Waterfall – Lands Run Falls loop from Lands Run Gap

The Waterfall – Lands Run Falls loop from Lands Run Gap is one of those easy wins in Shenandoah National Park: a quick 1.2-mile (1.9 km) hike with 287 feet (87 metres) of climbing over roughly 36 minutes. Rated easy, this route is perfect if you're looking for a short, accessible leg-stretcher with the payoff of a waterfall, especially if you visit during the right season.

What to expect on Waterfall – Lands Run Falls loop from Lands Run Gap

This trail mostly follows a wide, well-maintained gravel fire road through a shaded forest, making for straightforward walking. While the main path doesn't offer grand vistas, the journey leads you to Lands Run Falls, a series of cascades dropping about 80 feet into a narrow gorge. To truly appreciate the falls, you'll find a short, steep, and often slippery scramble off the main trail into the ravine. This optional section, with its uneven ground and mossy rocks, is where the hike shifts from easy to a bit more challenging, but it's worth it for the best views of the 20-foot main drop. A small rock outcrop nearby even offers a tiny glimpse of Browntown and Page Valleys.

Planning your visit

You can find parking at the Lands Run Gap parking area, located at milepost 9.2 on Skyline Drive. It's crucial to know that Lands Run Falls is highly seasonal; it can be a beautiful series of cascades during winter and spring or after heavy rains, but it might reduce to a trickle or even dry up completely in late summer and fall. Plan your visit accordingly to see the falls at their best.

Trail details

• Distance: 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
• Elevation gain: 287 feet (87 metres)
• Difficulty: easy
• Estimated time: 36 minutes