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Lewis Falls via Lewis Spring

Stanley, Virginia

3.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

1.71 miles

Elevation Gain

607 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Hannah York

Lewis Falls via Lewis Spring is an easy hike to a beautiful waterfall. Fun rocks to scramble over as well.

Lewis Spring is the source of Hawksbill Creek which forms Lewis Falls (also known as Lewis Spring Falls) and eventually flows through the town of Luray and joins the Shenandoah River. The waterfall starts with 2 streams before hitting rock halfway down and fanning out. During dry seasons and summer, one of the streams may disappear while at other times, it can be a spectacular sight of gushing power.

It is approximately 1 mile from Skyline Drive at MP 51 and can be accessed by trail from Big Meadows or a small parking area on the Drive at Mile 51.4.

There is a flat viewing area which looks back at the falls. The GPS coordinates are taken at this point since it is the safest place. There is a very narrow steep trail that descends to the bottom, but in summer, it is overgrown and hard to see and navigate. NOT recommended except for the hardiest and most sure-footed of adventurers under any circumstances or time of year and at one's own risk. Ironically, it starts near the warning sign of 'Falls Can Kill'. (Even though this trail is mentioned in Heatwole's printed guide, it has been deleted from the online version.)

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Features

Hiking
Forest

Lewis Falls via Lewis Spring Reviews

Don't expect to get a big shot of the falls if you're looking to take photographs. A lot of the area around the falls is overgrown, still pretty nonetheless!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Big Meadows Loop

Dark Hollow Falls

Camp at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park

Three Falls Hike

Hike to Historical Rapidan Camp in Shenandoah National Park

Hike to Rose River Falls