"Hazel Mountain Overlook Sunrise" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
![]() | Shenandoah CentralSouth River |
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covered parks
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
South River Area | Shenandoah National Park
2017
Dry Run Falls
Fire Road
MP
th
Sou
South River
Overlook
South River
Picnic Area
MP
63
Riv
er
Fire
r
Uppe
South River
Lower Road
P
ail
South River Falls Tr
South
River
Falls
M ou
l
n ain Trai
South River
Hut Road
Road
62
MP
ck
64
ba
Hensley Hollow
Overlook
Sa d
dl
e
US
33
MP
65
Swift Run
Entrance Station
MP
66
US
33
Hightop
Mountain
Parking
P
North
Swift Run
Overlook
MP
67
US
33
Hightop Summit (3,296’)
Hiking Trail
Hiking Trail (Appalachian Trail)
Unpaved Road
Unpaved Road (Horses)
Paved Road
Skyline Drive
Park Boundary
Stream
P Parking
Building
0
1.0 Kilometer
0
Summit
1.0 Mile
Viewpoint
Waterfall
Emergency 1-800-732-0911 • Information 540-999-3500 • Online www.nps.gov/shen
South River Falls Observation Point Hike
2.6-mile round trip
1¼-hrs hiking time
Moderate
850-ft elevation gain
Markers & Blazes
Trail markers are at trailheads and
intersections. The metal bands are
stamped with directional and mileage
information.
From the South River Picnic Grounds (near the comfort station)
Take the blue-blazed South River Falls Trail. You’ll cross the
Appalachian Trail, but stay on the South River Falls Trail to the
stone-walled observation point. Retrace your steps to return. 1
stream crossing.
Trail blazes are found
on trees and rocks
throughout the Park.
The color identifies
the trail type:
South River Falls Hike
3.3-mile circuit
2¼-hrs hiking time
Moderate
910-ft elevation gain
Follow the directions to the observation point (above). From the
observation point, continue on the South River Falls Trail to the
trailpost. Go left onto the yellow-blazed South River Falls Road.
The trail joins the South River Fire Road. Continue on the fire
road to its intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Turn left and
follow it (white-blazed) to its intersection with the South River
Falls Trail and go right to return to your starting point. 1 stream
crossing.
Blue - Hiking trail
White - Appalachian Trail
Yellow - Open to horses
Need to Know
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Hightop Summit Hike
3-mile round trip
3-hrs hiking time
Moderate
935-ft elevation gain
From the Hightop Mountain parking area at mile 66.7, cross
skyline Drive and take the white-blazed Appalachian Trail (A.T.)
As you climb, the trail winds its way up the ridge and then right.
You’ll swing left around the summit, then look for a side trail on
your right that leads to a rocky viewpoint. Retrace your steps to
return.
Hiking Difficulty Scale
Easiest: Generally suitable for anyone who enjoys walking.
Mostly level or with a slight incline. Generally less than 3 miles.
Moderate: Generally suitable for novice hikers seeking a bit
of a challenge. The terrain will involve a moderate incline and
may have some steeper sections. Generally 3 to 5 miles.
Moderately Strenuous: Generally challenging for an
unconditioned person. The terrain will involve a steady and
often steep incline. Generally 5 to 8 miles.
Strenuous: Will challenge most hikers. The hike will generally
be longer and steeper, but may be deemed strenuous because
of the elevation gain. Generally 7 to 10 miles.
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Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6’ at all times.
Do not attempt to cross streams during icy conditions or
flooding.
Be sure you are physically able to complete the hike you’ve
chosen.
Take plenty of water—at least a quart per hour.
When you return from your hike, check for ticks.
Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect
your return.
Filter or treat water from streams before drinking.
Be aware that you are in snake habitat..
Good to Know
South River is a hike for all seasons, but especially spring! Look
for a profusion of wildflowers, especially trillium. Returning
migrant songbirds are a treat then as well! When we’ve had
plenty of rain, the falls are impressive, but be careful on the
stream crossing. It’s also particularly important to stay on the
trail—there’s quite a bit of poison ivy in the area
Leave No Trace
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Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.
Very Strenuous: Only well conditioned and well prepared
hikers should attempt. Generally long and steep, and may
include rock scrambling, stream crossings, and other
challenging terrain. Generally 8 miles and over.
Trail maintenance and map funded by recreation fee dollars.