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 Reporter |
Summary: Circuit passes Rose River falls and the site of an old copper mine. Erosion has all but obliterated all traces of this mine. The circuit continues on past Dark Hollow Falls and offers view points from the Appalachain Trail as it circles the Big Meadows picnic and camping areas. Trailhead: Drive to Big Meadows, just south of MP 51 on Skyline Drive. Turn in and follow signs to Amphitheater parking area. Trail begins behind amphitheater. (Lat:38.5306 Lon:-78.4404) Trail Guides for Dark Hollow, Shenandoah National Park, VA: Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park by Potomac Appalachain Trail Club (PATC) Map 10 by Potomac Appalachain Trail Club (PATC) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: US Forest Service 1-540-999-3500 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted 56 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jon on 6/23/2008 I Love Mireya!
Reviewed by Roer on 6/12/2007 I've always just hiked up Hogcamp Branch because I seldom run into anyone and because there are some very nice pools for skinny dipping. The trail can be hard to follow, but it would be impossible to get lost as one just follows the river. There is one pool that now has large tree hanging over it that one can jump off the rocks into. Very nice when it is hot out - just mind the nettles! 
Reviewed by Steve on 12/23/2004 I hiked a version of this loop on December 11, 2004. Instead of continuing up the Dark Hallow Trail past the falls, I turned back to the Rose River Fire Road and took it up to my car at Fishers Gap. This fire road is well graded, allows for a stop at the historic (and still active) Cave Cemetery, and shortens this loop to about 4.0 miles. There are actually two drops at Rose River Falls, but only the first is visible from the trail. I did not scramble down to the lower (and longer) drop as it was wet and I was alone. The trail up Hogcamp Branch was the highlight of this hike. The moss and many cascades make it very scenic. Both falls were very nice as it had rained heavily recently.
Reviewed by Dawn on 4/19/2004 Nice hike. Not a lot of wildlife but pretty. We did the trail in reverse and accidentally added a side loop - bring those maps! Without our side trip, I would still leave about 4 hours for this hike. Trail between Scenic Drive and Dark Hollow Falls was busy, but the rest of the trail was very quiet. Trail between Dark Hollow Falls and Rose River Falls was my favorite. Rose River Falls to Skyline Drive was not as pleasant, but the trees were still without leaves when we went (04/18/04) so I imagine that part would be nicer in the summer. To avoid crowds I might suggest starting early and doing the trail in reverse so that Dark Hollow Falls is the first stop. Can also park at Dark Hollow Falls and start there.
Reviewed by Nelson on 10/1/2003 Unlike the description, there was almost no signs of wild life unless you include yours truly and companions and folks we met along the way. The scenary including the various streams and water falls was really pretty cool. It took us about 3.5 hours but we did stop to chat with several people along the way, so I would say 3 hours is no problem for this hike. But we were hoofing it, we did take an hour off to eat lunch. I had a ham sandwich w/ cheddar cheese, a banana, some fruit juice, and of course, GORP (good ole raisins and peanuts, with a bunch of other stuff mixed in). On the way there on Hwy 211, make sure to stop off at the hippie whole food eatery and bar and hang out with the locals. Bound to be some good down-home music...
Reviewed by Carol on 9/15/2003 Some scenery along the trail is just as, if not more beautiful, then the actual falls. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Virginia Hiking, Virginia Trails, Virginia Hikes, Page County Hiking, Page County Trails, Page County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||