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 Reporter |
Summary: The trails in the Mathews Arm - Overall Run area are, for the most part, horse/foot trails that were farm roads in pre-Park days. The circuit goes past two waterfalls which are spectacular after heavy rain, or when frozen in the winter. This hike will give you a good workout. You descend a long way down into the valley, and then, of course, back up again. At times the trail is "in" Overal Run, and leads to a great swimming hole near the bottom. Trailhead: 0.2 miles south of MP 22 is Mathews Are Campground. Descend 0.7 miles to campground registration station. Turn right just beyond station and go 0.1 miles into parking lot. Trail begins in northeast corner of the lot (Lat:38.7635 Lon:-78.2925) Trail Guides for Mathews Arm - Overall Run: Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park by Potomac Appalachain Trail Club (PATC) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: US Forest Service 1-540-999-3500 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted 56 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JWT on 6/26/2006 Third or fourth time I've done this one in last 20 years. Always a favorite. Nice easy start to falls, second set of falls very impressive height and drop. Descent to valley requires very good hiking boots, as does the entire hike. Mine were a little loose this time, and I paid the price. Hike across valley is under dense canopy, plenty of shade. Infact much of the hike is like that. 6/25/06 was alternately sunny and rainy, so humidity was high, and latter day rain was a welcome cool off. Ascent is very long and strenuous, entire hike demands hiker be in very good shape. Be sure to take plenty of water if you do this, the trip up can get very thirsty on a June day.
Reviewed by Darren on 7/11/2005 An enjoyable hike, but not for the unfit. You'll spend the first 3 hours descending - sometimes relatively steep trails - into the valley. Once you hit the bottom, the uphill climb begins. This is where it gets strenuous. Start your hike early in the morning as the climb back to the top will take longer than your descent, and you don't want the pressure of having to beat sundown - which can become scary when your legs cramp and the animals (read: bears) come out to feed. Challenging but good hike overall. 
Reviewed by Stefano on 6/7/2004 Good hike. Very good workout, the hike is long and the waterfalls are beautiful. At times, it gets a little boring, since it's all in the woods and views are limited. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Virginia Hiking, Virginia Trails, Virginia Hikes, Page County Hiking, Page County Trails, Page County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||