Shenandoah National Park has numerous waterfalls. Some are well known and easily accessible. Some require bushwacking. Almost all of them are best seen and photographed after considerable rain and on a cloudy day. A polarizer and tripod are essentials. Here is my guide to photographing a few of my favorite Shenandoah National Park waterfalls.
After heavy rains, Rose River Falls becomes a roar that stretches across the entire span. In summer, it becomes a gentle fall, where generations of kids have cooled in the pool below and jumping from this long-fallen log. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
Jones Run gathers forces just above the Jones Run waterfalls and slide. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
The highlight of any hike to South River waterfalls is not just the falls but the opportunity to hike along the stream and cascade that in spring and after heavy rains can swell significantly. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
South River streams its way along the trail to South River Falls. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
At twilight, amid a steady rain, there is a sense that there is not another soul in the world. The week's rains course down this gorge, making a small roar, draining nearby Big Meadows. It is an enchanting and magical place this evening. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
South River Cascades. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
An ethereal light illuminates the top of Jones Run Waterfall. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
South River Waterfall. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
Remembering a special time with you at Jones Run Waterfall. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
South River Falls. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
When the water is flowing after heavy rains, Jones Run Waterfall is one of the prettiest in Shenandoah National Park, with two major features, and a generous shore bank to play and enjoy the cool mist. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Park is this small fall below Dark Hollow Falls on the Hogcamp Branch that drains the swamp around Big Meadows. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
Jones Run Waterfall. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
South River Falls powers into a shallow basin before continuing its path to the valley below. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
A cool mist rises as lower Doyles Falls makes its final plunge. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
The upper part of Dark Hollow Falls, the most popular and most visited falls in Shenandoah National Park. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
Cedar Run Falls is easily crossed in mid summer. Doing so now would be to risk life and limb. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
Lower Doyles Falls can be stunningly beautiful after substantial rains in part because it is sheltered in a vibrant green moss covered canyon and shaded by large oaks and maples. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
Heavy spring rains swell Cedar Run in this designated wilderness deep inside Shenandoah National Park. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
A cross section of Lower Doyles Falls following weeks of rain in Shenandoah National Park. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
The first of two dramatic falls, Upper Doyles Falls tumbles down to the boulders below that have stood the force of these falls for generations. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
Where the upper Doyles Falls can be powerful, the Lower Doyle's Falls can be sensuous and wispy, nestled at the back of a vibrant small canyon. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
Shenandoah National Park has numerous great waterfalls. Some - like Naked Creek - are not on a trail and require a significant bushwack through a mile or more of rough terrain. This waterfall and its cascades reminded me of times spent traipsing around Oregon's waterfalls - overflowing waters, vibrant greens, and a true sense of wilderness. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
The first and most dramatic of the Whiteoak Canyon Falls viewed from a rocky outcropping that is both a thrilling and dangerous place to witness the power of this fall. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.
Naked Creek Waterfall is among a handful of beautiful waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park that can only be reached by hiking off trail, bushwacking at times. Photo © copyright by Ed Fuhr.