Hazel Mountain Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Head out for this trail at the south side of the Buck Hollow Trail Parking Area. Look for a trail sign and the yellow blazes that mark the start of the trail. After about three-tenths of a mile from the parking area, the Buck Ridge Trail comes in on the left.

Continue downhill through an area that was heavily burned in the fires of 2000, but still has some large trees and old mountain laurel bushes.

After around one and a half miles from Skyline Drive, the trail forks, with the White Rocks Trail (yellow-blazed) heading left. Continue straight and east, to the low point of the trail just past the Catlett Spur Trail that heads to the right and west.

From here, the trail begins to gradually climb for three-quarters of a mile, crossing Hazel River, up to where Hazel River Trail heads off to the left and north. Continue for a few hundred yards as the trail begins to bend to the right, heading past where the Sams Ridge Trail meets the trail on the left side.

One more mile, passing the Catlett Mtn Trail off to the right, to the end of the trail at the junction with Hot Mtn-Short Mtn Trail and Pine Hill Gap Trail.

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.