Hiking Shenandoah National Park - November 2020 - Rose River Trail to Story of the Forest
VIEWING MY VIDEOS
Best viewed at the highest resolution your device supports (I recommend 1080p) and with headsets as I capture all of the sounds (the wind, rain, water, my footsteps, and - not the least - my grunting and panting as I navigate some of these trails.
LOCATION
A trip to The Shenandoah National Park in Virginia for a day hike on Rose River Trail to Story of the Forest (See "Rose River Trail to Story of the Forest" Below)
ABOUT SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Shenandoah National Park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains in the U.S. state of Virginia. The Skyline Drive runs its length, and a vast network of trails includes a section of the long-distance Appalachian Trail. Mostly forested, the park features wetlands, waterfalls, and rocky peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag mountains. Shenandoah is home to many bird species, plus deer, squirrels, and the elusive black bear.
There are over 500 miles of hiking trails in Shenandoah ranging from easy to very strenuous. When you are out on the trails, look for the concrete trail markers with directional information at trailheads and intersections.
ABOUT ROSE RIVER TRAIL TO STORY OF THE FOREST TRAIL
Rose River Trail to Story of the Forest Trail Loop is a 6.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Stanley, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running.
Start out the Big Meadows campground parking lot. It's very large. You will also find clean restrooms here. You have the option of traversing the trail clockwise or counterclockwise. I traversed it counterclockwise.
You will come to your first waterfall, Dark Hollow Falls. As you continue, you will get to a second waterfall, Rose River Falls.
The trail is rocky and challenging in several sections, but it is a very rewarding hike with many beautiful views along the way.
Note: Towards the end of the trail, you will enter a campground. Bend around it until you see campsite markers 18-24. Go left and enter. You will see a clearing and a narrow trail. Follow it and you will see a blue blaze. You are going in the right direction. Follow the blue blazes from here and you will end up back at the parking lot. Have fun!
Trail: Rose River Trail to Story of the Forest
Trail Type: Loop
Skyline Drive Mile Marker (Big Meadows Lodge): 51.2
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Distance: 6.4 Miles
Parking: Large paved parking lot. (Big Meadows Lodge)
