Shenandoah National Park Fire Road 4113 Rose River Circuit
CCC-era fire road to abandoned Blue Ridge settlements
Fire Road 4113 follows the old Rose River drainage road built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, threading between Skyline Drive mileposts 49 and 51. The route drops 1,200 feet through hardwood forest to reach the ruins of the Rose River settlement, abandoned when the park was established. Beyond Dark Hollow Falls overlook, the road becomes increasingly technical with washouts and embedded rocks that challenge even experienced drivers navigating the narrow corridor.
Moderate difficulty requiring high-clearance vehicles and careful throttle control on the steep descents. Park Service permits required for backcountry camping, and the road is gated seasonally from December through March. Best driven in spring for wildflowers or fall for colors. No cell service deep in the hollow. This gives you access to some of Shenandoah’s most spectacular waterfalls and a genuine feel for the mountain communities that once called these hollows home before the federal government displaced them.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3100 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance SUV |
| Nearest town | Luray, Virginia |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle FR 4113, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance SUV is the minimum — think Wrangler, 4Runner, or equivalent. A lift helps on the rockier sections but isn't required. A stock Tacoma or Bronco Sport will struggle; a Subaru Outback has no business here.
When does FR 4113 open each year, and can I run it after a hard rain?
The trail is best April through November — winter can close roads inside Shenandoah NP with little warning. After heavy rain, the Rose River crossings rise fast and the dirt sections get greasy, so check NPS road conditions at nps.gov/shen before you roll.
Do I need a permit to drive FR 4113 inside Shenandoah National Park?
Yes — you need a valid Shenandoah National Park entrance pass, currently $35 per vehicle (annual America the Beautiful pass covers it). No additional backcountry vehicle permit is required for the fire road itself, but confirm current rules with NPS before your trip since access policies can change.
What's the hardest section of the Rose River Circuit and what should I expect?
The Rose River water crossings are the crux — multiple shallow-to-moderate fords that can deepen significantly after rain. The rocky fire road surface on the climb toward the ridge demands patience over raw horsepower; nothing technical, but a flat tire here puts you in a bad spot.
Is there gas or cell service near the trailhead, and how far is it from Luray?
Fuel up in Luray (~20 miles out) before entering the park — there are no services inside. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent on the circuit, so download offline maps and have a paper backup or GPS device on hand.
Trail track
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