Overall Run Falls and Heiskell Hollow Loop

This is a 15.6-mile loop planned as a three-day backcountry trip from the Mile 21.1/Hogback parking area. It strings together the Appalachian Trail, Tuscarora–Overall Run, Beecher–Overall Connector, Beecher Ridge, Heiskell Hollow, Weddlewood, Mathews Arm and Traces; the route returns to the same parking area. The trip is rated for experienced hikers. Its itinerary divides the days into roughly six, three and 6.9 miles, but does not give a hiking-time estimate. Allow about 13 hours of walking across the three days; that is a planning estimate, before camp time and stops. The mapped line is about 15.3 miles, close to the published 15.6-mile total; use 15.6 when planning.

If you want only the falls, choose the separate Mathews Arm hike instead: it is 5.1 miles round trip and usually takes four to five hours. It is not the same loop or starting point.

The first long stretch follows Tuscarora–Overall Run for about 5.2 miles and passes two waterfalls. A short side trail shortly after the Tuscarora/Overall split leads to cascades and swimming holes. The main Overall Run Falls drops 93 feet, Shenandoah's tallest waterfall. Flow can dwindle to a trickle or disappear when rain has been scarce, so the waterfall may not look the same on every visit. From the falls, frame the full ledge and drop with some of the wooded gorge; a tight crop makes the height harder to read.

The old three-day plan places the first camp along Overall Run, then sends the route downstream to the Beecher–Overall Connector. It climbs the connector for 0.7 mile, descends Beecher Ridge for 0.8 mile, and follows Heiskell Hollow downstream to a second camp. The next day's route retraces the west branch of Heiskell Hollow before continuing along the hollow to Weddlewood. Those directions describe a multi-trail circuit, not one signed trail, and the old campsite notes are not current permission to camp at those spots.

From Heiskell Hollow, the route climbs about 3.5 miles before turning onto Weddlewood for 1.3 miles. It then follows Mathews Arm for 0.3 mile, Traces for 0.6 mile, a connector and Tuscarora–Overall Run for 0.8 mile, then the Appalachian Trail north to the lot. Segment distances in the itinerary are approximate: they add to about 15.9 miles, while the stated trip total is 15.6. The mapped route is close to both, but there is no official GPS track for this exact itinerary.

Backcountry camping requires an online permit obtained before arrival; permits are not sold at park stations. Camping is prohibited along a half-mile stretch of Tuscarora–Overall Run on both sides of the stream; check the current camping-zone map and choose legal sites rather than relying on the older itinerary's suggested camps. The trail begins at parking just south of Hogback Overlook on Skyline Drive at mile 21.1; the park entrance fee or pass applies. The exact lot capacity and facilities were not verified, and food, toilets or dependable water at the start are not listed. Dogs are allowed on most park trails, including this route; keep them on a physical leash no longer than six feet. Check park alerts before setting out.