Hike: Rose River Loop, Dark Hollow Falls, and Lewis Spring Falls Trails, SNP,VA

Bus hike) You cannot help but enjoy this hike if you like the gushing water of three of the SNP’s finest waterfalls and scenic overlooks of the Shenandoah Valley. Hikers will start with the waterfalls and round out the day with a walk on the A-T as it overlooks the Shenandoah Valley. Long and moderate hikers will start at Fishers Gap. Moderate hikers will descend the Rose River Fire Road to Dark Hollow Falls where they can climb the Dark Hollow trail to the lower falls and return to the Rose River trail and proceed with other moderate hikers on the Rose River Loop Trail. Meanwhile, long hikers will hike the A-T south toward Big Meadows and go right on the Lewis Falls Trail which they will follow to an 0.25 access trail to Lewis Falls. After enjoying the Falls, long hikers climb the Lewis Falls Road, passing the A-T before reaching Skyline Drive. Long hikers go left on Skyline Drive to Dark Hollow Parking Lot. They descend the Dark Hollow trail, passing a series of small and large waterfalls, pools of water, and rapidly flowing water. At the bottom of Dark Hollow trail, long hikers will go right on the Rose River Loop trail as they join Moderate hikers. All hikers will enjoy the Rose River as they traverse the Rose River Loop Trail. The trail will ascend after crossing the Rose River, eventually reaching Rose River Falls on the right where hikers enjoy another powerful waterfall. After visiting the Falls, all hikers will continue their ascent on the Rose River Trail to where it intersects with the Rose River Fire Road. Hikers will go right on the Fire Road, following it as it crosses Skyline Drive to the A-T where they will go right. Hikers will continue (north) on the A-T and enjoy a series of views of the Shenandoah Valley before reaching an access trail to Crescent Rock Overlook, which they ascend to the bus Est.: 12.2 miles, 3500' elevation and 8 miles, 1500' elevation. PATC map 10. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass.

VA Hikes

• DC: Near 17th and K St. NW downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8.
• Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Note: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway over I-66 to the north lot.

RESERVATIONS
Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus.

FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike.

Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.

CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before NOON on the Friday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.
Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.

COVID PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.

MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE