Rose River Falls is a 60-foot two-step waterfall on the Rose River in Shenandoah National Park, Madison County, Virginia. It sits on the Rose River Loop, a circuit from Skyline Drive through one of the park's federally designated Wilderness areas.
The falls
The Rose River drops in two steps here. A lidar survey puts the cumulative drop at about 60 feet, with a tallest step of 35 feet; the park gives 67 feet. Below the falls the loop follows a steep, rocky stretch past further cascades.
Getting there
The hike starts at the Fishers Gap Parking Area at mile 49.4 of Skyline Drive; the park's backcountry guide also mentions a lot just north of the overlook. Cross Skyline Drive, follow the fire road a short way, then turn left onto the yellow-blazed Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail. After 0.6 mile the blue-blazed Rose River Loop Trail leads down to the falls. The circuit returns on the yellow-blazed fire road, with a final uphill mile back to Skyline Drive. The loop is 4 miles with 910 feet of climbing, rated moderate, about 4 hours 30 minutes; the backcountry guide gives 4 to 4.4 miles and calls it a beginner loop.
The park entrance fee applies: $30 per private vehicle for seven days, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per person aged 16 and older on foot or by bicycle. A $55 park annual pass and America the Beautiful passes are accepted, and payment is cashless.
When to go
Spring or the days after a big storm bring the best flow; one reviewer found the falls underwhelming in drier months. The loop can be crowded on weekends.
On site
Swimming is allowed in park streams, but the water stays cold even in summer and rocks around waterfalls are extremely slippery; don't climb on or around the falls. Visitors describe an icy pool at the base. Unlike the Dark Hollow Falls trail, where pets are banned, this loop allows dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Nearby
Dark Hollow Falls is about 1.2 miles away and can be added to the loop: the park lists a 0.25-mile side trip from the fire road. Climbing Rose Falls is about 2.1 miles away and Lewis Spring Falls about 2.4 miles.
Distances are straight-line.