South River Falls Base Loop

South River Falls Base Loop is a 4.6-mile circuit from South River Picnic Grounds to the foot of an 83-foot waterfall and back by fire roads and the Appalachian Trail. Allow about three to four hours: the outbound path loses elevation quickly, the last stretch to the base is rough and steep, and the loop climbs back to Skyline Drive. Choose this version if you want to stand below the falls; the shorter 3.3-mile circuit returns before the lower base spur.

Start just below the picnic area's comfort station at mile 62.7 on Skyline Drive. Follow the blue-blazed South River Falls Trail; cross the Appalachian Trail, then stay on the blue blazes. The path drops steeply through woods and begins with more than 50 wooden steps. It becomes gentler beside the river, with mossy outcrops, small cascades and rocky tributary crossings. A stone-walled observation point gives a partly obscured glimpse of the falls, but the base is still ahead.

At the junction with South River Falls Road, the base spur adds about 0.7 mile each way. It descends through a side gully; the broad track eventually gives way to narrow trail and slick stone steps beside the stream. The bottom is a rocky cove below gray canyon walls: the water drops about 83 feet, then divides into two chutes and a pool. This is the payoff for going farther, and the climb back to the junction takes time. Frame both chutes with the rock walls and pool to show the falls' shape.

Retrace the spur to the road junction, then follow South River Falls Road onto South River Fire Road and continue to the Appalachian Trail. Turn for the blue-trail junction and take South River Falls Trail back to the picnic grounds. The road climb is steady and the AT rolls up and down before the final uphill. The shorter circuit follows this road-and-AT return without the base spur.

Spring brings trillium, other wildflowers and returning songbirds. The stream crossings and stone steps can be slippery; do not attempt a crossing in icy conditions or floods, and bring plenty of water (the park recommends at least a quart per hour). Cell and GPS service can be unreliable. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet. A park entrance fee applies, with no separate activity fee. The comfort station is at the start; food service is not documented on the route.