Hone Quarry Falls Hike

An easy secluded hike with a big payoff, the 25ft Hone Quarry Falls are the largest set of waterfalls in the Shenandoah Mountain area and a little know hidden gem. With two ledge falls and 25ft main set of falls there are several nice view points along the stream. The first section of the hike follows FR 62 past a marsh pond then through a section of old growth forest with several small streams that run down from Pond Knob. The Slate Springs and Waterfall trails have a gentle incline as they climb up to the waterfall area.

There are also several other hikes in the Hone Quarry area along FR 62. Hidden Rocks, a pleasant 2.5 mile out/back to a small waterfall and cliff overlook. Oak Knob, a 7.9 mile circuit past a valley overlook and hike along the Oak Knob and Knob ridge. And Hone Quarry Ridge, a 5.0 mile circuit with a nice viewpoint of Shenandoah Mountain and section along Hone Quarry Run. Video of all four sites.

Camping: FR 62 has several large secluded camping sites that are also accessible by high clearance vehicles from April 1 through January 10. The first campsite is located at the intersection of FR 62 and Slate Springs Trail and will accommodate 5 tents. The second is 0.15 further and is the smallest but still large enough for several tents. The third is in another 0.05 miles on the left next to Hone Quarry Run and accommodate 5+ tents. The fourth is 0.6 miles further along FR 62 on the right side and is the largest of the three suitable for large groups. You can also camp at the Forestry Service managed Hone Quarry Campground that is located a mile prior to the hike parking area on FR 62.

Mile 0.0 - From the parking area at the top end of the dam follow FR 62 past a gate. FR 62 is heavily rutted and potholed, so during periods of rain you may have to pass around large puddles blocking the road. As you pass the top part of the dam there is a large wetland area with reeds and tall grass. FR 62 then goes through an area of old growth forest.
Mile 1.5 - Pass the intersection of the Pond Knob Trail on your right and remain on FR 62. This intersection is easy to miss.
Mile 1.7 - Arrive at the intersection of the Slate Springs Trail (428A) where a large campsite is located on the left side of the road. Turn right up the yellow blazed Slate Springs Trail and follow it for 0.3 miles to the intersection with the unblazed Waterfall Trail.
Mile 2.0 - Stay right on the Waterfall Trail and follow it for 0.5 miles.
Mile 2.5 - Arrive a the main 25ft high Hone Quarry Falls. There is also wider set of ledge falls just upstream. If you continue to follow the trail from here there is one more set of small ledge falls 0.05 miles upstream. Return along the same route.
Mile 4.3 - Arrive back at the parking area at the dam.