South River Falls
If you're passing
Is it plungeworthy?
A 2-tier tiered on South River.
The details
- Tiers
- 2 drops
- Type
- Tiered
- Watercourse
- South River
- Coordinates
- 38.37941, -78.5004
About South River Falls
South River Falls is a tiered in Virginia, on South River. The water falls in 2 distinct tiers.
It's fullest after rain, and flow can drop off during dry spells — plan around recent weather.
Plungeworthy rates South River Falls 5.2/10 — if you're passing. The score weighs its scale, how confidently it's mapped, and its character.
What you'll find
Shenandoah's southern sleeper: 83 feet of the South River fanning down a greenstone wall, viewed from a stone-walled overlook a mile down from the picnic grounds. Third-tallest in the park, a fraction of Dark Hollow's foot traffic.
Getting there
- Trailhead
- South River Falls Trail, South River Picnic Area, Skyline Drive mile 62.8
- Parking
- Picnic-area lot
- Road
- Paved Skyline Drive
- Hike
- 2.6 mi round trip, 850 ft of climb (moderate)
- Heads up
- Overlook at a mile; a steep spur adds three-quarters of a mile to the base. Loop back on the fire road for variety.
When to go
March and April for peak flow — the river thins hard by late summer. Skyline Drive closes in ice storms, taking the trailhead with it.
Rules & fees
- Fee / pass
- Shenandoah entrance, $30/vehicle for 7 days
- Dogs
- Leashed
- Camping
- Lewis Mountain Campground, four miles south
- Warnings
- Rocky footing and creek crossings that grow teeth in high water; ticks year-round, bears in summer.
Researched from Virginia DWR — South River Falls Loop · NPS Shenandoah — fees. Conditions change — verify before you drive. Been to South River Falls recently? Post a conditions report below.
Where it is
Planning a visit? We want your photo.
South River Falls doesn't have a photo yet. If you make the trip, send one to hello@plungeworthy.com and we'll publish it here with credit to you.
Before you go
The pin marks the feature, not a trailhead or a legal route in. Some sit on private land or need a real hike, and conditions change with season and rain. Check local access, don't trespass, and never enter water — hot or cold — where it isn't safe.
Common questions
Where is South River Falls?
South River Falls is a waterfall in Virginia, at 38.37941, -78.5004.
Is South River Falls worth visiting?
If you're passing — Plungeworthy rates it 5.2/10.
Gear for the trip
As an Amazon Associate, Plungeworthy earns from qualifying purchases.