Hazel River Falls - Swimming Hole near Sperryville, Virginia
175 Woodward Rd, Sperryville, VA 22740, USA,Sperryville,Virginia
38.6139189, -78.2573369
3.4 miles SW of Sperryville, Virginia
Address: 175 Woodward Rd, Sperryville, VA 22740, USA
GPS: 38°36'50.1"N 78°15'26.4"W
Maps | Directions
State: Virginia
Trails/Routes: 5.2 mi

National Park

Hike and Swim

Hazel River Falls is a moderately difficult trail located inside Shenandoah National Park. This 5.3 mile hike follows Hazel River from the Meadow Spring Parking Area. This trail has a change in elevation of 1,070 feet and some parts that are steep and more difficult to navigate for some hikers. This Hike takes an average of 5-6 hours. Hikers should be prepared with water and food as it is not available on the trail. 

The trail leads to two small but stunning waterfalls with beautiful moss covered rock formations. At Hazel River Falls itself the water pools into an area deep enough to wade and swim. This provides a beautiful location to cool off after a long hike. Swimmers should check the safety and depth of water before swimming. Diving is not recommended in this area. The smaller of the two waterfalls has a flat rock that is perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the sound of the rushing water.

Another unique feature of these falls are the small caves off the trail. These colorful rock formations are great for a few moments of exploring and photo opportunities. These unique features make this lesser known waterfall hike in Shenandoah National Park well worth the challenging trek. 

Updated June 26, 2026
4.2K Written by tasiawhicker

More Information

Shenandoah National Park Itinerary

This Shenandoah National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Shenandoah National Park.

https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/shenandoah-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diin

Hazel Falls

This easy 5.2-mile hike leads to a beautiful waterfall on the Hazel River. The falls are surrounded by towering rock walls and a couple small caves. View the full album of photos from this hike Vi…

https://virginiatrailguide.com/2013/05/01/hazel-falls/

Hazel River Falls (U.S. National Park Service)

A trail that leads you into the Shenandoah Wilderness to an exceptional waterfall.

https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hazel-river-falls.htm
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Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Sperryville, Virginia

  1. Head southeast on US-522 S toward Farm Ln (0.6 mi)
  2. Turn right onto VA-231 S (3.4 mi)
  3. Turn right onto Rolling Rd (1.1 mi)
  4. Turn right onto Woodward Rd
    Destination will be on the left
    (0.8 mi)
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Hazel River Falls by HikingUpward
Hazel River by Jason Rice Hazel River Trail - Shenandoah National Park by cspitler
4.2K

Added by tasiawhicker

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