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 The trail to the left is the no longer maintained portion of the Mathews Arm Trail.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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Hiker
Reviews For The Overall Run Hike (5 Most Recent)
This hike was a tune-up for the soul. It's true about the mud in the beginning of the run, but you can avoid that easily by walking on the edges of the trail. Anyone who complains about mud and bugs on the trail *probably* shouldn't be hiking. Ever. Bugs are an inevitable encounter in the forest prepare yourself appropriately!
Anyhoo, the views were fantastic! We stopped to see Big Falls, which, coming from Alaska, weren't so big, but a decent size for the Blue Hills. The falls sure beats the concrete mess that is the DC metro area! Also, it was at Big Falls that a friend and I were no more than a stone's throw from a German shephard-sized black bear! Yow! It was plodding along uphill from us, and I am sure that with its excellent sense of smell, knew we were there. We turned and calmly walked away, talking but not shouting and not making eye contact. We let others on the trail know that it was around the area just as a courtesy.
Black bears can run 35 mph (they're everywhere in the villages in Alaska but I've never been that close), especially downhill, and are territorial.
For what it's worth, startling a bear is what leads to them charging. Bring a bell or just talk to make your presence known to the wildlife. With a black bear, play dead--they run fast and can climb trees better than any of us. As long as you make your presence known and keep your distance, you'll be ok. Do NOT stop to photograph.
Bring plenty of water and snacks holy mama was that a trek, and I loved every bit of it!! I can't wait to go back.
By:
Mary Clare
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, June 27, 2009
A friend from college and I went on this hike and had a fantastic time.
We got to the parking area around 8:30 and were the only 2 cars in the lot. We started up the very muddy trail and we both have a quick pace so we made great time. When the switchbacking started, however, we definitely slowed down a bit and stopped every little bit to take a breather--it's pretty steep (although I probably shouldn't have done a heavy workout yesterday).
When we reached the overlook, the view was beyond worth it. It was absolutely stunning, especially because of today's very low humidity and wonderful breeze. We decided to stop and eat lunch at the overlook and saw other hikers for the first time. There were a few couples and a few small groups, but not a large crowd by any means. We loved the view, sounds of the falls, and gentle breeze so much, we stayed up there for about an hour and half!
About 15 minutes after starting back on the trail, we definitely heard a bear. We just carried on though and never actually saw it.
The trek downhill is rough on the feet. It's rocky and fairly steep in some places having a good, sturdy pair of hiking boots with ankle support is your best bet. We saw about 4-5 other hikers as we made our way down.
We then scoped out the swimming hole, but there seemed to be quite a few people down there already so we decided just to head back to the parking area, which had about 12-14 cars in it at this point! Even after stopping at the overlooks for about an hour and a half and taking a few other short breaks, we were back at the car around 2.
The views and waterfalls were stunning and added diversity to the trip. The trails were well marked and the directions provided here are right on and wonderfully detailed. Get their early and you'll enjoy solitude, a tricky but not overly challenging climb to the overlooks, and a great time!
wear your boots first half mile very muddy. we walked the first mile and took a left uphill this side has the rougher rockier path also a great overlook. on up and around the smaller falls and then back down is a really smooth path all the way back down. we missed the swimming pools altogether. they are straight ahead where the spur intercects the loop. we saw an adults barefoot tracks from the one mile long trail all the way back out. i just couldnt believe it ,somebody has some really tough feet. its a good trail we give it a three on difficulty cause we have waterproof boots. our favorite is signal knob from little powells fort.
By:
Steven and Lorna
Rating:
Date of Hike: Sunday, June 14, 2009
I agree with the previous reviewer, hiking boots are a must. While I had good hiking boots, my girlfriend did not and suffered the consequences. It was very difficult for her to navigate through the mud at the beginning and cross the streams without getting soaked. Overall it was a fairly nice hike, although the overlooks are the only really good scenes. The waterfalls are ok, but don't really compare to some of the ones I'm used to seeing in South Carolina. While we put on bug spray and didn't have too much of an issue with ticks, our dog came home covered in them. We spent the better part of last night picking them off, and I'm still finding some today.
By:
Molly
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, June 13, 2009
I didn't have a great time on this hike, but I don't think it was the trail's fault. The first part of the trail was very muddy, after all the rain we've had. Also, it was muggy and BUGGY! Gnats, mosquitos, and ticks! Oh my! The back section of this hike was pretty overgrown, and I was sure I'd breakout in poison ivy before I got home. Fourtunately, nothing ever developped.
I'd recommend doing this hike earlier in the spring to make it more enjoyable.
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