Rose Lake Trail
Rose Lake Trail in Benton Township is a serene and moderately easy hiking trail that circles a beautiful lake. The trail offers peaceful views and is well maintained, inviting activities such as birdwatching and walking. It is pet-friendly with dogs allowed outside and provides seating areas near the lake dam for resting and enjoying the scenery. The trail is good for kids and nature lovers alike, with some moderate terrain challenges along the way.
Reviews
One of the longer trails but very beautiful.
It was absolutely breathtaking. The lake had these tiny ripples that made it feel kinda fake. 20/10, honestly.
Peaceful area, nice hike
The Rose Lake Trail actually goes around the entire lake. The trail is well maintained and stays close to the lake. The views of Rose Lake from the trail are beautiful. The trail is easy to moderate.
The Rose Lake Trail is a “hidden gem” in the Hocking Hills area. In all the years that I have traveled here, I have never been to this site. Since the summer drought impacted the waterfalls in the area (as in the falls were non-existent at Old Man’s Cave) we chose to walk around a larger body of water, and we were pleasantly surprised.
I thought the trail was fairly easy, but we ran into another couple who said that all the tree roots along the access trail made it difficult for them and they stopped before even starting the lake trail. That’s why I gave it a “moderate” rating. There were sections that were leaf covered or pine needle covered, which were not only softer on the feet but make the path through that area very aromatic.
We were always within view of the lake and the calm water made for beautiful reflections.
I told myself that when I return again, I’m bringing birdseed and some suet packets for the bird feeders at the end of the lake (opposite the dam). There’s a bird-blind there, but no food in the feeders.
You can also access this trail from the Cedar Falls or Old Man’s Cave trails, which cross the Rose Lake Trail at the dam overlook. We came in from the Rose Lake Access Trail, a 1/2 mile trail with some downward sloping in and a bit of a climb out.
There are benches on each side of the dam. We took a water break there and enjoyed the view. It was about halfway around the lake at that location.
It took us about 2 hours from parking lot to parking lot, but we both 65+ and I stop frequently to take pictures. Someone younger could do it in less time.