Trip Report. Great 2-nighter with fantastic waterfalls and a ton of variation. Rounding out the view is tree-covered Nakedtop (~3,750’) in the foreground. Big Meadows is known for its mountain views, forests, and waterfalls. Good Trail for two nights but be careful second day . At 4,050 feet, Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. Seems like upper starts at mile post 46 and lower begins elsewhere? Length 9.0 mi Elevation gain 1,893 ft Route type Loop. Big Meadows Lodge, Shenandoah National Park Picture: View from Hawksbill, 4 miles and 1 hour hike from the Lodge - Check out Tripadvisor members' 4,518 candid photos and videos. We learned that fire and beer can REALLY change the morale of cold weather camping. The route weaves gently north before crossing Rose River and a nearby tributary. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. From here it is approximately 1.6 mile in a gradual climb back to the Big Meadows Complex. Nonetheless, it’s best to allot most of a day to complete the 8.8-mile circuit. Rose River runs along the trail, upstream from the falls Skyland-Big Meadows Trail intersects with Rose River Fire Road near the end of the hike Dark Hollow Falls & Rose River Loop Trails. Rose river was peaceful and has some nice camping spots. Topographic Map. Not the most view filled trail in Shenandoah but still a beautiful 2 days in the woods. It makes for a great day hike. The Big Meadows/Hawksbill Mountain/Rose River trail is actually a combination of short trails to create a nice 20-21 mile loop for those who are looking for a longer hike or a … Lodging accommodations range from main lodge rooms to detached small cabins, preferred and traditional rooms, suites, and pet friendly rooms - all located within walking distance of the main lodge building. Down below is Timber Hollow, feeding into the patchwork of farms and forests of the Shenandoah Valley. Nearby restaurants include Hawksbill Diner (8.6 mi), Pollock Dining Room (9.1 mi) and Ciro's Pizza (9.2 mi). Night two could be spent at a big clearing up the hill just before getting to Rose river Falls. Visitor Center to Dark Hollow Falls. On the trail it felt like FOREVER but once we hit the top of Rose River falls theres a trail that lead up to a nice clearing with plenty of flat ground to pitch your tents and plenty of water to stock up on. Cross the road to return to the start. The Big Meadows Horse Trail was long and honestly rather boring. (bear box & pole, privy, 4-5 tent sites, spring 100 yds away) Hawksbill only 1 mile away to start Day 2 so possible to get there before crowds. This loop is best completed in a clockwise direction. 1 comment. The summit offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as mighty Massanutten Mountain to the west. I saw a mother bear, two cubs, and no humans for the better part of 2-3 hours. This is the shortest loop from the Rose River Trailhead and is mostly fire road (although the lower Rose River Fire Road is pretty rocky), making it ideal for the novice trail runner. The difficulty levels for finding campsites and hiking can vary from the given levels with adverse weather conditions and other environmental factors. The trail skirts around Spitler Knoll then gradually descends to the Franklin Cliffs area, where a half dozen rock crags offer excellent views of the Shenandoah Valley and Kite Hollow. I made this loop into a 3 day 2 night because my group was inexperienced, and the drive in was exhausting.Only two spots to camp and limited water sources bring a filter. Length 20.8 miElevation gain 4507 ftRoute type Loop. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking. [Hikers: Simon, Danielle, Meredith, Emily, Erika, Shoshana] Camped just before Rose River Falls at about mile 14. The first leg—the 0.8-mile Lower Hawksbill Trail—heads west from the parking area and immediately begins to ascend a rocky slope. We opted for the tents as they had a nice view of the small town lights. The trip took 3 days and 2 nights. share. In about 0.6 miles from the last junction turn right onto blue-blazed Rose River Loop Trail. Easy 7 mile hike to Rock Spring hut, with a spring, a day use cabin, shelter and good tent sites. I went after about a week of rain so had many opportunities to filter water. Appalachian Trail near Rock Spring Cabin, Shenandoah National Park. The trail will now parallel another stream to your left, named Hogcamp Branch, which drains Big Meadows Swamp, and flows through Dark Hollow, and then becomes the principal tributary of Rose River. The Big Meadows/Hawksbill/Rose River trio is a beautiful 3 day, 2 night trip. Appalachian Trail, Hawksbill, Horseshoe Trail, and Rose River Loop is a 20.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Elkton, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Hawksbill – Fishers Gap Loop, including Skyland-Big Meadows Trail (Shenandoah National Park, VA) Posted on August 22, 2015 by Andrew Wojtanik At 4,050 feet, Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. Before you know it, the AT spits out onto the Red Gate Road at Fishers Gap, your cue to turn left (leaving the AT) and cross Skyline Drive to the east side of the ridge. The route is relatively wide and partly graveled but climbs at a persistent clip, gaining nearly 700 feet in elevation in less than a mile. ( Log Out /  Some of the nicest views I’ve seen from this area:). Distance: 21 mi. youtu.be/aG5-9X... 1 comment. Recommend filling up on water at the Hut. youtu.be/aG5-9X... Trip Report. Show more Show less. With Skyline Drive within earshot, bear right at a trail junction. Shenandoah National Park (VA): Big Meadows, Hawksbill & Rose River 3-day Backpacking Loop. Hawksbill is a great hike with an awesome view. We were visited by another family of deer. Overall, a highly recommended hike. Enjoy free cancellation on most hotels. In the middle of the meadow is the source of the Rose River and Dark Hollow Falls, a popular hike. But beyond the first junction—which leads down to Rose River Falls—it is likely to be devoid of crowds. Summer days are likely to see a lot of commotion from hikers and picnickers near the first trail junction, just a stone’s throw from the summit. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 8. You can get off the AT at Big Meadows Campground or follow the AT a little further and get off at the Big Meadows Amphitheater. Sunday September, 2007. We were visited by a VERY friendly 4pt Buck and a young bear in the morning. +1 on previous review. Click for a park map of the Big Meadows area. ( Log Out /  Across the valley is Massanutten Mountain, a behemoth extending dozens of miles to the north and south. Mile 51.2 Skyline Drive, Luray, VA, 22835, United States of America, 800-246-8357 An incomplete guide to hiking Utah, Colorado, Virginia, and beyond, Potomac Heritage Trail – Fort Marcy to Turkey Run Park (George Washington Memorial Parkway, VA), Hawksbill – Fishers Gap Loop, including Skyland-Big Meadows Trail (Shenandoah National Park, VA), Tuscarora Trail to Eagle Rock (George Washington National Forest, VA/WV) | Live and Let Hike, Marys Rock via Panorama (Shenandoah National Park, VA) | Live and Let Hike, Millers Head Trail (Shenandoah National Park, VA) | Live and Let Hike, White Rock Canyon - Arizona Hot Spring Canyon Trail Loop (Lake Mead National Recreation Area, AZ), Chalone Peak Trail (Pinnacles National Park, CA), Top 10 Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park's "Frontcountry", Steep Ravine - Matt Davis Trail Loop (Mount Tamalpais State Park, CA), Falls Trail Loop (Mount Diablo State Park, CA), Follow Live and Let Hike on WordPress.com, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Dinosaur Hill Trail (McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, CO), Otto’s Trail (Colorado National Monument, CO), Browns Creek Falls (San Isabel National Forest, CO). Kite Hollow and the Shenandoah Valley from the Franklin Cliffs. I used the Shenandoah trip planner on the website and it offered a great written itinerary for the hike that was helpful without taking away the experience of discovery by being overly descriptive. Guests can enjoy a meal in Big Meadows Lodge Dining, which are located about 5 minutes’ walk from Big Meadows Lodge Shenandoah National Park. save hide report. Can you explain the difference between “upper hawksbill trail” and “lower hawksbill trail”? Lacking sweeping views, the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail is admittedly less interesting than Hawksbill and the AT. Rooms at the property are equipped with a dining area and a kitchen area. Never been to Shen before - Park is beautiful, will definitely be back to explore more. I was in awe seeing the outline of the cloud shadows below and watching the hawks floating in front of me. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. Close. Don't miss out on great hotels and other accommodations near Dark Hollow Falls, Rose River Falls, and Luray Caverns. Also, depending on when you go, look into bringing a bug net. Dates: September 29, 2018 Type: Loop Total Distance: 5.1 miles (8.2 km) round trip The route weaves gently north before crossing Rose River and a nearby tributary. I started at the Upper Hawksbill parking area. We did it in reverse and tried to avoid staying at the Big Meadows campground, though there weren’t a ton of options otherwise for that night. But it wasn’t difficult to get to Rose River in 1 day. With the exception of strenuous climbs at Hawksbill and Spitler Hill, most of the loop is relatively easy. Or continue north about a tenth of a mile past the Rock Spring hut Trail is a nice grassy clearing off to the right. On this trip we spent 3 days backpacking in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. It is really special. We made our way down to the big meadows horse trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking. Continue straight on the AT. The Hawksbill Summit was very busy but there were other more private vistas on Salamander Trail and the AT, definitely should plan your lunch for one of those. Looking north, the highest peak in view (besides Hawksbill, of course) is Stony Man Mountain (4,011’), fronted by Pollock Knob (3,580’) and Bettys Rock (3,680’). Rose River – Big Meadows – Rapidan Fire Road – Dark Hollow. (This is NOT an online event, we just can't change it in the settings.) Discover the metropolitan area of Big Meadows—skyscrapers, natural beauty, and sights from Harry F. Byrd Sr. But if you want a slower easier pace (7ish miles a day) break it up into a 3 day two night. Mar 7, 2017 - Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA May 8-10, 2016 Highlights: Big Meadows, Hawksbill, and Rose River Loops Trip Length: 3 days, 21 miles round trip Level: Strenuous "Beginner" A variation of the Big Meadows & Rose River trip listed above, this is a fantastic two-night trip in the backcountry. Jones Mountain Trail to Cat Knob and Bear Church Rock, Dark Hollow via Appalachian Trail and Story of the Forest Trail, Laurel Prong, Rapidan Camp, Jones Mountain Trail via Appalachian Trail, Rose River Trail to Lewis Falls Trail and Appalachian Trail, Rose River Trail to Story of the Forest Trail Loop, Big Meadows to Lewis Mountain Cabins via Appalachian Trail, Cat Knob, Bear Church Rocks, Staunton River Trail, Fork Mountain, Jones Mountain and Fork Mountain Horse Trail, Appalachian Trail, Hawksbill, Horseshoe Trail, and Rose River Loop. I give it a 5 star review because I couldn’t stomach giving it 4 stars. There is also an option of shortening the distance, and vertical gain, by opting out of the Lewis Spring Falls section for a total of 6.1 mls and 1530ft gain. The Rose River Loop trail is near the top of the map. What is there to do near Big Meadows Lodge? Great loop with some varying scenery. 100% Upvoted. Especially when the temps drop a little lower than expected. Note there is a 6-7 mile stretch between Big Meadows and Rose River that doesn’t have water and has a huge ascent, so plan ahead there. Third day we decided to take a different route up dark hollow falls due to a group members injury but it was a really nice hike up the falls nonetheless, heavily trafficked. Awesome loop, very highly recommend. Park at the overlook or in the smaller lot just north of the overlook parking area. You can take a 4 mile hike-in to Big Meadows Campground from Milepost 53 at Milam Gap. Return to Fishers Gap along Rose River Trail. Big Meadows, Hawksbill, and Rose River. I did this trail in 2 days and 1 night. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Bear left on the AT, following the route through a sea of ferns to the next trail junction—a short spur trail to the Rock Spring Cabin. The hike down to the Rose River Falls is … Great views and wildlife and challenge. The gnats were brutal in early June and were the only downside of the whole experience. Second day we made our way through the salamander trail caught a glimpse of two turkeys and made our way up Hawksbill, we got there around 9:30a and was already filling up, great view. Lots of places to get water in mid June. Hawksbill Creek goes off the west side, Little Hawksbill goes off the north side of the mountain, and the source of the Rapidan River … save. Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail is a 9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Syria, Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Horseshoe trail was the most isolated of the bunch. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. View of Stony Man Mountain and Blue Ridge from Hawksbill, Shenandoah National Park. There wasn't much to see; the trail descended the side of Spitler Hill into the upper Rose River watershed, then, followed the side of the mountain for two miles or so until reaching two stream crossings of the upper reaches of the Rose River. Find a good spot for a lunch or snack break, then retrace your steps back into the forest to the Hawksbill trail junction. This is the group's first official hike! Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter. The incline increases significantly after about two miles on the Skyland-Big Meadows track, ascending through woodlands partly decimated by some sort of fungus or beetle (?). (Circuit) Nights: 2. Meadow near the end of the hike, along the Skyland-Big Meadows Trail. Eat & Drink. Sort by. Here you’ll also find views of River Falls. The venue also features a carpark and a restaurant. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. ... Spottswood Dining Room offers American cuisine. The trail climbs more than 600 feet to the rounded top of Spitler Hill (3,720’)—alas, there are no views—where pine trees line the trail. best. Abt 7 miles per day, strenuous at times but not overly difficult for me, 12 yr old daughter & the dog. Great loop for all types of fitness levels and every age but definitely not for the couch potato. Night 2 has a few options to camp, from Rose River Falls to next stream crossing. Start and end at Hawksbill Gap, located along Skyline Drive roughly 14 miles south of the Thornton Gap Entrance Station in Shenandoah’s Central District. The trail begins across from Fishers Gap Overlook, just north of mile 50 on Skyline Drive. These are three of the most beautiful falls in the SNP. There are two parking areas with ample space. Bear right and emerge from the woods at the sight of the Byrds Nest Shelter #2 (day use only), situated in a small clearing a short walk from the precipice of a rock outcrop offering fine views to the north and west. Not easy to find place where you can spend night . Trail Map of Hawksbill – Fishers Gap Loop, including Skyland-Big Meadows Trail, Shenandoah National Park; adapted from http://www.mytopo.com/maps/. Big Meadows Lodge, Shenandoah National Park Picture: View from Hawksbill, 4 miles and 1 hour hike from the Lodge - Check out Tripadvisor members' 4,518 candid photos and videos of Big Meadows Lodge While the Salamander Trail and the Upper Hawksbill Parking Spur Trail might see a lot of foot travel during prime hiking season the 3 miles of the Skyland/Big Meadows Horse Trail will provide you with some degree of solitude. It had a little bit of everything: 1 peak, 2 waterfalls, plenty of water access, and wildlife. Did the loop backwards but was still a blast! Lacking sweeping views, the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail is admittedly less interesting than Hawksbill and the AT. A lot water on trail but I suggest take filter. My Black Lab had a good time as well, dog friendly trail. Rose River Loop Hike Details. Bear right again and follow the path for 50 yards to Hawksbill’s true summit; the neatly-maintained overlook offers 270-degree vistas. Thorofare Mountain, Robertson Mountain, and Old Rag from Hawksbill summit, Shenandoah National Park. The AT section that follows is very interesting, especially as the gradient off to right steepens to near vertical and lichen-covered rock faces dot the upward slope on the left. The trail is primarily used for hiking. However, the best parts of the hike are on the latter half, which begin by crossing Skyline Dr and turning right after the parking area onto the Appalachian Trail (AT) heading Northbound. This loop is made by connecting the AT, Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail, Rose River Loop Trail, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, and finally returns to Big Meadows by the Story of the Forest Trail. This trail was fantastic. ⛰ The hike will be a 14 mile loop starting at Milam Gap, stopping by Lewis Spring Falls, circling Big Meadows, meandering along Rose River where we will camp overnight, venturing around Stony Mountain, and finally ending back at Milam Gap. Leisure. Hawksbill, Shenandoah National Park, August 2015. Save big on a wide range of Big Meadows hotels! It’s a short, albeit steep, climb to the top, making Hawksbill a popular day hike destination; more ambitious hikers, however, can head farther south to complete a nearly 9-mile loop that captures additional overlooks and lush meadows. ( Log Out /  This is the fire road directly across from Rose River Fire Road in the gap. Included is a visit to Hawksbill Summit, the highest peak in … The woods along Big Meadow are pretty and the beginning stretch on the AT, with the views, cliffs, and mountain laurel, is beautiful. Huge thank you to previous reviewers for tips and details on this trail. Change ). ( Log Out /  Difficulty: Strenuous Beginner . Shenandoah National Park (VA): Big Meadows, Hawksbill & Rose River 3-day Backpacking Loop. Timber Hollow and the Shenandoah Valley from Hawksbill, Shenandoah National Park. Pingback: Tuscarora Trail to Eagle Rock (George Washington National Forest, VA/WV) | Live and Let Hike, Pingback: Marys Rock via Panorama (Shenandoah National Park, VA) | Live and Let Hike, Pingback: Millers Head Trail (Shenandoah National Park, VA) | Live and Let Hike. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. To the east, look for iconic Old Rag Mountain (3,268’), as well as Robertson Mountain (3,296’). But beyond the first junction—which leads down to Rose River Falls—it is likely to be devoid of crowds. share. Access: MP 53. Each one of these trails offers something a little different and they all work really well together. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. If you wanted to do this in 3 days two nights you could camp the first night at Rock Spring Hut. After a series of switchbacks begin following the river to a 25 foot waterfall. There is place near waterfall . All said, we loved the trail and would definitely recommend! Posted by 2 hours ago. We stayed at the Rock Springs Shelter 1st night, as described on Park website. Nearly immediately, a rock outcrop offers additional views to the west. The Salamander Trail lives up to its name, sliding gingerly down the hillside in a series of S-curves before meeting the Appalachian Trail (AT) after about 0.7 miles. Cross the drive and shortly there after turn left onto yellow-blazed Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail. Appalachian Trail, Hawksbill, Horseshoe Trail, and Rose River Loop is a 33.5 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Elkton, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. We chose one of the loops outlined by the National Park Service that took us by Lewis Falls, Big Meadows Campground, Hawksbill Mountain, Rose River Falls and Dark Hollow Falls among other sights. Hey everyone! Book your hotel in Big Meadows and pay later with Expedia. The 1.4-mile stretch that follows is easy and straightforward; paralleling Skyline Drive (from a distance), the trail cuts through two minor meadows before returning to the trailhead. Very good trip as get more experience on the trail, everything was well marked. Bear right and continue for roughly 1/10 mile to a second junction; turn right again, embarking on the winding Salamander Trail. Big Meadows Lodge is located one mile from the large, grassy meadow at mile 51 on Skyline Drive - a meadow which is ideal for gorgeous night skies viewing.. Crossing Rose River on the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail. The incline increases significantly after about two miles on the Skyland-Big Meadows track, ascending … Hiked this loop a few years ago and can’t wait to get back. Top Hotels in Big Meadows Vacation Rentals in Big Meadows Does Big Meadows Lodge offer free cancellation for a full refund? 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. Day 2 was especially awesome, despite heavy rains & day hiker crowds It had nonstop rushing waters & so many falls, hard to pick a favorite spot. If you are looking for an awesome multi-day hike in Shenandoah National Park, then this one is worth a look! Fishers Gap to Hawksbill Mountain Summit via Appalachian Trail. First day we made our way to Rock Spring hut, beautiful wildflowers, fungi and insects a macro-photographer's heaven. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Shenandoah National Park - Video Trip Report - Big Meadows, Hawksbill & Rose River Loop. I saw 2 people on the Big Meadows Horse Trail and 3 people on the Rose River Loop Trail. Surprisingly not many bugs & temps were comfortably high 60s-low 70s daytime & quite cool overnight. It combines the highest peak in Shenandoah with the coolest campground in the park and the 9-mile Rose River. Log in or sign up to leave a comment log in sign up. Hawksbill Gap serves as the trailhead for a number of popular hikes (including the fantastic Whiteoak Canyon-Cedar Run loop), so arrive early to get a parking spot. The Three Falls hike is a circuit that passes Rose River Falls, Dark Hollow Falls, and Lewis Spring Falls. Big Meadows/Hawksbill/Rose River + Campground and Backcountry. Depending on where in the campground you start and intercept the AT, the mileage will vary a bit. There was one set of boot prints for the first mile or so on Big Meadow, I broke trail to the junction with Rose River, and there were two sets of boot prints on the AT. Here the Rose River Fire Road descends gently into a wooded hollow; roughly 30 yards down the gravel track, bear left onto the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail, your guide for the remaining five miles back to Hawksbill Gap. Other than those two camp spots I didn’t see too many. Be sure to follow rules for back country camping and bring enough water. I have seen bears right across from the parking lot. Hike with an awesome multi-day hike in Shenandoah but still a blast small town lights your steps back into forest..., bear right again, embarking on the winding Salamander trail Dark Hollow Falls a. 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