Trekking to Lewis Falls in Shenandoah National Park

Lewis Falls is the 4th highest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park. At 81′, the falls are impressive. Located a few miles southwest of the Big Meadows complex, Lewis Falls is a popular destination for hikers. The path downhill to the falls is steep and rocky, but the views are worth the challenge. A viewing platform, constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, provides a safe and spectacular view point.

Lewis Spring is the primary water supply for the Big Meadows Resort. The spring serves as the source of Hawksbill Creek, which forms Lewis Falls. From there, Hawksbill Creek flows down the mountainside, passes through the town of Luray, and ultimately empties into the Shenandoah River.

• Trailhead Parking
• Hiking routes to Lewis Falls
• Map and Details
• Big Meadows

Trailhead Parking

The Big Meadows complex, located at Skyline Drive milepost 51.3, offers many parking opportunities. To hike the Lewis Spring Falls and Appalachian Trail Loop, park near the Big Meadows amphitheater, in one of the many lots. To complete the shorter, out and back hike, park at Skyland Drive milepost 51.4. There is a small parking area beside the Lewis Falls Pumphouse Road, the service road that connects with the Lewis Spring Falls Trail.

The closest park entrance station is Thornton Gap, on US highway 211. The entrance is located 15 minutes east of Luray and approximately 2 hours west of Washington DC.

Hiking Routes to Lewis Falls

Lewis Spring Falls and Appalachian Trail Loop

From the Big Meadows Parking Lot, walk to the trailhead designated as “Appalachian Trail” and “Lewis Falls Trail.” Continue onto the short spur trail, then turn left onto the Lewis Spring Falls Trail, which is marked with blue blazes. The trail descends immediately and continues down Blackrock Mountain for a little more than a mile. Note that this Blackrock Mountain is not the same as the Blackrock Summit at Tray Mountain, in the south district of the park.

Jaggedy rocks litter the trail. Around .8 mile, a rock wall borders the left side of the trail. Two tenths further, the trail crosses flat rock with a view of the Blue Ridge mountains to the right. Just beyond the view, a trail marker indicates a right turn to the falls.

After the turn, the path is level, but remains rocky. It crosses the Hawksbill Creek and continues to a constructed overlook. From this vantage point, the view offers a clear sight of the waterfalls and Blackrock Mountain. To continue on the trail loop, double back across the creek and to the cement trail marker. Turn right and ascend via a series of switchbacks for .6 mile. At the Lewis Falls Trail marker, the path becomes more gentle. Just beyond that point, turn left onto the “super highway”, the Appalachian Trail. Continue on this gentle uphill climb for one mile, returning to the parking lot.

Lewis Falls Pumphouse Road to Lewis Falls

From the small parking area at milepost 51.4, walk across a short grassy section to the service road. Follow the Lewis Falls Pumphouse Road downhill, crossing over the Tanner Ridge Horse Connector Trail and then the Appalachian Trail. The service road is easy downhill walking, but the Lewis Falls Trail is rocky. Switchbacks make the descent easier to navigate. The Lewis Falls Trail marker is located around the .8 mile point. Turn left and follow the path across the Hawksbill Creek and onto the viewing platform. Reverse direction to return to the parking area.

Lewis Falls Map and Details

Access my map on AllTrails by clicking the map image below. Two paths are combined into one map:

• Red path – Lewis Spring Falls and Appalachian Trail Loop
• Blue path – Lewis Spring Pumphouse Road ad Lewis Spring Falls Trail out and back

Trail Scale (Link)
Route type	Loop
Trail difficulty level	Moderate
Geographic location	Shenandoah National Park, Central Section
Trailhead parking options	Big Meadows milepost 51.3 or Lewis Falls Pumphouse Road milepost 51.4
Trail amenities	Restrooms, food and water available at Big Meadows
Elevation - trailhead	3,559'
Elevation - highest peak	3,646'
Elevation gain	861' or 581'
Total mileage	3 or 1.5 miles
Water sources	Hawksbill Creek
Highlights	Lewis Falls, 81' waterfall and Blackrock Mountain

Big Meadows

Big Meadows, spanning 136 acres, is the largest open space within Shenandoah National Park. Situated at milepost 51 along Skyline Drive, this elevated area at 3,548 feet is home to a vast array of insects, plants, and wildlife. Birdwatchers may spot sparrows, American goldfinches, eastern bluebirds, red-tailed hawks, black vultures, and American kestrels. Among the mammals, visitors might encounter white-tailed deer, spotted skunks, and gray foxes. The meadow is also home to numerous wildflowers, which attract various butterflies and dragonflies. Surrounded by lush forests on three sides, its fourth side features Skyline Drive, along with a visitor center, lodging, and other tourist amenities.

Guests of the park can enjoy “grab and go” food from the Big Meadows Wayside or a dine in meal at the lodge dining room or taproom. Overnight accommodations are available at the Big Meadow Lodge, in hotel-style rooms, suites or cozy cabins. There are even pet friendly options! The campgrounds offer space for tents and vans and motor homes. The lodge and campgrounds are generally open from the end of March to the first of December. Check the official Shenandoah National Park website for details. The Byrd Visitor Center is the only visitor center that is open year-round. It offers a range of amenities, including restrooms, baby changing stations, first aid services, informational exhibits, and a bookstore.

Check out other Shenandoah National Park waterfall hikes at the links below.

• Dark Hollow Falls and Rose River Hikes
• 3 Waterfalls on 1 Shenandoah Hike: Doyles River and Jones Run Falls