WaterfallNear Me

Rose River Falls

Madison County, Virginia

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
66 ft (20 m)
Location
Madison County, Virginia
Access status
Guide: 4-mile park loop past the falls
The walk
4-mile circuit (NPS)
Ground & access
Wilderness trail with a steep, rocky section after the falls and about one mile of uphill fire road at the end. The park lists 910 feet of elevation gain.
National Park Service: Rose River Falls
Rose River Falls, VA
Rose River Falls, VA
Photo creditPhoto: Nyttend, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Rose River Falls is a 67-foot waterfall on the Rose River Loop Trail in the Shenandoah Wilderness. From the north end of Fishers Gap parking area, cross Skyline Drive and start down the fire road. Just after the chain, turn left onto the yellow-blazed Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail. In about 0.6 mile take the blue-blazed Rose River Loop Trail and follow it past the falls. Continue to the bridge, then climb a steep, rocky section past cascades. At the fire road, turn right across the bridge and walk about one mile uphill back to Skyline Drive. A short side trip from the fire road leads to the base of Dark Hollow Falls.

Plan your visit

Fishers Gap parking area (Skyline Drive mile 49.4), Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail to the Rose River Loop Trail, past the falls and back on Rose River Road

The National Park Service gives the Rose River Falls hike as a 4-mile circuit. Its trip guide gives 4 to 4.4 miles and places the falls before the 1.6 to 1.8 mile point of the loop. Going back the way you came from the falls instead of finishing the loop is not measured by the park.

Wilderness trail with a steep, rocky section after the falls and about one mile of uphill fire road at the end. The park lists 910 feet of elevation gain.

Where to start

Fishers Gap Overlook or the parking area just north of it, Skyline Drive mile 49.4. The park notes it is popular on weekends.

Timing & water

The park lists the hike as open year-round.

Before you go

Shenandoah National Park entrance fee required: $30 per private vehicle, valid for seven days. The park does not accept cash. No booking is needed for this hike.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Virginia

Waterfall location

Madison County, Virginia.

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