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gem icon Rose River Falls [Suggest Edits]

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Description

This exciting series of falls lies along the Rose River Loop Trail which hikers can take for an out-and-back hike or a longer loop down toward Dark Hollow Falls. The falls are fed by the Rose River which, after a good amount of rain, plummets 67' over up to four different cascades.

The Rose River Loop Trail meanders through a portion of the park's federally designated wilderness area and provides a secluded route with a number of water features along the way.

As an out-and-back hike, use the Fishers Gap parking area and head out on the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail until you see the start of the Rose River Loop Trail on the right. This route is just over 2.5 miles with a climb of around 720'.

A longer loop hike is highly recommended as a way to see some of the best water features in the park. Continue south past the Rose River Falls to the Dark Hollow Falls Trail as a short spur down to the falls. Head back the way you came, taking the left onto the Rose River Fire Road as it heads back north to the Fischer's Gap Parking Area.

Short Hike: Using the Fishers Gap Parking Area, Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail, and Rose River Loop Trail, the shortest, out-and-back option is 2.6 miles with around 720' of elevation.

Family Friendly: Like most hikes in the park, this one descends from Skyline Drive through a serene stretch of forest with lots of streams and creeks to explore and spot trout in. Be prepared for the return leg back!

Gem Type: Waterfall

Shared by:
Zander Göpfert
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Check-Ins

Mar 22, 2026
Claudia Barrenechea
Jun 13, 2025
Matthew Prowant
Apr 18, 2025
Holley Horner
Intense hike, but combined it with Darkhollow Falls.
Jun 28, 2023
Morgan Goodchild
May 19, 2023
Ruthanne Dahlheimer
1525
Apr 17, 2023
Trent Caldwell
Oct 9, 2022
Carly Riedmann
Hiked 10/08
Jun 25, 2022
Michael Szul

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Shared by Zander Göpfert on May 19, 2016. All Page Views: 2,139. Last Month: 4.
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