Hazel Mountain -Catlett Mountain Loop 7.8 miles, Moderate

This is a great hike in the Northern part of the central section of SNP and I think it is beautiful!

After hiking, we can enjoy snacks and libations (you bring) in the parking area if the weather is cooperative. Bring a chair to a sit on. If the weather is not cooperative, we will venture to a local spot to entertain ourselves. Location TBD

Carpools may be arranged by using the comments section in the hike writeup. Some possible meeting locations are Wegmans, Home Depot, Yoders and even my house in Madison.

We will begin the hike at Meadow Spring parking lot, this is at MP 33.7 on Skyline Drive. The hike is in a beautiful part of the park, Hazel Country. This part of Shenandoah National Park has everything that a hiker would want. It has stream crossings, amazing winter time vistas, and hopefully some spring wildflowers.

From the Meadow Spring Parking Area on Skyline Drive, (MP 33.7) We will start the hike by descending on the Hazel Mountain Trail. We will continue on the Hazel Mountain Trail for about 2.2 miles until we reach the Catlett Mountain spur trail. Continuing on we will hike on the Catlett Mountain trail until we again meet up with the Hazel Mountain Trail and continue the climb back to the parking lot.

There are at least 2 stream crossings of the Hazel River that could be significant if there is more rain. Be prepared with either boot covers or plan to walk through or take your socks and shoes off to cross.

What to Bring - Broken in hiking boots, trekking poles, layers of clothing for hiking in the mountains during winter, a good daypack, first aid kit, lunch/snacks, camera/phone, annual SNP pass, 2-3 liters of water, beanies/gloves, Annual SNP pass if you have one.

Dogs: Leave your canine companions at home.

Fees and Passes: There is an entrance fee to the park - $30 per vehicle or $55 for an annual pass. Senior passes are also available for a special rate.

DISCLAIMER: GetHiking Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. With your RSVP you agree to participate at your own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to your property and/or any injury to yourself or your guest. When joining GetHiking you affirm that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of/or related to this event against the organizers of this group.
WEATHER: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:30AM - cancellations will be posted on the hike comments section. Steady rain with not much chance of clearing and/or dangerous conditions will call for postponing the hike.
RSVP: If you find that you are 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.