Rockin’ and a Rootin’ – St. Mary’s Falls

Our intrepid guide (everyone needs one) described our latest venture into the Staunton-area hiking world, with two simple adjectives: “rocky and rooty.”

He did not lie. But that does not diminish the enjoyable nature of hiking the 4.5 mile round trip to St. Mary’s Falls near Raphine in Augusta County. Our guide, who has completed a healthy portion of the Appalachian Trail and traversed this short hike about 100 times, had his marching orders (as it were) from us less experienced hikers.

“Keep it under five miles, and not too steep of an elevation,” was my sister’s mantra, as we set out on some very manageable hikes this late spring.

The beauty and immersive sight, sound, touch experience of this hike become evident early on. You walk what is yes, a very tree root and rock-heavy trail along a rushing water. There is very little elevation (yay! says my lungs). I must say, between the birds and the rushing river, nature’s sound effects do not need enhancement and could beat out any “soothing sleep sounds” podcast.

Our guide, I’ll call him Sven (just because it will befuddle him), said his last trip to the falls was in February when the various waterways you wade to get to the ‘Holy Grail’ of cascading water, were deeply immersed. Luckily, this time of year the water is much lower. Large rocks conveniently dot the five water crossings. Aided by a walking stick for balance, you’ll likely only get the soles of your boots kissed by the fast-rushing St. Mary’s River.

Mountain Laurel still in bloom, dot the edge of the trail. A narrow gorge revealed an interesting geological area once heavily mined for iron ore.

On a weekday, there is light traffic on this popular trail. We encountered a fair number of hikers with dogs, who seemed delighted (both dogs and humans) to splash in the many crossings, and of course, in the deeper pools by the falls.

You can take a longer hike from this area if you choose. But if you’re looking for a manageable meander along a chatty river, rewarded by a pristine waterfall just made for swimming and picnicking, then this is a great pick.