Shenandoah National Park: Jones Run/Doyles River

The second stop on my Summer 2020 Road Trip was Shenandoah National Park.  After hiking the Ramsey Cascades Trail, I drove the six hours from Great Smoky Mountains to Charlottesville.  I took a night off from camping and got a room at a Courtyard by Marriott, and after a good night's sleep headed into the park for my next big hike -- the Jones Run Falls/Doyles River Falls Loop.

I really struggled trying to figure out the best way to get to the three falls on the loop.  Eventually I decided to do the hike as an out-and-back from the Jones Run parking lot.  I almost immediately regretted that decision as the trail descended sharply and for a considerable distance, which I knew would all be uphill on my return trip.

Then I got to this cascade, which I assumed was Jones Run Falls even though it didn't have a sign.  I mean, it's fine.  But after the falls I saw in Great Smoky Mountains it was a bit of a letdown.  Still, I set up, waited for the the sun to dip behind a cloud to cut down on the contrast, and shot my shot.

Surprise!  That cascade wasn't Jones Run Falls.  This one is.  And it's admittedly more impressive.  The last stretch down to the falls is steep, and again something I wasn't looking forward to hiking up on the way back.

Another perspective on Jones Run Falls.

I continued on my way to the pair of Doyles River Falls, and caught this Orchard Orbweaver on the trail.

Turning off the Jones Run Trail and onto the Doyles River Trail also involved a change from heading downhill to heading uphill.  It felt good to work different muscles, and soon enough I arrived at Lower Doyles River Falls.  This was more like it!  A nice, shaded spot with some solid accessories.

Upper Doyles River Falls isn't far from its lower counterpart.  And even though it's less than half as tall, it's still picturesque.  The falls also have some lovely surroundings that add some beautiful context.

After Upper Doyles River Falls I had a decision to make -- go back as I'd originally planned, or complete the loop?  I decided I didn't one to descend and ascend all over again, and the distance looked about the same on the map.  So I hoped for a fairly level hike and decided to complete the loop.

That decision was shortly rewarded by this trail marker, which reminded me of a cutoff via Browns Gap Road which would take some distance off.  Why I hadn't already planned on taking this route, I have no idea.  It was absolutely the best option.

The old fire road was much wider and more level, and adorned with many wildflowers like Black Cohosh ... 

... Annual Fleabane ...

... and Red Clover.

Browns Gap Road eventually meets up with the Appalachian Trail, which was the best maintained stretch of the entire hike.  Narrow like a typical wilderness hiking trail, but not especially rocky or steep.  My final mile was also my fastest mile.

I learned a number of valuable lessons from my struggles on the Ramsey Cascades Trail the day before.  I took a lot of unnecessary items out of my backpack, and since I was in woods the entire time I ditched my hat which allowed me to release heat out the top of my head.  Those two choices alone made the hike much easier.

I covered the 7.11 miles in 3:22:25, taking nearly 20,000 steps and burning 713 calories.  The hike has a somewhat surprising 1,357 feet of elevation change, most of which I covered in the first four miles.

New national park, same great national park experience!