Two Falls: Dark Hollow and Rose River
Details
Let's enjoy a hike to Dark Hollow and Rose River Falls! For bonus points, we'll check out the view at Fishers Gap Overlook.
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/f/8/d/600_450117229.jpeg
The route: Starting from Dark Hollow Trailhead, we'll hike 0.8 of a mile down the Dark Hollow Trail to the bottom of Dark Hollow Falls and the junction with the Rose River Fire Road. From there we'll continue 2.1 miles along the Rose River Loop Trail to the Skyland/Big Meadows Horse Trail, passing Rose River Falls along the way. Turning left onto the Skyland/Big Meadows Horse Trail, we'll follow it for 2 miles west and southwest to the Story of the Forest Trail, with a short detour onto Rose River Fire Road to cross Skyline Drive and enjoy the view from Fishers Gap Overlook before returning to the Horse Trail. Turning left onto the Story of the Forest Trail, we'll follow it 0.2 of a mile to our starting point, recrossing Skyline Drive along the way.
This is a counter-clockwise loop hike, moderate difficulty; a total of just over 5 miles of smiles. The surface is dirt woodland paths, often rough, rocky and rooty, descending about 1200 feet to Rose River and climbing the same amount back to our starting point.
The hike should take around 3-4 hours at a moderate pace, depending on breaks. Assuming we depart from the trailhead NLT 11 am, we should finish up between 2 and 3 pm, and arrive back at Vienna Station around 5 pm.
Google map: http://tinyurl.com/jok5avm
How to get there:
• Meetup for carpooling: Vienna Metro Station is on the Orange Line. The Vienna Metro North Kiss and Ride Parking Lot is south of the intersection of Virginia Center Blvd & Centerboro Dr, Vienna, Virginia 22181. Parking at Metro stations is free on weekends and Federal holidays; see http://tinyurl.com/lff72x
• Driving directions to Dark Hollow Falls Trailhead from Vienna Metro North Kiss and Ride Lot: The drive is 86.2 miles and takes about 2 hours each way, without traffic. From the exit of the Vienna Metro North parking lot, head east on Virginia Center Blvd, take the ramp onto I-66 W, and drive 19 miles west. Take exit 43A onto US-29 S/Lee Hwy and drive 11.5 miles. Turn slightly right onto US-15 Business S/US-29 Business S and drive 2.1 miles. Turn right onto US-211 W/Frost Ave/Lee Hwy and drive west along US-211 W for 33.9 miles. Take the exit for Skyline Drive, stop for park entry tollbooth, and keep left at the fork to merge onto Skyline Drive heading southwest. Follow Skyline Drive 19.7 miles southwest, and the Dark Hollow Falls Trailhead parking lot will be on your left at mile marker 50.7, GPS 38.51964, -78.43098. See https://goo.gl/maps/3HzUTa2mhSQ2
What to bring: Water and comfy shoes with tread. Sorry, your furry friend must stay behind this time -- dogs are not allowed on the Dark Hollow Falls Trail. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and light snacks are recommended. It's early yet, but insect repellent may be handy.
Cost: $20 per car, payable to Ranger Rick at the Thornton Gap Entrance Station.
Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 77F, with a 13% chance of showers at hike start, increasing to 30% and higher in the late afternoon. Updates here: http://tinyurl.com/jph29m5
Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.
Administrative stuff: There are public restrooms, drinking fountains, and fuel available at the Visitor Center, about half a mile southwest of the trailhead along Skyline Drive.
Notes:
• Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Visitor Center, Skyline Dr, Stanley, VA 22851, (540) 999-3500, http://tinyurl.com/zty3tsn . Mile marker 51, GPS 38.51772, -78.43674.
• Big Meadows Road and Trail Map (pdf): http://tinyurl.com/jow354c
• Metro Planner: http://www.wmata.com/
• Park alert information: http://tinyurl.com/hsvgnjt
• Park fee information: http://tinyurl.com/hjq8b6c