Description

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](https://fatmap.com/30907/Other/hiking/routeid/979001/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