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| Waterfall and swimming hole |
May 2012 Highlighted Hike
Hazel Mountain Trail
Trail Description
ü This 5 mile out and back hike gently
descends the ridge top with its final destination being a cave and waterfall
off the White Rocks Trail.
ü The trail head is just after the 33
mile marker on Skyline Drive.
ü The total elevation loss and gain is
800 feet.
ü At the trail head, turn right onto the
Hazel Mountain Trail and descend the ridge line 600 feet for 1.6 miles until
you reach the trail intersection with the White Rocks Trail. Turn left on to
this trail. Follow it as it stays level with the ridge for three-quarters of a
mile. The White Rocks Trail then descends 200 feet the last quarter of a mile
before you reach a small sign on the right that point to the waterfall and
cave.
ü To access the cave and waterfall,
follow a steep and long set of stairs down the ridge (150 feet in .2 miles).
Both the waterfall and cave are to the right at the bottom of the stairs. Once
there, allocate an hour to discover the natural wonders.
ü You can reach the waterfall and cave
from the other direction on the White Rocks and Hazel River Trails from the
base of SNP on Rt. 600. Read August
2010 Discovery for Kids.
Age Appropriateness
This hike is
best for active children over the age of 6 due to the length, elevation gain
and the steepness of the stairs to the waterfall and cave.
What is fun for kids?
ü Finding and entering the mouth of the
cave. The Appalachian Mountains are littered with limestone caves.
ü Cooling off under the waterfall and
in the swimming hole.
ü Rock scrambling along the Hazel River
at the waterfall.
ü During spring, observe the
wildflowers, such as Dutchman's Breeches and Lady Slippers in April and
Mountain Laurel in May.
ü A few unofficial camping sites are
across the trail from the cave and waterfall trail head.
Caution
ü Don't venture too far into the cave.
It is best to explore caves with a guide (someone who knows the routes within
the cave), a guide line, helmet, head lamp and emergency supplies.
ü There are no bathrooms at the trail
head. The closest ones are 3 miles away at the Thorton Gap entrance station.
ü There are no trash cans; therefore,
trash must be packed out.
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