LOCATION: Steeles Tavern, VA
TRAIL DISTANCE: 5.2 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS: St. Marys Road
TRAIL TYPE: In & Out
TRAIL GRADE:  DIFFICULT (3)
TRAIL PARKING: 20 Spots or Less
KEY WORDS: Swimming hole, Camping, Waterfalls
TRAIL INFO
What’s to like about the trail:  limited elevation gain, lush forest and a 5 star waterfall experience.
Why go for a hike on this trail: you are a water mammal and you enjoy river crossings, swimming holes and anything to do with cool, crisp, mountain water.
Best time to go for a hike on this trail:  spring, summer, fall

Summary
Your adventure begins at the St Mary's road trailhead. a gravel road beat up by erosion , that takes you into the thick of the forest. The parking lot is single lane passable and has a small lot at the trailhead. 

important note: the trail is poorly marked to near not at all. at some points it is marked with a red hash, however be prepared to navigate based on instinct.

​The trail initiates at a cleanly marked national forest welcome sign. The trail is mostly roots, dirt and small rocky areas. The beauty of this trail is that the elevation gain is just over 300ft so it makes a nice striding stroll. What's fun about this trail are the multiple stream crossings! let's get on with the adventure already. From the parking lot stroll for 1.1 miles until your first stream crossing. While the trail is poorly marked, it is easy to recognize where the trail picks up on the opposite side of the stream. The stream crossings can be difficult depending on the amount of rainfall the past week or day before. Remember, dry rocks are sturdy rocks! Once across, continue through the heavily wooded trail for another 3/4 of a mile until you reach another stream crossing! Here is where you realize the crossings are getting tougher and sure water shoes are great unless you hike this trail in the spring and fall when the water can be quite cold. Continue the adventure on dry land, the trail traverses a rockier topography leading through tricky footing areas and even to small ledges leading down to another water crossing. Once crossed, head up a small embankment to a dedicated trail that meanders past a few campsites and into the gorge area. Its quite a stellar area as the trail leans against the smooth , water worn rock that has gulley's, small pools and even a sliding rock. The trail moves quickly for another 0.5 miles to the pinnacle of your effort, the waterfall. This area is shaped with steep rock walls, beautiful clear water cascading down the falls and an  overhang lush with ferns and mountain laurel. The area is perfect for a dip, a meditation or a lunch. To return to your car, retrace your steps, mind your footing during creek crossings and stay alert as there are no trail markers! 

HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

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  • trail is poorly marked
  • frequent water crossings​
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