Rose River Falls

We've done about 6 hikes off the drive and this one ranks way up there. First or second. It was a gorgeous day; there's been recent rain. The water was moving quickly and the sun was shining. It was just perfect. We loved every minute of it highly recommended.

I did my solo hiking last Tuesday. It was amazing. The Rose River Falls trail was around 4 miles and took me an hour and 40 minutes (I did mine clockwise). It was beautiful, but could be crowded on the weekends. Some areas could be very steep and rocky, should be cautious if you’re a beginner. Parking was also easy.

I didn't think I'd love this trail as much as I did! We parked at the Fisher's Gap parking area, started on the horse trail before taking the loop trail and came back using the fire road. We stopped at the first falls to eat before making our way down to the real falls. It was early March and there were still spots of snow on the ground, but nothing too major. It wasn't that scenic going down, but once you get to Rose River the whole trail following the river is gorgeous, even in late Winter. If you end up doing the full loop, it will take you to the bottom of Dark Hollow Falls, so if you want to get in 2 waterfalls, I recommend! The way back up, on the fire road, was probably the least scenic, but it was also a nice, easy climb to end the hike. My Garmin tracked our hike at 3.8 miles.

We came here in mid-Feb, and the road was still pretty icy. For hikers who want to take the full trail, some traction aid might be necessary, and hiking poles would definitely be helpful. We parked in the Fishers Gap parking, walked down the Rose River Fire Road, and then took the Rose River Trail. Although we didn’t finish it, the view was pretty scenic. Will definitely come back!

The whole trail is mostly along the river and there are a series of waterfalls on the way. I went in the fall and it’s gorgeous when the forest is awash with fall colors. The river too is dotted with red, yellow, and orange from the fallen leaves. I didn’t find the hike difficult (the NPS rates it “moderate”, 4 miles, abt. 4.5 hrs.) but there are quite a few hills and paths that are narrow, rocky, or a little slippery.

Lots of pretty waterfalls along this loop trail. We parked at Fishers Gap and then took the trail going left first. There’s a lot of elevation change, so it was nice to take the fire road back up rather than steep trail. Moderately challenging.

Moderate 4 Mile loop hike from fishers gap parking area to rose river trail and then took the fire trail back to fishers gap. The views of the water falls and cascades are very nice

It’s a wonderful hike for novice hikers who want a little more of a challenge. Highly recommend starting at Fisher’s Gap, and doing the Rose River loop by coming back up the fire road if you want a smoother journey overall.

Beautiful trail to hike...all the different views of all the falls are amazing

A nice 3.8 mile loop with 900 ft elevation gain. You’re going downhill for half of the loop and uphill for the rest. Most of the trail is next to Rose River and Hogcamp Branch.

Beautiful landscape year round, this trail has always made me feel peaceful and lots of other friendly and helpful hikers

Beautiful, moderately easy hike with gorgeous waterfalls if varying sizes.

One of our favorite hikes in Shenandoah! Do the loop trail, as the hike up towards Dark Hollow Falls is serene and peaceful as you walk through cascade after cascade of beautiful little falls flowing down stream.

Definitely worth the short hike. Longer options through big Meadows for those seeking a more adventurous trail.

This was my second favorite hike of our trip, granted we did it after 2 days of rain so i dont know if it flows as well when it hasnt rained. But you are hiking next to the flowing creek/rapids practically the entire time. When you start the hike go left at the fork!! The hike back up is much easier finishing the loop that way. Beautiful! :)

Not a difficult hike, my 6 yo did it
It will take about 3 hours just walking it. There are a few places to rest, a few decent photos ops. We saw plenty of wildlife: deer, newt, crawfish, trout, etc.

Great hike! Bring bug spray but you should be hiking in the shade for most of the time which is nice

This waterfall is usually full unless it's been extremely dry for weeks without rain. The hike isn't too rough but it is completely down then back up for about 1½ miles each way, so be prepared for it if you aren't used to hiking. The trail conditions are excellent though so you can do it in sneakers without issue. There's a lovely little swimming hole at the base of the first falls but the water is always super cold, even in the sweltering heat of August. Overall a great short hike to bring lunch or just take a pit stop if you're hiking the loop to Dark Hollow Falls. I took this photo a few years ago when there was average water flow.

Many many photo ops. Cool under the canopy and lots of cold water for dogs to refresh.

It is a tough hike to the rose river falls from skyline drive. It is a loop, and you get to see three waterfalls.. dark hollow is easy, accessible via the rose river fire road, but to go further on into the rose river falls the hike is steep and rocky most of the way.