A one-night loop or long day hike including the highest waterfall in SNP, plus multiple cascades and swimming holes.

Statistics

5 - 6

hrs

959

m

959

m

12

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

This loop is a perfect one-nighter or long day trip in Shenandoah's northern district.

This loop includes plenty of swimming holes, explores some of the more remote areas in the park, and visits the largest waterfall in the Shenandoahs - 93' Overall Run Falls.

It's perfect for an experienced hiker looking for a quick overnight or a beginner looking for a challenge. This version of the loop begins at milepost 21 on Skyline Drive.

You could also drive north around the bend to the bottom of the Hogback Mountain trailhead.

There's an overlook in the middle you could leave a car at too, but you should first contact the Ranger Station at 540-999-3500 to make sure that's alright (and so that you don't get towed).

You will also circle Matthews Arm Campground if you wanted to [reserve a site](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232432) and start there instead.

After reaching Matthews Arm Campground, this lollipop route loops the Tuscarora/Overall Run Trail with Heiskell Hollow and Weedlewood Trails.

Beecher Ridge Trail dissects the loop and is another excellent option and roughly two miles less than this *mapped* version of the hike.

Beecher Ridge is a more popular option according to the NPS, but we've mapped the alternative since it puts you a little further off the beaten path. As with any hike that begins on Skyline Drive, there is a fee to enter the park.

A current list of fees and passes can be found [here](https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm).

All trails on this loop are dog friendly as well, a rarity among many National Parks across the country. Sources: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/SHEN_BCTrip-Overall_Run_and_Beecher_Ridge_E026-508.pdf