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A trail that once was the Gordonsville Turnpike completed in 1853 by the Blue Ridge Turnpike Company


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Map Key

5.0

Miles

8.1

KM

91%

Runnable

3,081' 939 m

High

1,531' 467 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

1,550' 472 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

15%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

This fire road is located on the west side of Skyline Drive just north of Fishers Gap overlook. It is what remains of the Gordonsville Turnpike completed in 1853 by the Blue Ridge Turnpike Company. On the east side of Skyline Drive, it is named the Rose River Fire Road and it descends through the Rose River Valley.

The Appalachian Trail crosses this fire road, not far from the non-paved parking area where the road actually begins. There are no spectacular views while running this road with heavy forests on each side, but it is a gentle incline down the ridge which descends 4.3 miles to the park boundary, where it becomes VA Rt. 611, and continues on to the town of Stanley.

Thanks to Larry W. Brown, for sharing this trail description. If you’re interested in learning more details about great hikes, weather, camping / lodging, wildlife, and scenic drives, check out the comprehensive Guide to Shenandoah National Park.

Contacts

Shared By:

Larry W Brown

Trail Ratings

  2.5 from 2 votes

#44015

Overall
  2.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#1,134

in Virginia

#44,015

Overall
18 Views Last Month
1,661 Since Dec 1, 2015
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Photos

The start of the Rose River Fire Road just off the Skyline Drive.
May 15, 2016 near Stanley, VA
Fisher's Gap Overlook - Skyline Drive. Photo taken and copyrighted by Hank Waxman. Used with permission.
Mar 14, 2016 near Stanley, VA
The start of the Fire Road just off the Skyline Drive.
Mar 19, 2016 near Stanley, VA
The start of the Red Gate Fire Road.
Apr 2, 2016 near Stanley, VA

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