By Koo Hwangbo
Play hooky for the afternoon and be one with Mother Nature’s majestic waterfalls at one of these not-too-far-off parks.
Whiteoak Canyon: One of the most popular destinations in Shenandoah National Park, Whiteoak Canyon has six waterfalls that go up to a height of 86 feet with swimming holes at the bottom of each fall.
Dark Hollow Falls: Dark Hollow Falls is a short but difficult hiking trail in Luray with a 70-foot waterfall and is close to Skyline Drive.
South River Falls: On this long hike at South River Falls, hikers will pass cemeteries, the Upper Pocosin ruins and the falls. This impressive waterfall hike is even more majestic after a rainfall.
Scott’s Run: The trails in Scott’s Run Nature Preserve lead to a scenic view of a waterfall on the Potomac River.
Great Falls: At Great Falls Park, the first thing you’ll notice is the beauty of the giant waterfall for which the park was named. As you navigate through the park, you will also discover some rocky trails accessible for bike and horseback riding.
