Summary

Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, lunch, hiking boots, and a rain poncho just in case.  Bring your swimsuit (or not!) for the cold, deep pools at the bottom of the falls.

 It's surprising that this hike isn't more popular. The scenery along the way meets the high Shenandoah standards and the falls are a worthy destination. To get there leave the Piney River development area and gently wind your way through pleasing high country woods. Work your way down through the Piney River valley on old roads and take a short side trail to the three-tiered falls.

Start your hike at the back of the field between skyline drive and the parking area across from the old CCC camp building now uses a maintenance office.  Look for the concrete post marked “Piney Branch Trail”. At mile 0.1 the trail intersect the Appalachian Trail and continue forward crossing a grassy Lane.

The Piney Branch trail winds its way down to the valley making very gentle switchbacks. You come to the upper reaches of the Piney River a mile 1.3 and curves to the right across more feeder streams. The trail rises at the junction with the Pole Bridge Link Trail at mile 1.4.  Turn RIGHT and stay on the Piney Branch trail. The path follows an old road on a slight downgrade. Notice the gorge of Piney River on your right.

At mile 2.0 the old road continues forward but the Piney Branch trail veers right and follows another old road. The trail runs a fair distance above the creek, descending at a moderate but steady clip. Cross the Pawnee River at mile 3.0. You are now on the western side of the river and the falls are only 0.4 miles away. There are many, smal??l Cascades along the Piney River as you make your way down stream.

Pass two house-sized Rock bluffs on your right at mile 3.2.  Begin listening for the falls which are only 0.2 miles away. At Mile 3.4 turn LEFT on a side trail leading to the falls. Piney River falls is a 25-foot three tiered Cascade that flows over mossy rocks into deep and wide pools. It's a good place to cool off after a hot hike. Be careful getting to and from the falls.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

From Thornton Gap entrance take skyline drive North for 9.4 miles to the Piney River development area. The entrance road is on your RIGHT at mile marker 22.1 just after you pass the turn to Mathews arm campground on the LEFT. Park in the designated visitor parking area. The Piney Branch trail starts between the parking area on Skyline drive. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, lunch, hiking boots, and a rain poncho just in case.