Hazel Falls and Caves ~ 5.2 Miles, Moderate
Details
GetHiking's Annual Easy & Moderate Hike Series is back! It's time to get the legs moving and hit the trail in 2019 with a series of four familiar, fun and easy to moderate level hikes.
• (1) March 17 - Hazel Falls & Caves - 5.5 Miles - Moderate
• (2) March 24 - Browns Gap/Blackrock Summit/AT - 5 Miles - Easy
• (3) March 31 - Calf Mountain, Appalachian Trail 5.0 Miles - Moderate
• (4) April 7 - Milam Gap/Big Meadows/Appalachian Trail 5.5 Miles - Easy
Hazel Falls and Caves - Shenandoah National Park
This just over 5 mile hike begins at Meadow Spring Parking Area in the Parks Central District. While the falls drop is not high, the setting surrounding the falls is spectacular. The falls drop into multiple cascading pools surrounded by a towering rock wall which includes a few caves. Really a must-see spot for Shenandoah hikers.
We will be taking a break at Hazel Falls for exploring, picture taking and lunch...
Difficulty: Moderate
Note on difficulty: This is a moderate hike, BUT the 0.2 miles of trail down to the falls is steep - you'll see this same steep 0.2 miles on the way out. Overall elevation gain is just over 1,000’.
Where: For those wanting to carpool and/or caravan out together, we will meet at Barracks Road Shopping Center in front of Great Outdoor Provision Co. We will depart Barracks Road at 9:15 a.m - please arrive by 9:00 so that we can figure out who is riding with whom. From Barracks Road, we will take 29 North up to Madison where we will head West and connect with Hwy 211 which will take us to the Park's entrance. We will then go South on Skyline Drive for almost 5 miles - parking at Meadow Spring Parking Area (mile post 33.5). Driving time to the trail head will be about an hour and a half.
If you plan on driving directly to the trail head, please say so in the comment section, so that we are not waiting for you at the carpool. Please be at the Trail Head by 10:35
Fees & Such: Of course for the carpool to work, some have to offer to drive so others can ride. Riders, please give your driver $5.00 to cover their expenses. Also, note that there is a entrance fee to the Park - $25.00 per vehicle or $50.00 for an annual pass, good for anyone in the car. If you already have a Park Pass, please bring it...
Supplies: please bring plenty of water and wear hiking boots/shoes. Trekking poles are recommended for this hike. We will be taking several breaks along the way as well as a nice lunch break at the Falls - so bring lunch and snacks...! Also, pay attention to the mountain weather - mountain temps in March can still be extremely cold - bring warm layers and a rain shell is always a good idea to have in your pack.
Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)
Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:30 a.m. - cancellations will be posted on the hike comment section... Steady rain with not much chance for clearing will most likely call for postponing the hike.
RSVP: If you find that you're not going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to "No" as soon as possible. This allows those on the waitlist to have the opportunity to attend.
Dog Policy: If you want to hike with your pup, please check out our - Dog Policy (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/22042321/Dog_Policy/). The simple basics are dogs need to be on a short (max 6', non-retractable - Park rule) leash, owners need to pick up after their dog, your pup will need plenty of drinking water, dogs need to be well behaved and capable of keeping up with the pace of the two legged hikers.