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Summary: The early part of the hike is though the woods on the ridges. Lot's of dogwoods and redbuds in the spring and a few viewpoint spots. Coming back up Overall Run offers stream bed hiking, very steep uphill climbing, some very nice views and a few spectacular waterfalls. When you leave the parking lot turn right at the first trail marker post and follow that to the Tuscarora trail where you turn right. At the next TM post, turn left on Matthews Arm trail for short distance to pick up Beecher Ridge trail. BR trail will run into Overall Run Trail. Cross over the run and start back up. Above the waterfalls this trail joins with the Tuscarora and you return the same way. You can reverse the loop but if you do keep a closer look out for the waterfalls, which may be behind you by the time they are visisble. Trailhead: Follow Skyline Drive, in Shenandoah National Park, south from the entrance near Front Royal, VA. Just past Mile Post 21 is a parking lot on the right. The Appalachian Trail passes through the parking area. Where it leaves the parking lot to the south is the beginning of our trail. (Lat:38.45606 Lon:-78.16959) Trail Guides for Beecher Ridge and Overall Run Loop Trail: Shenandoah NP Website by Park Service (NA) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: SNP Headquarters, 540-999-3500 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Keith Ferguson, who has posted 10 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review Mostly wooded, so don't go for the views, but there are 2 or 3 nice overlooks along the way where you can stop. It took us (three novice hikers) 7:20 to complete the hike, with the last mile at a near run. The trail markers can be confusing, so bring along a detailed map of the area. Waterfalls had decreased to a trickle and vistas were mostly blocked by the foliage in the mid-summer, but the second half of the hike posed a very rewarding physical challenge. I hiked this in the fall and the colors, diversity of landscape, and views were awesome. There is a lot of elevation and loose rocks at times so I wouldn't recommend this for young children or those who are not at least in decent shape. One thing worth mntioning is that there are tons of bears in this area. I camped for a few nights and had a black bears at my site both nights. They are accustomed to campers and not skiddish by any means so keep an air horn or rocks handy. If you do camp, make sure you don't keep any food items in your tent and tie all food and cooking materials at least 15 feet up in a tree no less than 25 yards from the site. Hope I didn't scare anyone off because this is really a great hike! I did this hike in the fall, just as leaves were changing. The colors out there are breath-taking! It is a nice downhill hike to get to the falls, and some decent climbing that doesn't need equiptment when you get there. The walk back is all uphill, and a few of the less experienced hikers fell back. All around a wonderful hike! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||