Virginia’s Most Refreshing Hike Will Lead You Straight To A Beautiful Swimming Hole
Hiking in Virginia is the perfect activity to enjoy during the summer, yet we all know that scorching temperatures can often put a damper on things. Fortunately, plenty of Virginia’s trails are protected by the shade of old-growth forests. Opt for Overall Run Falls in Shenandoah National Park and you’ll enjoy this cool shad with a refreshing twist at the end: a swimming hole! This trail proves to be a picture-perfect destination for your summer adventure.
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Overall Run Falls is a beautiful trek through Shenandoah National Park. Those looking for a challenging hiking adventure can opt for the entire loop, which measures 8.7 miles in total.
This full version of the trail requires several stream crossings, so be sure to come prepared with adequate footwear if you intend on hiking the whole trail.
Despite its intense length and lofty elevation gains, this trail is refreshing for multiple reasons. First of all, the views you'll gain from the climb are positively spectacular.
Secondly, hikers will be rewarded with spectacular views of Overall Run Falls, the 93-foot waterfall that's the tallest of its kind in the park. After heavy rainfall, the waterfall is all the more powerful.
And last, but certainly not least, there's perhaps the most compelling reason of all to hike Overall Run Loop: the swimming hole. Wading in these refreshing and cool waters is the best way to complete a truly tough hike through the Virginia mountains.
However, if you're not up for a long day of hiking but love the idea of discovering a new swimming hole, you can opt to go right from the trail head. The swimming hole is just a short 300 yards away!
So whether you’re an avid hiker or just love learning about natural swimming holes, you’ll find plenty to love about Overall Run Falls Loop. Just be sure to start early if you plan on completing the entire circuit.
For helpful information about the loop and inside tips from other hikers, be sure to click here.
For the official guide from Shenandoah National Park, which includes a detail description of how to access the trail head, click here. (Note that this version describes the Overall Fun out-and-back trail, which guides you back the same route you came from the waterfall and measures 5.1 miles. This route does not take you to the swimming hole.)
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
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