Recently I took this scenic hike up to a waterfall on a warm fall day. It had been about ten years since I did this very popular local hike. It is about a medium on the difficulty scale with some gradual uphill climbs and can be quite rocky.
This highly scenic, 4-mile round-trip trail meanders along a shaded mountain creek to a 66-foot waterfall within Jefferson National Forest. Picnicking area is at the beginning of the trail. Native trout fishing available in the Little Stony Creek that follows along the lower trail. Yes, soon after starting the 2-mile one way you have a choice of the upper of lower trail. I had forgotten the characteristics of each so chose the upper on the way up and the lower back down.
Mostly empty parking lot when I arrived 
They have regular restrooms although the last cleaning was in 1980 
I hiked this trail by myself on a weekday morning, so it was very quiet with only a few other hikers. Later in the day and on weekends this is a busy trail. This trail was built in 1965 and has been updated a few times over the years. Especially after the flood a few years ago. They closed the park for a few months to repair.
I have not hiked as much this year, but I do walk most every day in the neighborhood or in the local gym. So, was curious as to how it would go. I found it was no issues even with a quick pace.
You can start to see the falls in the distance. 
The falls in all its glory. 
The waterfall was on low due to the late summer drought. 
Me at the waterfall – summit of the hike.
The hike was about an hour and 15 minutes up and an hour and a half back on the rougher lower trail. 75 degrees and sunny. I met a few people going the other way. Most were retired folks about my age. One was a group on 20 somethings enjoying the hike. It was a good workout and I had no problems.
This guy posed for a minute 
These old steps look as if they were built by the Aztecs 
Lunch at good BBQ place in Pembroke, VA
I had planned to hike a few segments of the AT (Appalachian Trail) this summer. We are fortunate that we live just a few miles from a few entrance points to the AT. The summer has been too busy to manage these hikes so far. Maybe I can work it in before heading south. It has cooled down nicely now. In the 40’s at night and 50’s during the day. Sounds like perfect weather for a hike up to McAfee’s Knob. This one is 8 miles and up to 3,200 feet elevation. We’ll see…
Thanks for following along and God Bless.
Looks like a great hike. I’ll add to my list of future hikes.
We will do that hike when you visit!
Nice pictures Randy…….
Thanks Mike!
It is a nice hike if you can beat the crowds and find parking, which it looks like you did! Great post Randy.
Good to hear from you Kevin! Yes, one of the better hikes from our location, although there are many.