1.8 km away
Dark Hollow Falls
A classic short hike to a stunning waterfall in Shenandoah National Park.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Ascent
- 181 m
- Descent
- 181 m
A moderate 4-mile hike with stunning waterfalls, an abandoned mine, and a historic cemetery.
Hiking Moderate
The Rose River Loop is a classic day hike near Big Meadows Campground with stunning waterfalls, an abandoned copper mine, and a historic cemetery. It can be hiked in either direction, and an optional detour leads to Dark Hollow Falls, just 0.25 miles off this mapped loop. Compared to the adjacent Dark Hollow Falls hike, this loop is dog-friendly.
The best place to start is at Fishers Gap, milepost 49.4 on Skyline Drive. You may find parking at the gap itself, or you could park at the overlook a few hundred feet away. You could also begin from your campsite in Big Meadows Campground, then follow the rugged Appalachian Trail to Fishers Gap. Hiked that direction, this hike would become significantly more difficult.
Though moderate, some may find the hike challenging, and the NPS notes that it could take some visitors upwards of 5 hours once you factor in plenty of stops. The abundant waterfalls and smaller cascades also offer plenty of opportunities for photographers to try their hand at long-exposure photography. Other sources speak of excellent trout fishing along the river as well.
Sources: https://virginiatrailguide.com/2009/05/16/rose-river-loop/ https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hikedarkhollowfalls.htm
Moderate
Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.
1.8 km away
A classic short hike to a stunning waterfall in Shenandoah National Park.
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