Beecher Ridge and Overall Run Loop Trail
Posted by Chris | Filed under Western Virginia
Description:
Beautiful waterfalls, very steep ascent, nice woods. Well maintained trail.
Total Distance:
11.5 miles round trip
Location/Directions: Luray, VA
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Elevation Gain:
4000 feet
Finding the Trail:
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 the trail.
The Hike:
The early part of the hike is through the woods on the ridges. Lots of dogwoods and redbuds in the spring and a few viewpoint spots can be found along the trail. 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 fist trail marker post and follow that to the Tuscarora trail where you turn right. At the next trail marker post, turn left on Mathews Arm trail for a short distance to puck up Beecher Ridge Trail. Beecher Ridge trail will run into Overall Run Trail. Cross over the run and start back up. Above the waterfalls this trail joins 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 visible.
