The
Overall Run circuit passes one of the largest continuous waterfalls in Virginia. The trails also go through valley streams and meadows, no wonder this loop is another local hiker favorite. With Beecher Ridge having one of the highest concentrations of Black Bears in the park, this is one hike where you may still catch a glimpse of a bear in the wild.
From the parking area, walk down the private gravel road following the blue blazes for 0.2 miles where you pass a cable gate. After passing the cable gate continue for 200 yards where the private road you are on crosses a small creek. Turn right onto the blue blazed Thompson Hollow Trail. DO NOT continue upwards towards the house, this is all private property, please stay on the trail.
Start heading uphill on the blue blazed trail and shortly pass a marker designating the Shenandoah National Park boundary. In 0.5 miles from the park boundary, and just past the trail high point, reach the intersection of the blue blazed Tuscarora Trail. Continue straight on the blue blazed trail for an additional 0.2 miles to the intersection of the blue blazed Overall Run/Tuscarora Trail.
Turn left uphill and cross Overall Run for the first time in 0.7 miles from the last intersection. Cross Overall Run again in another 0.2 miles, before the trail starts getting steeper as it begins to climb Mathews Arm. The trail will become very steep as it switchbacks up the ridge, then pass a small campsite 0.8 miles from the last crossing of Overall Run.
From the campsite head uphill for another 0.3 miles and arrive at the major Overall Run waterfall overlook, and spectacular view of the Massanutten Range to the west. From the overlook continue uphill for 0.3 miles passing a smaller set of falls before coming to the next trail marker. The trail to the left is the no longer maintained portion of the Mathews Arm Trail. Continue uphill on the blue blazed trail for 150 yards to the next trail marker and intersection of the yellow blazed Mathews Arm Trail.
Turn right on the yellow blazed Mathews Arm Trail (the yellow blazes may not be visible from the intersection), and shortly cross the top section of Overall Run. In 0.5 miles from the last intersection arrive a the junction of the Beecher Ridge Trail. Turn right downward on the yellow blazed Beecher Ridge Trail as is winds it's way downward for 2.4 miles to the intersection of the blue blazed Beecher Ridge/Overall Run connector Trail.
Continue straight on the now blue blazed trail as it heads down to the valley and Overall Run in 0.6 miles. After crossing Overall Run the trail will continue downstream for 100 yards before turning right upstream, and becoming the Overall Run Trail.
Turn right upstream on the Overall Run Trail is it follows the run on the left bank before passing a side trail in 0.5 miles. The side trail leads to Overall Run and large swimming hole, with a slide before and after it. Stay left uphill on the blue blazed trail, and in 0.1 miles arrive back at the intersection of the Tuscarora Trail.
Turn left retracing your steps past the Tuscarora Trail turnoff in 0.2 miles, then continuing straight on the Thompson Hollow Trail to the SNP boundary, then gravel road back to the parking area in 0.8 miles.
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Reviews For The Overall Run Hike (5 Most Recent)
Well after the rain stopped, out I emerged from my car into a water wonderland! It's a shame it wasn't a warm day, or else I would've jumped into the water countless times.
Really not much else to say, it was great.
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Date of Hike: Saturday, March 29, 2008
Two good discoveries in one day -- this Web site and its wealth of free content, and the Overall Run hike that I decided to trek after reading about it here early this morning.
Pros:
1) That it's a loop hike of moderate length and elevation change -- I strongly prefer the variety of loops to up-and-back trails, and this hike was long enough and challenging enough to provide decent exercise.
2) Proximity to Arlington -- 1 1/2 to 2 hours, depending on how heavy traffic is on 66. Far enough outside the beltway without taking half a day to reach.
3) After a relatively flat beginning, which is nice to have to warm up, the ascent was an invigorating reminder that I was at the foot of the Shenandoah's.
4) After a half dozen or so switchbacks, you come to the falls overlook -- a pleasant reward. Unlike some views, this won't be obstructed by summer vegetation.
5) I encountered 5 or 6 couples, none loud. Considering that it was a near perfect 50 degrees and mostly sunny, I was pleased. Oddly, they were all going in the opposite direction, clockwise as opposed to the counterclockwise direction described in the site description. I recommend the counterclockwise route because I prefer my ascents to be shorter (and steeper) than my descents.
6) The trail was well maintained. It looked as if PATC volunteers or boy scouts or somebody had recently bolstered runoff channels. Except for the beginning of the yellow trail (mentioned in the description), the blazes are frequent and easy to follow.
7) Last, but certainly not least, my lab and I both enjoyed the company of the stream for the first quarter and last quarter of the hike. I definitely intend to comeback when it's warmer to partake of the swimming hole near the end.
Con:
The only one that comes to mind is because of all the positive qualities this trail has going for it, I imagine that its very popular during the warmer months.
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Date of Hike: Sunday, February 10, 2008
Hiked this on a glorious (read: mildly depressing global warming day) in Feb. High of 60 and clear. This is one of my new favorite places on earth, and so close to DC. Trail is not always crystal clear, but leafy winter was likely the issue. Ascent is great until last mile. No one here mentions this, and maybe we're just out of shape (don't think so), but this was one tough mile or so. Keep something in the tank. We saw some folks eating lunch before this vertical jaunt, and I was feeling bad for them. View of main falls nice, but IMO pales in comparison to the creek and many swimming holes along the way toward the end (about :30 before trail ends). Look for them. Save lunch and camera battery.
I would DEFINITELY not wait for summer to do this hike. Do it after a big rain fall. The water is a terrific peaceful respite from the city and a great price at the near-end of a nice walk.
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Date of Hike: Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Two of us did this hike on December 19th. There had been an ice storm early in the week and many trees were down across the Thompson Hollow and Overall Run trails at lower elevations. Higher up, most trees were still ice covered which made for a beautiful hike. Strangely enough, the footing was good on ice covered deeply packed leaves. Aside from the fallen trees, the trails were all in excellent shape.
I would rate this hike only a 3 in terms of difficulty. The steep parts come early (up to 25% grade), but after reaching the falls overlook, the hike is almost entirely flat or downhill. The steep section is only a little over a mile long. Views near the top were great and the icy falls were beautiful.
My GPS edited tracklog recorded 8.6 miles including the short trip to the swimming hole. I measured the total ascent to be about 2100 feet. Photos and profile at:
http://arthurhass.fotopic.net/p47333842.html
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Date of Hike: Saturday, November 03, 2007
Great day hike. I have hiked at least 60% of the trails in the SNP, and this one is right up there with the best of them for a day hike. Perfect day, highs in the mid-60s, not a cloud in the sky, and unlimited visibility from the top - we could see all the way to the Alleganies. Didn't see any bears, but probably because my friend and I were talking the entire time. There were quite a few more people than I would have imagined, particularly up at the overlook, but it was all good. I'd recommend wearing some good boots for this one - fairly rocky coming down the hill. I wore sneakers, which is unusual for me, and didn't have a problem, but it was not the safest thing for my ankles and my toes were a little sore. This loop now has a permanent place in my list of places to go for a good day hike on the Blue Ridge.
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