doyles River in the South District of Shenandoah National Park. From the Doyles River Parking Area, follow the blue-blazed Doyles River Trail across the Appalachian Trail and past the access trails to Doyles River Cabin and Browns Gap Road. The trail reaches the river and crosses it on rocks. Trail posts mark the Upper Falls and then the Lower Falls, a little farther down the trail. Retrace your steps to return; the return is uphill. The Upper Falls has its own listing.

Plan your visit

Doyles River Parking Area at Skyline Drive mile 81.1, down the blue-blazed Doyles River Trail past the Upper Falls to the Lower Falls

The NPS gives the Doyles River Falls hike, to the Upper and Lower Falls, as a 3.3-mile round trip with 1,189 feet of elevation gain. Go Hike Virginia reached the Upper Falls at its 1.5-mile mark and the Lower Falls at its 1.8-mile mark, including a short side trip to Doyles River Cabin.

Descending forest trail with a stream crossing; the return climbs. The NPS says the trail does not meet ADA accessibility guidelines.

Where to start

Doyles River Parking Area on the east side of Skyline Drive at mile 81.1; Go Hike Virginia says there is room for at least a dozen cars.

Timing & water

The NPS lists the hike as open year round. Go Hike Virginia found both falls at a trickle in a dry August. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Before you go

A Shenandoah National Park entrance fee is required: $30 per private vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days. The NPS lists no separate activity fee and no reservation for this hike.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Virginia

Waterfall location

Albemarle County, Virginia.

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