Hazel Mountain Circuit-10.4 miles-Strenuous
Details
Starting Point - Hazel Mountain Overlook (Skyline Drive Mile Marker 33)
Ending Point - Hazel Mountain Overlook (Skyline Drive Mile Marker 33)
Hike Rating/Distance/Elevation - Strenuous/10.4 Miles/2100 Feet
Disclaimer #1 - Since this hike starts on Skyline Drive, there is the possibility that Skyline Drive could be closed due to snow and ice. In the event that Skyline Drive is closed, we will be doing the following hike from the boundary access area. We will be doing the Heiskell Hollow and Overall Run circuit hike from the boundary. The hike link is below.
https://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/OverallRunHeiskellHollow/
Disclaimer #2 - Since both hikes are rated as strenuous hikes, all hikers will start the hike on the wait list until I can verify the hiking experience of all hikers. Those hikers, who have not hiked with me before, will need to answer the following questions.
- How often do you hike?
- What strenuous hikes have you done?
- When and what was the last strenuous hike that you completed?
The answers to these questions will need to be emailed to me at patrickcory@hotmail.com or via Meetup Messages. If I do not receive the answers to these questions within one week, I will be moving you from the wait list to NOT GOING.
Hike Highlights - Hazel Mountain Road, Sam's Ridge Trail, Hazel River Trail, White Rocks Trail, Hazel River, Hazel River Falls, White Rocks Outcroppings, Ridge line view throughout the hike
Hike Details - We are going to be going to one of my favorite spots in the Central District of Shenandoah National Park, the Hazel Mountain and Hazel River area. The Hazel Mountain and Hazel River area has fantastic vistas and one of the best waterfalls in the Park. We are going to start the hike by forming carpools at the North Research Park shortly 8:00 AM. After forming carpools, we will drive to the trailhead at mile marker 33 on Skyline Drive. We are going to start the hike by taking the Hazel Mountain Road/Trail to the intersection with the Sam's Ridge Trail. We are going to turn left on the Sam's Ridge Trail. We are going to take the Sam's Ridge Trail to the intersection with the Hazel River Trail. We are going to cross the Hazel River five times, while on the Hazel River Trail. After the fifth and final crossing, we will climb 500 feet in about 0.5 miles on the White Rocks Trail. We will have multiple viewpoints on both sides of the White Rocks Trail. The final highlight of the hike, Hazel River Falls, will require a very steep descent to reach the (hopefully frozen) waterfall and cave. We will have to make the steep ascent back up to the White Rocks Trail. We will turn left and complete the circuit with the Hazel Mountain Road/Trail. We will retrace our steps back to the parking area at mile marker 33 on Skyline Drive.
Please make sure to review the hike link below before signing up for this hike.
http://www.midatlantichikes.com/id169.html
As is tradition with my hikes, there will be an optional post hike at a local restaurant or brewery. Carpools can be arranged accordingly for those, who wish to partake in the post hike.
What to Bring - Traction and trekking poles (required if snow/ice has fallen the days prior to the hike), 2 to 3 liters of water, lunch, snacks, broken in hiking boots, layers of clothing for winter mountain hiking, $5 for your driver if not driving, annual SNP Pass if you have one.
Disclaimer #3 - 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/)