LURAY, Va. — Funds to reroute and restore the Dark Hollow Falls trail in Shenandoah National Park have been awarded by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration.
In a September 17, 2025 media release, the DCR noted that a total of 12 recreation areas were awarded grants made possible through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).
RTP is a federal matching reimbursement program that supports the construction and rehabilitation of recreational trails and related facilities.
The 2025 grant awards include projects for non-motorized, motorized, and mixed-use trails across Virginia. They were chosen from 24 applications submitted during the open application period, which closed in May.
Eligible applicants included local governments, park and recreation authorities, tribal governments, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Selected projects include:
Smith Creek Sensory Trail Restroom, Town of Clifton Forge, $148,400.
Swan Bridge Replacement, Gloucester County, $250,000.
Sandy Bottom Nature Park Trail Enhancements, City of Hampton, $136,065.60
Siegen Forest and Germanna Ford Boat Launch Parking, Historic Germanna, $76,389.28
Dark Hollow Falls Restoration and Reroute, Shenandoah National Park Trust, $101,200.
Mill Creek Trailhead Improvements, Town of Narrows, $96,000.
North Trail Reroute at Leopold’s Preserve, White House Farm Foundation, $37,750.
Cumberland State Forest Willis River Swinging Bridge Replacement, Virginia Department of Forestry, $250,000.
New River Water Trail Recovery, New River Conservancy, $146,625.
New River Water Trail Wayfinding and Signage, New River Valley Regional Commission, $63,600.
James River Water Trail Last Lock Boat Ramp, Botetourt County, $160,000.
Equipment Purchase for Motorized Trail System, Southwest Regional Recreation Authority, $321,769.24
The Dark Hollow Falls trail is a short but steep hike to a waterfall near Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park. The trailhead for the popular hike is located at MP 50.7 on Skyline Drive. For a trail map and additional information about the hike, click HERE.
Details on upcoming RTP grant rounds are available at dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/grants.