LOCATION: Swoope, Virginia
TRAIL DISTANCE: 8.1 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS: ROUTE 42 Buffalo Gap Hwy
TRAIL TYPE: In & Out
TRAIL GRADE:  STRENUOUS (4)
TRAIL PARKING: 5 Spots or Less
KEY WORDS: Waterfalls, Summit, George Washington national forest
TRAIL INFO
What’s to like about the trail: This is both a sanctuary of amazing forest scenes and a back breaking summit hike.
Why go for a hike on this trail:  For those who want everything in a trail experience from waterfalls, to big trees, to physicality to big summit views....call it a TRAIL potpourri.
Best time to go for a hike on this trail:  all seasons, avoid rainy​

Summary  
Your adventure begins at the trailhead for Falls Hollow . the trailhead is found off route 42 just after the Shenandale Gun club entrance. The trail head offers a very small area to park. just beyond the gate you will begin the Falls Hollow trail, a wide scenic forested trail comprised of compacted dirt and small stones. The Falls Hollow trail has minimal inclines and easily navigable using the yellow hash. The trail is a beautiful collage of spruce, pines, oaks, mountain laurel and a meandering creek with several waterfalls. The waterfalls and picturesque creek are just off the trail and you can find small off shoots to gain access to the creek. The waterfalls range in height from 10 feet to just a few feet, however the sound of water during your trail is a perfect backdrop.

A word to all explorers, the trail will cross the creek at several points and crossing can be dependent on weather, current water levels or snow melt. proceed with caution and note your surroundings to ensure your crossing is safe and achievable.

The Falls Hollow trail is your ride for 3 miles until you reach a gravel forest road. At this intersection your journey bears right and will use the forest road until the summit. The road has limited protection from the elements and is a very difficult ascent. The road lasts for a mile and should not be taken lightly, this portion of the trail is why its deemed strenuous due to the incline and distance.  There is an important hiking adage to remember here which is its not how fast you get there, its that you get there. I say this so you remember to take breaks, use pace and know that your summit is waiting.  At the conclusion of your one mile climb, you will come to a grove of spruce and pine along with a telecommunications antenna. Not the most charming, but alas walk passed and cross over the junction with the North Mountain trail. Here you will find a narrow path headed up the side of the mountain, it lasts for 300 yards and takes you to the summit! The funny thing about this portion is that after your one mile grueling climb this will either make you rejoice at how easy this is or make you say an expletive or two about why there is another climb.  At the summit, you have a few treats awaiting you, the first is a fire tower. It is not in use, however is maintained and yes you are able to get to the top for a 5 star view of the Alleghany Mountains and North mountain range. Also at the summit are a few campsites, these campsites are in the grove area with grasses and shrubs which makes for a serene camping spot and access to amazing sunrise and sunset skylines! and finally, the summit offers a wonderful lunch time pause to your trip.  Once you have enjoyed the summit, to return to your car is a retrace of your steps back down the gravel road, hanging a left onto the Falls Hollow trail (there is a wooden sign) and using the falls hollow for three miles via the yellow markers back to your car.


HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
  • 2 water bottle or camelback
  • hiking shoes
  • Trail Bars & Lunch
  • ​Bug spray (warmer months)

LOCAL

  • Nearby Hikes
  • THINGS TO KNOW
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  • Do not block the gate to the fire road at the trailhead
  • be BEAR, snake and tick aware.
  • trail is marked yellow for entire duration​
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