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Spring is in the air. Finally. It’s been a colder winter than we normally have or maybe winter just seemed to take forever this year. If you are like me and don’t really like the cold, you may be itching to get out and enjoy the warmer weather. I know I am. I have taken the opportunity to do some local hiking trails near me as the weather has warmed up. However, I am ready to get away. So of course, why not plan a weekend hiking trip and with water falls! It would be a great way to get out and get hiking!
Waterfalls
I love waterfalls. For this weekend trip, I want to maximize the number of waterfalls I see. The waterfalls I am adding to this itinerary are
- White Oak Canyon Falls, Luray
- Dark Hollow Falls, Stanley
- Upper & Lower Falls at Doyles River
These waterfalls are about one hour and thirty minutes apart from White Oak Canyon Falls to Doyles River. The trails range from moderate to strenuous. We may have to tweak how much hiking we do on the strenuous depending on the weather and terrain. It will be a full weekend.
White Oak Canyon Falls, Luray
The trail to this waterfall is approximately 4.6 miles round trip. It is 1 mile to the lower falls, and there are additional waterfalls throughout the hike. This is the strenuous trail out of the three on the itinerary.
The trail however does have rocky and steep areas that can be difficult to navigate. You will always need to be mindful if the rocky surfaces are wet and slippery. If you start at the trail head in the parking lot, you will start the hike going down hill. Remember, that means you will need to do the incline on the way back when you are possibly tired.
I did see some mentions of parking at both ends of the trail. I, unfortunately, won’t have two vehicles but if you visit these falls with a group, you may want to consider parking at both ends so you do not need to make the return trip. The lower parking lot is located on Chad Berry Lane in Syria, VA.
There is not a fee listed on their website and it does mention leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.
NEED GEAR: Check out Backpack recommendations
Dark Hollow Falls, Stanley
This hike is considered to be moderate. It is 1.4 miles round trip. The trail is dirt and gravel and has some ascents/descents that make the hike a little more difficult. The trail leads to the waterfall at a descent. Be careful on the return hike and be mindful of slippery areas.
If you want to continue on for a longer hike, you can pick up the Rose River Loop Trail. This also has a waterfall. The Rose River Falls is 67′ high.
Once you reach the Rose River Falls, you can continue on and connect to an additional trail and circle back to the parking lot or turn around and return the way you came. Get a copy of the trail map before starting your hike so you can map out what you plan to do.
I, most likely, will wait until the day of to decide how much hiking I think I can do. Especially considering the additional hikes on the itinerary. Although I would like to think I could handle all of it, it’s best to be realistic. 🙂
Pets are not allowed on this trail. There is also not a fee listed on their website.
Upper & Lower Falls At Doyles River
This hike is 3.3 miles round trip if you want to see both the upper and lower falls. The trail is a dirt path and is considered moderate. This trail does have a stream crossing. You may want to bring extra socks/shoes for when you finish your hike. We generally leave flip flops or an additional pair of shoes in the car when we hike to give our feet a break after a good long hike.
Please note that the trail between the upper and lower falls is rocky and steep. Take extra care to navigate your way through.
Per the website, leashed pets are allowed on some trails. Definitely check before you head out. There was no fee listed for this trail.
NEED HIKING POLES: Check out Trekology Trek Z Hiking Poles
PLACES TO STAY
My plan is to stay one night between WhiteOak Canyon Trail and Dark Hollow Falls. They are about 20 minutes apart. I will most likely stay in a hotel closer to Doyles River when we head that way. Hotels are about 10-15 miles from the trails.
The closest hotels I found to Doyles River Trail are about 14 plus miles from the trail. I would definitely pre-plan your itinerary so you know how far you will be from your planned hiking trails.
MUST HAVES
The trails on this itinerary are moderate to strenuous which means I need to make sure I am prepared. I will definitely bring my hiking poles and my water. My backpack will carry maps to all trails, as well as, snacks and my first aid kit. I am known for forgetting my hiking poles and regret it immediately.
Check out my blog on How to Get Started with Hiking: Beginner Tips if you need more information on what you should consider bringing on the trail with you.
I am excited about planning my weekend hiking get-away. I just love waterfalls. The sound of the water falling is so peaceful and a great stress relief. Each hike and waterfall is unique and challenging which makes the trek even better.
If you have an itinerary you would like to share or have a trail you would like to recommend, please comment below. I would love to hear about any unique hiking treks as well! Hope to hear from you!
Happy Hiking,
Michelle Louise
e. michellelouise@hikingnewbies.com
Hiking Newbies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases linking to Amazon.com and affiliated links. When you use the links on this page to make a purchase, I may get a small commission. You don’t pay anything extra by purchasing through these links. It’s a win-win all around. See our Full disclosure for more info. Thank you for your support!
One benefit of hiking is more for the core Like brisk walking, hiking is a good way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, particularly if your route includes some hills, which will force your heart to work harder.
You are absolutely right Emmanuel Hiking is great way to get some fitness in and have fun at the same time. Thank you!
Hiking is a great way to clear the mind and also get into a routine of doing exercise. It can be useful for anyone in any way. For me, I live near some beautiful woodland and close to a beach so a walk can really help transform my day. It can make me think clearer and perform better to maximise the day. Everyone should try hiking.
I definitely agree. Hiking can really help calm the mind and help the body feel energized! Thank you Michael.