Red Gate Road

Dogs Unknown

Features Wildflowers · Wildlife

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.