WaterfallNear Me

Upper Doyles River Falls

Albemarle County, Virginia

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
28 ft (8.5 m)
Location
Albemarle County, Virginia
Access status
Guide: park trail down to the upper falls
The walk
3.1 miles out and back to the upper falls (Hiking Project)
Ground & access
Steady descent on the way in and a climb back out; Hiking Project lists about 960 feet of climb. One stream crossing.
National Park Service: Doyles River Falls

Upper Doyles River Falls is the first of two waterfalls on the Doyles River Trail in Shenandoah National Park. From the parking area near mile 81 on Skyline Drive, take the Doyles River Trail downhill and cross the Appalachian Trail. Stay right where a side trail climbs to the locked Doyles River Cabin, and continue about two-thirds of a mile to Browns Gap Road. Cross the road; the trail crosses the Doyles River after a few hundred yards. Follow the trail as it bends right in a wide hairpin to a low point with a sign, where the whole falls comes into view. Trail posts mark the upper and lower falls. Return uphill the same way.

Plan your visit

Doyles River Parking Area (Skyline Drive mile 81.1), blue-blazed Doyles River Trail across the Appalachian Trail and Browns Gap Road to the signed upper falls

Hiking Project gives 3.1 miles out and back to the upper falls. The National Park Service gives 3.3 miles round trip for the hike to both the upper and lower falls.

Steady descent on the way in and a climb back out; Hiking Project lists about 960 feet of climb. One stream crossing.

Where to start

Doyles River Parking Area on Skyline Drive at mile 81.1.

Timing & water

The park lists the Doyles River hike as open year-round.

Before you go

Shenandoah National Park entrance fee required: $30 per private vehicle, valid for seven days. The park does not accept cash. No booking is needed 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.

Open location map